Scholars Forum, USP 110
The Scholars Forum is still the heart of the University Scholars Program! A zero credit hour course that University Scholars enroll in for three semesters at NC State, the Forum features musical and theatrical performances, addresses by major public figures and world-class scientists, and debates and discussions of significant public policy issues. Forum guests this Fall included: • The world’s leading underwater photographer, David Doubilet, took us on a global journey from the heart of the
coral triangle in Indonesia to Africa’s Okavango Delta.
• Grenoldo Frazier, a phenomenal musician and composer, performed A Celebration of African-American Music. • Dr. Elliot Engel, an amazing lecturer and perennial favorite of University Scholars, introduced us to the fascinating
stories of literary legends William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
• Director of the N. C. Museum of Natural Sciences and 2012 Tar Heel of the Year recipient, Dr. Betsy Bennett joined
us to discuss science, education and advocacy.
Scholars
Achieve! Rusty Mau, sophomore University Scholar and Park Scholar, was selected as the 2012 Leader of the Pack. In fact, five of the six finalists this year were University Scholars! University Scholars Sasha Abed, Melodi Charles and Caleb Haselton all received 2013 Gilman International Scholarships. University Scholar Ian Hill, ‘13, is the NC State nominee for the Churchill Scholarship, a one-year award that leads to the Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil.) from the University of Cambridge. 117 first year University Scholars had 4.0 GPAs at the end of the Fall 2012 semester. 306 had GPAs of at least 3.5 at the end of the Fall 2012 semester.
USP 200-level Courses Last year, the USP introduced a new series of courses that students can use in partial fulfillment of their coursework requirement. USP 200-level courses are open to students who have completed three semesters of Scholars Forum, and are designed to enhance their connection to the USP community and complement the USP’s mission. Two courses were offered last year: “Great Decisions” introduced students to important foreign policy issues, while “USP Book Club: Contemporary Fiction” invited students to read, discuss and analyze some of the best books written in recent years. Student evaluations of these courses were outstanding. “Great course. A wonderful way to stay informed about foreign policy issues and build a knowledge of the current state of affairs! This course is an excellent complement to the University Scholars program.” “This class helped improve my critical reading skills. Especially by the end of the semester, I was catching onto literary devices and deeper meanings that I wouldn't have noticed at the beginning of the semester. Choosing books from different cultures felt very aligned with the University Scholars Program's objectives.” These courses were offered again for the 2012-13 year, with an additional course being added for Spring 2013. Taught by USP alum (and Harvard graduate) John Coggin ‘08, “Defining the American Dream in the 21st Century” will explore various political, economic and religious conceptions of American identity.