There are numerous reasons to pick a liberal arts education. Employers have found clear value in hiring students educated at liberal arts institutions, specifically citing their broad range of knowledge and their critical thinking abilities. The diversity of the mind present at a Liberal Arts institution is worth the price of admission, but I want to talk about a specific element of the liberal arts education – distribution requirements.

Upon arriving on Davidson’s campus in the fall of 2009, I feared the distribution requirements. The requirements have now changed at Davidson, addressing modes of thought over specific disciplines. With that said, I knew four years ago that I would have to satisfy my fine arts and science requirements. This task was daunting, especially for a person who loves politics but can barely draw a stick figure and finds little pleasure in solving quadratic equations. However, Davidson has created classes for students of all different comfort levels to satisfy distribution requirements and develop critical skills to succeed in the world beyond Davidson.

I decided to enroll in an Introduction to Theater course. I hadn’t acted since the sixth grade (though I recieve critical acclaim starring as Pinocchio in an All Children’s Theater production in my hometown), but I was excited to see the theater from a new light. I absolutely loved this course, which allowed me to work backstage for a main stage Davidson production. It was a wonderful experience, and one that rekindled my love of the theater.

The second class is a course I am currently taking titled “the Physics around You.” We are learning about physics by taking a practical approach to a daunting, and many times quite challenging, subject. It is a hands on course that has allowed me to explore how physics is truly involved in every interaction of our everyday lives. I never knew how particles interacted in the world around me, and I am gaining practical knowledge that will enrich my life.

Distribution requirements may seem like a burden, but the liberal arts education is a powerful experience. And at Davidson, we pursue the liberal arts in the right way.

Everyone asks me why I picked a college in North Carolina. I am a native Rhode Islander, raised on the ski slopes of New England. I am used to snow days, two hour school delays, and snow ball fights. I am not used to the southern lifestyle, having never spent more than a few days south of the Mason-Dixon Line at any point during my childhood.

My typical response to the “why did I pick Davidson” question encompasses aspects of the Honor Code, the vibrant community, and the wonderful people here at Davidson. Those responses, while certainly correct, do not include the fact that I wanted something different. I wanted a new experience, yearning for something not present in my hometown.

I wanted to experience the South. I wanted to experience ‘Southern Hospitality.’ But even more than that, I was sick of the cold. Today, January 29th, it is 71 degrees and sunny in Davidson. It’s January! I never imagined wearing shorts in January. The wonderful temperate weather and the hospitable people have made North Carolina a great place to spend my college years. Now, while these two characteristics are not distinct to Davidson, it is hard to walk throughout this campus on a beautiful day like today and not smile. Folks, college is supposed to be a beautiful place filled with learning and development, and Davidson is certainly gorgeous.

All my best from a chair on the lawn,

Liam

Davidson Class of 2013

When deciding upon which colleges to apply to, some high school students look to favorite college sports teams. They want the typical Saturday football experience of attending a stadium of 100,000+ screaming fans, or the feeling of rushing the court after a major basketball victory. For some students, being involved in athletics, either as a student-athlete or as a fan, is a major part of their college experience.

A few facts. Davidson is one of the smallest colleges with division 1 athletics (in terms of enrollment). Yet Davidson has a rich tradition of success on the field/court/etc. Approximately 25% of our student body are division 1 athletes, and Davidson has seen major success. From almost making it to the final four in mens basketball during March Madness in 2008 (with Steph Curry, of course), to numerous conference and playoff victories in both mens and womens sports, we have a strong tradition of excellence.

Yet something almost equally as important as our athletes are those who support them. Students, faculty, and community members make a conscious effort to support athletics, packing our stadiums on a weekly basis. This was apparent last saturday at the men’s soccer game against East Tennessee State, when Peter Paras (’13) scored on a free kick in double overtime for a 2-1 Davidson win. The team not only rushed the field to mob Peter, but the players ran towards the student section of the crowd and jumped into the stands to embrace fans who cheered them on throughout the game. It was an amazing victory, and should give the team good momentum going into upcoming contests against top-25 teams.

Davidson is proud of our Division 1 Athletic program. Learn more at bit.ly/PI7PTA.