We'll Remember You, Discover U

Goodwin Deacon taught grant writing, one of the more practical classes offered by Discover U. She says the institution went through a series of changes shortly before an e-mail arrived to all instructors on Valentine's Day from Program and Marketing Director Cheri Jessup. "It is with a very sad heart that I am sending you this note," wrote Jessup, before announcing the school would close immediately. Deacon says she contacted Jessup about the closure and was told the development team hadn't come up with anything in awhile. Deacon says Jessup didn't clarify what "anything" meant, but apparently the decision makers at Discover U needed their own Getting More Out of Your Business class.

Deacon was also a little leery when Discover U moved from its Northgate location to Belltown last fall. In addition to questioning the move, she says, no one responded when she pointed out that Google still listed the school at its former location.

"It just sounds like another case of mismanagement," she says. "It's too bad because I think [Discover U] contributed to the community here."

Terrence Lee Zehrer, who bought Discover U from Robert and Deborah Ederer of Redmond in August 2006, didn't respond to a request for comment—but there's already interest in resurrecting the school. James Fernandez, a real estate agent who taught Beginning Volleyball at Discover U, says he thought about buying it once before and would like to revisit the prospect.

Discover U's Web site noted that refunds would be available, and included a number to call with additional questions. However, within four days of posting the note, no one was answering at the number provided. Sadly, for people grieving the loss of Discover U, the Course for Highly Sensitive People is no more.