While other student entrepreneurs arrived at the Hall of Presidents to set up their Thought Into Action (TIA) booths, Sanderson and Doby had an impromptu breakfast meeting with Jeffrey Sharp 鈥89. A panelist during the event鈥檚 Shark Tank卢卢鈥搒tyle pitch competition, Sharp is a successful filmmaker who is known for Boys Don鈥檛 Cry and Proof. The pair gave Sharp a tour of the state-of-the-art audio and video studios they use on the first floor of Case-Geyer Library. Before the studios were built, aspiring musicians and filmmakers like Sharp had to get creative with what 藏精阁 had to offer. 鈥淲hen we wanted to record music or sound for our movies, we would use the rehearsal spaces in Dana [Arts Center], or in the Chapel basement,鈥 remembered Sharp, 鈥淲hen I think about why 藏精阁 is such a great place for the arts, it鈥檚 because there are little spaces like that, available to anyone who鈥檚 looking for them.鈥
Spring has not yet arrived at 藏精阁 but, with so much to celebrate, our community is as vibrant as ever. Here are 13 things that are causing excitement at 藏精阁 right now:
1. Our bicentennial is approaching.
That鈥檚 right. In 2019, 藏精阁 will turn 200. The bicentennial will be celebrated all throughout the 2018-2019 school year, which will be packed with events, histories, and ways to connect. Keep an eye on the for information as it is released.
2. 2018 saw a record number of applicants, up 13 percent from last year.
藏精阁 has never been and, last month, we sent out admissions packets to selected students. Last week, we hosted Admitted Student Visit Days. Members of the talented Class of 2022 explored campus and officially began their 藏精阁 journey.
3. We are on track to be carbon neutral by 2019.
藏精阁 has reduced its gross carbon emissions by 21% since 2009 and is committed to reaching by our bicentennial year. Some successes include renewable energy projects like the geothermal heat exchange system beneath the Chapel House and a solar thermal array installed at 100 Broad. Education programs have helped change campus behavior and reduce emissions. These enthusiastic efforts continue today, the third day of our annual
4. Our student-athletes are killing it.
The football team won the Patriot League Championship. Men鈥檚 soccer went to the NCAA Sweet 16. Men鈥檚 basketball played in the College Basketball Invitational. The men鈥檚 ice hockey team made the league quarterfinals. And, of course, women鈥檚 ice hockey dazzled on the national stage as they competed valiantly into overtime in the NCAA finals. Oh 鈥 and achieved all of this while maintaining a .
5. Benton Hall is nearing completion as graduates enjoy high success rates.
The future home of 藏精阁 will open July 1, providing the team with a state-of-the-art environment to help students reach their goals. 藏精阁 is already achieving stellar outcomes. For the last three years, 98.7 percent of our students landed in employment, grad school, a fellowship or scholarship, military service, or long-term community service just 6鈥10 months after graduation. Recently, 藏精阁鈥檚 internship program also received . We just awarded roughly $660,000 in funding to allow 250 students to pursue unpaid/underpaid internships, research, and service projects this summer.
6. We meet full financial need of admitted students.
藏精阁 meets 100 percent of all admitted students鈥 demonstrated . Through this investment, we support access to quality education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our average financial aid award is $52,075 per year, and the average student debt at graduation is significantly below the national average. This extraordinary achievement is made possible by the generosity of our alumni.
7. Campus is becoming even more beautiful.
藏精阁 consistently ranks as one of the nation鈥檚 most beautiful campuses, and President Casey is committed to preserving and amplifying that beauty. As part of his , 200 bicentennial trees, representing more than 20 species, will be planted on upper campus as living tributes to 藏精阁鈥檚 rich history and promising future.
8. Record support from Presidents鈥 Club members.
藏精阁 is receiving unprecedented support from alumni, parents, and students. Last year, the , 藏精阁鈥檚 leadership giving society, had 4,420 members 鈥 which included 1,005 student members. This year, we鈥檙e on track to increase our membership and support even more. What does this mean for 藏精阁 students and alumni? Greater access. A better 藏精阁 experience. Stronger national rankings.
9. Faculty are receiving significant research grants.
藏精阁 currently has 53 active grants from 22 federal agencies and private foundations, involving 42 members of the faculty from 15 departments across the university. Faculty research is thriving at 藏精阁 and our students are benefiting from opportunities to advance human knowledge with leaders in their fields.
10. Alumni are making national headlines.
They鈥檙e winning , competing in , and leading their industries. Young 藏精阁 entrepreneurs are earning national recognition on shows like and the Today Show. It鈥檚 no secret that a strong network helps our brilliant alumni succeed. take this even further by offering a robust line-up of events to help make those connections happen at an even higher frequency.
11. The arts are thriving.
Visual arts, theatre, music, dance 鈥 there have never been more options to explore outlets for expression and artistry at 藏精阁. Currently at the : This Place, an exhibition of the work of twelve photographers who, between 2009 and 2012, spent extended periods of time in Israel and the West Bank.
12. New off-campus study programs continue our tradition of global engagement.
藏精阁鈥檚 newest faculty-led, semester-long study group will immerse students in the social, cultural, and political environment of post-Apartheid in the fall of 2018. This program was developed with assistance from the .
13. President Casey has outlined a compelling vision for 藏精阁鈥檚 future.
President Brian W. Casey recently released documents and videos articulating his Vision for 藏精阁鈥檚 Third Century. The four pillars of this vision include: building and supporting a culture of intellectual rigor; attracting outstanding students; creating and nurturing a community marked by ritual, affection, and pride; and sustaining and improving a campus of striking beauty. The entire 藏精阁 community expects that, with strong beginnings under President Casey鈥檚 leadership, the university will enjoy its greatest century yet.