Early Scholars Program Jump-Starts College Life
Dr. Nathan Bigelow, associate professor of political science, reviewing classwork
It's here: the new Austin College Early Scholars Program. Starting this summer, talented students can enter college before their high school days end.
The five-week program allows high school juniors and seniors to take two courses alongside current Austin College students. Scholars may pursue--in small classes that afford regular interaction with professors--a wide range of topics from anthropology to statistics, including medical school prerequisites. Research opportunities also are available.
With their academic work, says Dr. Nathan Bigelow, an associate professor of political science teaching in the program, "the soon-to-be high school graduates learn effective strategies to succeed at the college level."
As this summer's scholars note, those strategies go beyond what high school offers--even when taking advanced courses. College demands more thought and studying, says one Early Scholar. "There are no fill-in-the-blank tests here," he adds.
"In a year or two," says Dr. Bigelow, "these students will move away from home and attend college. Having completed this program, they should feel very comfortable in their ability to make that transition."
Early Scholars who earn at least a 3.3 GPA in their coursework are guaranteed receipt of an Early Scholars Scholarship ($3,000 each year of enrollment), once they apply and are admitted to Austin College. Course credits earned are transferable to other top colleges and universities.
Germany Bound
Thinking Camp students and instructor from Austin Teacher Program
A rousing "Wilkommen!" may soon be heard, when student-teachers from the Austin Teacher Program greet Thinking Camp students July 20. Eight teachers-in-training will oversee first through fifth graders at Jefferson Elementary School--German territory for the next two weeks.
Last summer, Dr. Julia Shahid, associate professor of education, spent two weeks in Germany on a Goethe Institute Fellowship. While traveling to Frankfort, Weimar and Berlin, she collected new ideas for the gifted and talented (GT) curriculum, which often focuses on foreign countries. Since 2003, she and Cyndi Petray, Sherman Independent School District GT coordinator, have run the program, which Jefferson Elementary hosts.
Shahid envisions this year's topics impacting the 75 students in many ways. They'll explore German literature (Think Grimm's Fairy Tales). They'll sample special foods (Smell the baking apple strudel). They'll also study innovative environmental programs developed by Germans (Hear how plastic products are being replaced).
As for Austin College student-teachers, Shahid hopes the takeaway will be a greater sense of confidence in teaching skills. Thinking Camp also will provide some first-time endeavors. ATP individuals will be coordinating with a teaching team and engaging students in hands-on, integrated lessons--beyond the usual one-hour, student-teaching assignments.
Legends Weekend Is Here
Kedric Couch Alumni Coach of the Year Award recipient Jeff Riordan '01
The 2015 Legends Weekend has arrived! Beginning this Friday, July 10, former Austin College teammates, family and friends will celebrate and salute athletes inducted into the Hall of Honor. Festivities begin with the 'Roos Reception at 7 p.m. on Friday--with a tribute to 50 years of the Athletic Hall of Honor. Saturday, July 11, the dinner and awards presentation will honor this year's inductees: Diana Gonzalez '06, Cory Hailey '01, Dennis Kelly '06, Matt Kyle '88 and Rick Page '71. The Coach Joe Spencer Award for Meritorious Service and Lifetime Achievement in Coaching will be given to Don Newsom '64. Former 'Roo football player Jeff Riordan '01 will receive The Kedric Couch Alumni Coach of the Year Award.
Sunday, July 12, hit the links at the 33rd Annual Slats McCord Golf Tournament. If you have not registered, contact Nicole Garcia at ndgarcia@austincollege.edu for assistance.
On Their Marks, Getting Set, 2015 Grads Ready To Go
Graduation Day for Erika Valek '15
As July unfolds, we continue saying goodbye--with warmest wishes--to 2015 Austin College graduates, poised to serve and lead others, making this a better world for us all.
In the next few weeks, Erika Valek '15 (Biology/German major) is off to the University of Alberta for Land Reclamation and Remediation studies... Nagisa Isa '15 (International Economics & Finance major) heads to Georgetown University and the McCourt School of Public Policy... Jordan Meredith '15 (Religious Studies major) will call the Dallas area home, while serving the homeless through The Bridge's community services. They're beginning exciting new lives, joined by so many other graduates.
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