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	Blueprints - April 2003 Edition
Homepage Back Archives	Blueprints - April 2003 Edition

		Villanova hosts family academic conference Andrea Flood ‘03 On March 16, Villanova welcomed The John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth to its campus with hopes of exposing talented middle school students to the exciting range of possibilities included in a diverse, broad-based education. Villanova is one of several prestigious universities that sponsors this event focused on exposing gifted youth to a college curriculum. This program was part of the Center for Talented Youth’s 2003 Odyssey Series, which is modeled after the diverse liberal arts curricula available at universities such as Villanova. It is designed for CTY Talent Search participants and their families interested in exploring the various educational opportunities available at higher education institutions. The Odyssey Series is designed for seventh, eighth and ninth graders and targets the liberal arts, specifically areas such as science, language, literature, history, philosophy and mathematics. These fields are explored by the students through a series of lectures, performances and workshops that highlight the importance of a diverse college curriculum. Participating students signed up for two seminars, one taking place in the morning and one after lunch. There were nine sessions to choose from, each exploring a different academic discipline. The most popular colloquium of the day was titled, “Instrumental Analysis of Forensic Samples,” presented by Dr. William Birdsall from the chemistry department. During this session, students examined several types of evidence generated at crime scenes. They were then able to analyze these forensic samples with instruments used in an actual crime lab. Finally, the students observed and compared their tests results. Those who were less inclined to explore such scientifically-based seminars attended sessions focused on topics such as one offered by the Ethics program titled, “Why be moral?” with Dr. Mark Doorley. This session investigated the various traditions of morality and ethics associated with Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes and Kant. Students were also encouraged to provide their own answers to this pervasive question as the dialogue progressed. Prior to embarking on these exploratory adventures in academia, the students and their families gathered in the Villanova room of the Connelly Center. Shelley Rosen, a teacher of Gifted Education in The Neshaminy School District, welcomed the crowd with opening remarks about the day’s events. She commented, “I hope your experiences today will allow you to examine and define your education in a very personal way.” Dr. John R. Johannes, vice president for Academic Affairs, next addressed the students and their parents. He explained how the day’s events would be a great opportunity for these middle school students to explore a college atmosphere and the different disciplines it has to offer. “I hope you get a sense of college life and a sense of being together in the sake of this pursuit of knowledge,” he said. Before leaving to attend their first seminar, the students listened to the keynote presentation offered by Dr. Terry Nance, chair of the communications department. In her address, “Promise of Tomorrow,” Nance urged the students to celebrate their academic successes and excellence in education. She remarked that the students sitting before her were responsible for distinguishing themselves in their education. In parting she urged them to assume the mantra, “I want to be caught up in the world of thought, I want to be educated.” Throughout the day, students and their families were introduced to learning as a lifelong journey by the faculty and scholars of Villanova University. The participants discovered the intrinsic value and practical applications of a liberal humanities-based education that will be available to them as they progress through their educational odysseys.