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.

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

Thanks to the beauty that is a liberal arts education, I have opportunities like these. I took a class with Dr. Turner my freshman year and she asked me to be her assistant the semester after the course was over. Although I am not planning to major in Communication, it has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Turner as she tackles the daunting task of planning a convention for over 5,000 people. At any larger institution, it would be unheard of for an undergraduate student like me to assist a professor with such a huge responsibility. The multidisciplinary nature of the Davidson education is one of a kind, and I am grateful every day for this incredible institution.

-Catherine Hare, Davidson Class of 2014

-Stephanie Piperno ‘15

This year, however, was quite special. A distinctly Davidson tradition, every four years the College Democrats and Young Republicans debate the policy preferences of the presidential candidates that their parties support. This debate is conducted in front of hundreds of spectators with faculty moderators. Each representative stands on the balcony of two of our historic buildings, Eumenean and Philanthropic Halls. The aim of the debate is to educate those present about the values of the candidates for President. This year’s debate was truly remarkable, and those present left with a new sense of the candidates views. The debate was streamed online, and can be found here (http://davidsonnews.net/election/2012/10/27/at-college-a-presidential-debate-from-the-balconies/).

-Liam, Class of 2013

-John, Davidson Class of 2014

Coming to Davidson, I was a quiet, small voice freshman who studied hard in classes, but dreaded oral presentations. My first semester freshman year, I work diligently on a class presentation analyzing my powerpoint and strengthening my argument.  I felt the presentation went well, but when I got the grade back I noticed that most of the points lost were for my voice and the fact that the teacher could not hear me. I was infuriated and frustrated at the same time that a natural part of me could hold me back. The next semester I enrolled in Communications 101, Public Speaking, to remedy the problem and prove my previous professor wrong. Little did I know that I would be helping other students with the lessons I learned. Four months of communications studies and 5 speeches later, I could see the change in my speaking abilities, my demeanor, and my confidence. My professor noticed it too and offered me a spot as a tutor in the Speaking Center.

The Speaking Center is a testament to Davidson’s commitment of creating well rounded leaders. Students can come between 8 and 11 pm Sunday –Thursday to receive peer tutoring on any oral presentation or interview. Tutors are equipped to help students with the entire speech process from brainstorming to delivery. As a COM 101 student, I spent many nights learning from friendly, experienced student tutors who were truly invested in my success. For my final speech, a former tutor and now recent graduate, attended my presentation in support. This kind of experience is not unique. Students at Davidson are achievers, but they also want to see others succeed.  The Speaking Center is a place where students can hone skills and strengthen weaknesses, just look at the tutor on Tuesday nights ( a shy baby voiced student turned into a confident orator).

-LaVonia, Davidson Class of 2013

Sophomore year, however, things changed. The then club president decided to join the two teams together, and ever since, Club Tennis has been one of my favorite activities on campus. We went from being an almost nonexistent club team to the largest one on campus. We now hold regular, organized practices two times a week. We also have competed against schools all over the Southern region, including Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, College of Charleston, and Wake Forest. Last year, all of our hard work paid off as we qualified for Nationals for the first time ever, finishing Top 20 in the nation, and facing the likes of Penn State, Baylor, UCLA, and SMU. We were the smallest school represented by more than 6000 people, but you wouldn’t know it by the cheering section we had.

Nationals will forever be one of my greatest memories of my Davidson experience, not because of how well we did, but because of the journey that got us there. Club Tennis went from being virtually nonexistent on campus to something of which people wanted to be a part. The varsity men’s and women’s teams, as well as our own “Rowdycats,” come to our matches to support us. For me, that support we get is indicative of Davidson as a whole: where else will you find varsity players painting their chests and cheering at a club match?

Through Club Tennis, I have met some of my best friends, played some great tennis, played some horrible tennis, and eaten at one too many Japanese steakhouses. Davidson is all about community, and Club Tennis is the best example I have of that community. And like we (jokingly) say – Club Tennis: It’s a lifestyle.

Here we go ‘Cats!

Mark

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.