Your role in the Periclean Scholars program
All Pericleans,
As you prepare for Thanksgiving celebrations and the end of semester crush I want you take a moment to reflect on your role in the Periclean Scholars program.
You- collectively and individually- are doing important work. Our world is filled with marginalized populations, social and environmental injustices, and stark deprivation. There is a profound need for people and organizations with passion, vision, and, most importantly, with the knowledge and wisdom that can only come from experiencing true partnerships.
I will repeat what many of us have heard President Lambert say in a variety of contexts, namely that the world needs Elon graduates. Our program underlines a specific part of the Elon University mission statement, namely that “We integrate learning across the disciplines and put knowledge into practice, thus preparing students to be global citizens and informed leaders motivated by concern for the common good.” 
Indeed. I would only add to Dr. Lambert’s statement that the world especially needs Periclean Scholars. But not just Periclean Scholars after they graduate, but also –critically- while they are undergraduates. To repeat: You- collectively and individually- are doing important work.
Restaveks. Raped mountaintops. Gangs. These are no small issues, and none of them are simple or one-dimensional; all are extraordinarily complicated and demand being approached from every possible perspective. That you are responding to the challenges posed by these problems is clearly evident in the blog posts I see appearing on a regular basis, in your Facebook exchanges and conversations, and in the many one-on-one interactions I have had with you and your Mentors.
As I talked with my colleagues recently at the national Project Pericles meeting I found myself again and again describing our program and your accomplishments and, yes, feeling a deep sense of pride as I mentioned your Classes by year and focus and talked about your various initiatives and partnerships. Everyone had many questions, and all were impressed.
Thank you for your devotion to this program, to your partners, and for being exemplary global citizens.
All the best for safe travels.
~da
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