Washington College Magazine
College Kicks Off 225th Anniversary Celebration
The refurbished entrance to the Casey Academic Center invites visitors to enter the Hall of Presidents, a new photographic display. From George Washington to George Bush, Washington College has hosted six presidents and three First Ladies.
photo: Melissa Grimes-Guy
This commencement marks the beginning of a yearlong 225th anniversary celebration, so expect a big hoopla.
But organizers are also using the occasion to launch several new programmatic initiatives inspired by "The Revolution Continues" anniversary theme.
Organizers selected three areas of focus that amplify our institutional values and a tradition of educational innovation.
Making History
Two concepts are at work here: upholding the ideals of leadership and public service, and finding innovative and exciting ways to explore history itself. Adam Goodheart, the Hodson Trust-Griswold Director of the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, will launch "The Revolutionary College Project," a dynamic web-based initiative, this summer. Other anniversary programs: the 2007 Senatorial Colloquy on American History and Politics, led by former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh, which will include appearances by several other public figures, and a special lecture series called "American Pictures"—offered in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution—which will premiere in Washington, DC, next spring.
David Melnick '09 studies a photo of JFK taken during his visit here in 1960.
photo: Melissa Grimes-Guy
Exploring the Environment
Drawing upon the strength of the College's location, its environmental and marine archaeology initiatives, and student activities to advance stewardship and sustainability, the Center for the Environment and Society will develop a signature program—the Chesapeake Semester. Students will study the ecology, economy and maritime culture of the Chesapeake as a microcosm of the challenges and transitions that coastal communities face around the world. In September, a waterfront festival will feature environmental initiatives, sailing, kayaking, boat rides on the Chester River and the first annual cardboard boat regatta with brave mariners competing for top prizes.
Fostering a Haven for the Arts
In this anniversary year, the College will highlight the strength of its programs in literature, music, theatre and fine art. An interdisciplinary festival on the theme of "Shelter" will draw on the talents of students, faculty and distinguished guests.The Rose O'Neill Literary House will also be installed as a third center with new writer-in-residence programs and a publishing laboratory in the Literary House printshop.
For the latest anniversary news and calendar listings, visit 225.washcoll.edu.
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