Dr. Palmer’s Update: January 2012

Welcome to 2012! Here at Principia, we’re planning a year of celebration and progress.

Throughout the year, we will be celebrating a century of higher education at Principia; the first Junior College class graduated in 1912. To mark this milestone, we are planning several events. A historical display and centennial timeline will be unveiled following Winter Convocation later this month, and alumni and guests will be invited to campus for special events during May’s College Commencement weekend and this year’s Summer Session.

We are looking forward to building on the solid foundation of Principia’s history while moving rapidly forward with expansive new ideas. This year, you will hear about the launch of Principia Lifelong Learning—a new educational program offering online courses, on-campus learning opportunities, and learning adventures around the world. We are excited to offer Principia students of all ages the opportunity to learn online, on campus, and on location. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Elsah is still relatively quiet, as College students have two more weeks of break. But in St. Louis, the School campus is back in action.

Auditions for the Upper School Spring Production are just around the corner. Right before break, it was announced that students will be putting on “Crazy For You” the first weekend in April. Featuring the best of George Gershwin’s music, this show takes its audience on a thrilling ride of plot twists and unexpected turns. From musicians to actors and backstage hands, the entire community will be working together in the next few months to put on the show. It’s one of many opportunities to be dazzled by the abundant talent within our community.

Another display of individuality and creativity starts next week when the Class of 2012 begins sharing their Senior Speeches. I always find these speeches inspiring. They provide an opportunity for seniors to showcase the lessons they have learned and share their insights with the rest of us.

The second week of classes at the College will bring Winter Convocation. Four student speakers will be addressing the new Community Commitment themes: Strive, Conquer, Love, and Give. As the focus of this year’s orientation for new students, these four themes have already led to rich conversations and provided opportunities for growth. You’re invited to join us for Convocation in person or by listening on Principia Internet Radio (PIR). Mark your calendar for Monday, January 30, at 1 p.m.

On Tuesday, January 31, the next program in our series of Principia Chats will air live on PIR at 8 p.m. (CT). Tune in to hear David Wold, director of the College’s Leadership Institute, share updates on the Institute’s fellowship program and the many ways it is contributing to character education at Principia. You can submit your questions during the Q&A segment of the program. If you missed previous Principia Chats, I encourage you to check out the podcasts and video highlights.

On Principia’s Golden Anniversary in 1947, founder Mary Kimball Morgan expressed gratitude for the school’s “host of God-given friends.” Today, I share her gratitude for our invaluable alumni and friends. As Mrs. Morgan said, “The years have moved rapidly and have been infinitely rich in blessings received, in victories achieved, and in love expressed” (Education at The Principia, p. 217). I wish you a year of great blessings, many victories, and much love!