In September 2021, Middlebury College removed the Mead name from the chapel. In March 2023 the Mead estate filed suit, alleging breach of covenant. The case is now before the Vermont Supreme Court.
Former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, administrator of the Mead estate, has spoken to why this case matters - and why the promises behind the chapel deserve to be honored. His full statement will appear here.
Gov. John A. Mead donates the chapel to Middlebury College.
Middlebury strips the Mead name from the building in September.
The Mead estate sues, alleging breach of covenant. A judge lets it proceed.
After a Superior Court ruling, the estate appeals to the Vermont Supreme Court and is now waiting on a verdit.
| Plaintiff / Appellant | Estate of John A. Mead (Jim Douglas, Administrator) |
| Defendant / Appellee | Middlebury College |
| Plaintiff's Counsel | L. Brooke Dingledine, Valsangiacomo & Pelkey, P.C. |
| Defendant's Counsel | Justin Barnard, Dinse P.C. |