The Pendulum
NEWS
Thursday, February 87, 2003 • Page 0
More than 80 students to promote campus activism
tiirougli new four-year Periciean Scliolars program
Kathleen Frey
Features Editor
Freshmen interested in changing the
world attended a Project Pericles
meeting Thursday in Yeager
Recital hall.
Tom Arcaro, director of the project,
and history professor Jim Brown spoke
extensively on what they considered the
core of the program: the Periciean
Scholars. Nearly 30 members of the class
of 2006 listened to the program outline
and brainstormed possible project Ideas.
"The purpose tonight is to infect as
many people as possible with the vision of
Project Pericles,” said Arcaro.
Between 80 and 100 students will be
notified of acceptance into the inaugural
freshmen class before pre-rcgislration on
April 17.
These selected students will then
embark on a four-year commitment
plan—beginning with a Globa! Studies
course during fall of freshman year and
ending with the implementation of the
final project as seniors. Meanwhile, stu
dents will also pursue their major. Arcaro
informed students that Periciean courses
are listed like all other classes and will
fulfill the core requirements for society
and civilization hours needed for gradua
tion.
As sophomores, Pcriclean scholars will
enroll in a 200-level course during the fall
semester. This class will focus on build
ing background knowledge, finding a
focus and establishing a project idea.
“Imagine something big,” said Arcaro,
and asked audience members for prelimi
nary ideas.
Maris.sa Morris-Jones raised her hand
to suggest action for the AIDS epidemic in
Africa. The freshman human services and
psychology major has a history of com
munity service—most recently as a volun
teer for the Burlington Housing Authority.
“I have an extra heart for the HIV virus
in Africa. I have friends who are mission
aries there,” she said.
We are put on the planet to make a difference. You can
be pari of the problem or part of the solution.
—Tom Arcaro, professor ^ ^
Jim Brown encouraged students to
have an open mind when thinking of pos
sible projects.
“You’re in on the foundation of this
course,” said Brown, who will teach one
of the 200-lcvel course sections in the fall.
“What I find fascinating are the ideas that
students come up with.”
During their junior year, scholars will
engage in specific learning and research,
while creating an action plan to imple
ment change in the chosen location. In
the final phase of the project, students will
attend a seminar class in the fall and
spring semesters of their senior year. The
group will meet once a week to exchange
information and receive updates on each
other’s progress.
Students will also be expected to keep
the campus community informed on the
project through informative presentations.
Periclcan scholars will also be responsible
for mentoring Pcriclean members in the
classes behind them.
With large-scale projects, the question
of financial backing inevitably arises.
Currently, the allotted annual budget for
Project Pericles is $50,000. Arcaro told
students they may be responsible for rais
ing additional funds through activities
such as applying for grants.
First-year scholars also face the chal
lenge of setting a high-standard model for
future classes and for other colleges and
universities around the country.
“You will all set the bar high, and, in a
sense, design this program,” said Arcaro.
Hlon was chosen, along with ten other
colleges and universities, to participate in
this pilot program created and funded by
Eugene Lang Foundation.
Periciean hopefuls with a 2.5 GPA who
have completed—-or are currently enrolled
Are you interested in current events and
compus activities? Write for The PendulumI
Contact Lindsay or Jessica at extension 7247
in—a Global Studies class may apply for
the program by submitting a letter of
interest and a letter of recommendation
from a GST professor to director Arcaro.
Brown and Arcaro concluded the pres
entation by slating that this program has
the possibility to instill lifelong skills to
use beyond graduation.
“We are put on the planet to make a dif
ference. You can be part of the problem or
part of the solution." said Arcaro.
Contact Kathleen Frey at
pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.
Photo courtesy of Dan Anderson
In andent Greece, Perides was known
as a fantastic orator characterized by
noble honesty. He is said to have been
an advocate of learning and the arts.
This statue is said to come from the
Roman emperor Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli.
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