The Green Mountain College campus is going to a new owner, and it’s not exactly what many people imagined when Raj Bhakta announced in February of this year his proposal to give away the 113-acre former college property to spread the Catholic faith.

In a Facebook post over the weekend, a Fort Lauderdale-based Protestant evangelist Tommie Zito announced that he and his ministry will be taking over the Poultney property.

Zito conducted evangelistic outreach in Vermont this year, including services in White River Junction in April. 

Bhakta, the founder of Vermont-based WhistlePig Whiskey, purchased the property at auction in 2020 with the goal of eventually turning it back into a school. He ended up using the property for his private liquor brand, Bhakta Spirits, and living in the historic farmhouse. In February 2026, it was announced that he planned to give away the property to a Catholic mission-based organization to spread the faith and steward the property. 

“The Green Mountain College campus is a magnificent resource, and I am seeking a Catholic organization with the vision and capability to use it for good — to serve people, purpose, and faith,” wrote Bhakta in a press release.

Now, an evangelist named Tommie Zito plans to leave his own mark on the historic property. Founder of a movement called The American Awakening, he plans to turn the college campus into a school that he calls “University Z.” However, despite Zito’s posts on social media, Bhakta has yet to officially announce a recipient for the campus. Zito operates his ministry in the United States, Canada, and Italy. 

“We are ecstatic over what the Lord has done. Come to beautiful Vermont! If the Lord is leading you or you’re interested in being a part of this incredible journey from the very beginning please send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook Messenger. We will be gathering to preview the campus in just a few weeks. We have limited space available and it will fill up. God Bless You,” Zito wrote in a post on FaceBook about his upcoming campus preview week event from July 26 to July 31.

According to public records, American Awakening Inc is categorized as a 501(c)(3) Protestant religious nonprofit organization that raised an average of $110,666.66 over fiscal years 2018 to 2021, which is its last publicly available IRS filing. In his offer, Bhakta required that applicants demonstrate at least $1.5 million annually for maintenance and operating expenses. 

Tommie Zito could not be reached for comment.