The most reasonable conclusion is that we are all much of a muchness now — urban where it matters, but with rural aspirations if we can afford them. A new word — 'rurban' — has been coined to describe this condition.

They also said the college could help provide leadership and direction as Casa Grande, Coolidge and surrounding communities wrestle with the issue of their economic future.

Whether that will be rural, urban or "rurban" was open to question.

''It's kind of hard to describe this community,'' Mr. Koopmans continued. ''It's not the sort of community where you can go down to the post office and meet neighbors. It's not really urban. It's not really suburban. It's 'rurban.' We always say it won't happen here.''