THE STEVENSON SCHOLARS
EXPERIENCE
BY CHERYL A . WILSON , PH . D .
Each fall , first-year students come to the Stevenson campus ready for big challenges , exciting opportunities , and the chance to meet new people and join diverse communities . Stevenson is prepared to meet these students where they are , offering them a range of opportunities to discover , revise , and meet their personal and professional goals from day one until graduation . Within that firstyear class is a group of students known collectively as the Stevenson Scholars . These students are participants in the Service Scholars , Leadership Scholars , or Honors Program . The students have self-selected into these programs , which will require them to do more and be more during their time at SU while also granting them exceptional opportunities to learn and grow , extending their Stevenson experience as they go above and beyond .
Ellington Mendez , a Leadership Scholar and Psychology major from New Jersey , says the program is giving him the opportunity to learn about different leadership styles , approaches , and collaboration skills to connect with people of different backgrounds . He serves as Vice President of Mustang Mentors and as Treasurer of the SU Psychology Club .
BUILDING A SCHOLARS COMMUNITY Stevenson Scholars get started on building community and developing their skills before the semester even begins . New first-year students participate in a multi-day pre-orientation program that allows them to come to campus before the rest of the freshman class and begin forming relationships with their classmates , faculty , and staff . As part of this program , students visit sites such as the Baltimore Museum of Industry and Museum of Visionary Arts and learn team building and leadership skills through courses at Outward Bound .
The students also participate in a Common Read program and meet many of the faculty and staff with whom they will be working during their first year at Stevenson . In addition , residential students participating in pre-orientation have the opportunity to move into their Scholars Residential Neighborhood and get settled on campus several days ahead of freshman move-in . During the semester , students have unique access to programming and events , including attending the Baltimore Speakers Series and meeting many of the distinguished speakers as guests of the President ’ s Office , connecting with
13 | VENTURES / WINTER 2021-2022