Academy for Lifelong Learning Supports New Freshmen Reading Initiative at USC Aiken
May 21, 2007
USC Aiken recently announced a new First-Year Reading Experience initiative for freshmen, which will be funded by the University’s Academy for Lifelong Learning.
Through the initiative, each first-year student enrolling for the 2007-2008 year will receive a copy of the selected book, The Color of Water : A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride, during summer 2007 orientation. Freshmen will be heavily encouraged to read the book, which will be discussed in First-Year Seminar, the elective, one-credit course designed for freshmen, as well as other first-year courses.
“ The First-Year Reading Experience (FYRE) is intended to provide first-year students an opportunity to share a common intellectual experience with faculty, staff, and other students,” said Stephanie Foote, director of academic support services. “ The FYRE will also present opportunities for students to think critically and dialogue about topics and issues related to the reading and the first year of college.”
The books are being funded through the Academy for Lifelong Learning Program Endowment which was established to provide support for the enhancement of programs, scholarship, and learning at USC Aiken.
The Academy for Lifelong Learning is an educational program offering short courses, trips, and monthly programs for seniors administered through the University’s continuing education department. “The Academy members appreciate USCA for supporting our endeavors with space and faculty to teach some continuing education courses,” said Mike Lythgoe, President of the Academy for Lifelong Learning. “We’re still trying to have fun and be curious and creative,” he said. “To be around young people is stimulating. We’re very grateful, and this is the least we can do.”
Stephanie Foote with Mike Lythgoe and Vince Coughlin, representatives of the Academy for Lifelong Learning
