Dr. Palmer’s Update: June 2010

As we launch into Commencement weekend, I’m feeling pushed and pulled all at once. The push comes to reflect back with gratitude for the growth and progress of this school year; the pull is to look forward toward the bright future of our graduates. After all, this weekend is all about commencing—or new beginnings.

Carrying the knowledge and character lessons gleaned from their Principia experience, our seniors are ready to start the next step in their life journey. Watch out, here they come!

I can tell you: this is a great group of graduates. Just tune in to the Principia Internet Radio recording of this week’s Cum Laude Chapel to hear the inspiring, funny, and thought-provoking speech of an Upper School senior. I guarantee it will leave you wanting to hear more from our inspiring students.

At the College, we have prepared “brag notes” about the many successes and triumphs of this academic year. You can also listen to the College Baccalaureate speeches on Saturday, June 5, at 8:00 p.m. CDT on Principia Internet Radio.

In recent days I’ve had the privilege of performing in the Theatre Arts production of “Robin Hood,” alongside some extremely talented College students. (It’s been a while since I put my undergraduate theatre degree to use!) Meanwhile, the upper-level students in my College business class this quarter are wrapping up their practicum project, having contributed substantial insights in preparing a new product for global launch. Spending time with Principia students continually reminds me of all they have to give to a world that desperately needs their principled thought, creative solutions, and positive perspective.

Web Conferences Continue
Head of School Marilyn Wallace and I enjoyed the chance to interact with many of you through our two online Coast-to-Coast events in April and May. If you missed these opportunities to ask live questions and hear about Principia today, you can view a recording at your convenience. Last week’s Web event included more than 100 participants from 30 states and 11 different countries. One listener from Switzerland got up at 2:45 a.m. to tune in!

As we move into the summer months, Executive Officer Peter Stevens and I are planning several online presentations about Principia’s strategic plan, “Rising Higher, Reaching Further.” We’ll share more details about what’s planned for Principia’s future and then provide time for an interactive question-and-answer session. Three summer dates are scheduled for these Web-based events: Tuesday, June 29 at 2 p.m. CDT, Thursday, July 15 at 8 p.m. CDT, and Sunday, August 15 at 8 p.m. CDT. Registration is required. Just click on the date you’d like to participate in order to register.

Meanwhile, we’ve just launched a new strategic plan website that provides more detail about this 10-year plan for Principia. We look forward to providing regular updates on this site as the strategic plan moves forward and evolves over time.

Experimental Online Course
Experimenting with the new avenues available through technology is exciting and fun. As we implement Principia’s strategic plan, there will be more experimentation happening. Starting next fall, the College plans to pilot Principia’s first “online-in” course. The goal is to supplement (not replace) our course offerings using highly qualified and effective Christian Science professors based elsewhere who will deliver courses virtually. Dr. Clint Staley, presently on campus as a visiting professor in Computer Science, has designed a pilot of this concept for the fall. He will teach an advanced Computer Science course from California to students in Elsah. We are looking at opportunities to do more online work in continuing education and anticipate offering non-degree programs online in the future.

Join us for Summer Session and Reunion
This year’s College Reunion is just around the corner. We’re looking forward to welcoming as many alumni as possible back to Elsah from June 24–27. You won’t want to miss out on this chance to gather with longtime friends and get to know new ones.

Next month brings Summer Session on the College campus from July 10–24. Grab some friends and create your own schedule for education and fun. Experience the gospel of Mark, improve your tennis game, or get a Maybeck primer from architecture expert Robert Craig. Come experience lifelong learning on the bluffs of the Mississippi. We would love to have you join in the fun!