Office of the Dean
2011 looks to be another year of growth and innovation for Georgetown College.
Two exciting minors have been added to the College’s already expansive curriculum. Created in cooperation with the McDonough School Business, the Business Administration minor gives students the skills needed to contribute to the global economy with creativity, integrity, and a commitment to social responsibility. The new minor in Film and Media Studies enables students to gain a sophisticated understanding of the media, to grasp the ways it shapes our understanding of the world and, ultimately, and produce unique content of their own design.
At the same time, construction on our new Science Center has begun in earnest. This 154,000 square state-of-the art building will be home to the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics beginning in the fall of 2012, It will dramatically improve our ability to educate students in science, provide state-of-the-art laboratories for our faculty and students, attract and retain the most distinguished faculty, allow faculty to compete more confidently for research grants, and add a facility that will aesthetically enhance the campus.
The College’s commitment to the Jesuit value of “cura personalis” or “care for the whole person” continues to be borne out through a number of collaborative, cross-disciplinary efforts. The Engelhard Project for Connecting Life and Learning, for example, focuses on bringing health and wellness issues into the classroom in a way that encourages students to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, some courses extend those discussions by connecting students with volunteer opportunities with local community and nonprofit groups. Meanwhile, the Doyle Initiative for Engaging Difference helps support and challenge Georgetown College faculty who are currently working to redesign courses to incorporate themes of tolerance and diversity into their curricula.
The Georgetown College Baker Scholars Program, which cultivates student business leaders who are intellectually inspired and socially conscious, continues to grow and flourish. In the beginning of the semester, the scholars returned from their annual trip to New York City where they met with leaders from nine companies in the fields of media, marketing, consulting, and global wealth management. I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the dinner that brought together over 100 past and present Bakers.
On three spring weekends - March 25-26, April 8-9, and April 15-16 - we welcome accepted students to visit campus to get a closer look at our community and culture as they decide where to attend college. Of course, we want all of them to become Hoyas. We also look forward to commencement on May 21, when Georgetown College will welcome a graduation speaker who lives the Jesuit motto of "men and women for others."
We encourage prospective students to visit the Hilltop and always welcome alumni back for a stroll around campus and perhaps a visit with a favorite professor.
Chester Gillis
Dean, Georgetown College
