Commons
A Newsletter for Families of Stetson University Students
Fall 1993
Volume V No. 1
Student Government Association President Gayle Littleton, right, talks
with some new Stetson Hatters during a FOCUS session to help them get
acquainted with the more than 90 campus organizations.
New Religion and Ethics
ram stresses values
Progi
A BROAD PROGRAM in Religion and
Ethics that combines a wide range of
academic courses and beyond-the-
classroom activities is being introduced
this semester. It has one clearly-stated
purpose — encouraging students to "make
a difference" in their careers and communities.
Because they emphasize multi-faith and
global approaches to religious and ethical
questions, courses in religion and
philosophy form the academic core of the
interdisciplinary program. The Program
cooperates with many campus groups in
developing programs that promote ethical
choices and humanitarian activities:
- Out-of-the classroom activities such as
Habitat for Humanity and Youth Motivators;
- A new Encounter Series, which
broadens the weekly ecumenical chapel
<■•■ vice to include programs on all aspects
ethical and social concerns with
sinkers such as author/physician Ferrol
Sams and political ethicist Max Sherman;
- Programming by the Institute for
Christian Ethics and campus religious
groups like Baptist Student Union,
Catholic Campus Ministry, and Hillel;
- A new Forum on World Religions.
The comprehensive program, a personal
project of President Doug Lee, has been
evolving over the last five years. It is being
coordinated by Dean of the Chapel Clyde
Fant.
The university's mission statement
commits Stetson to "an intellectually
challenging and collaborative learning
community"; to the preparation of students
for "rewarding careers ... and a lifetime of
learning"; and to the encouragement of all
members of the campus community "to be
morally sensitive and effective citizens
committed to active forms of social
responsibility." The university's charter,
recently revised to expand and make the
Board of Trustees more representative
and effective, includes an introductory
section on "Character and Values" which
commits the university to excellence in
education and to liberal learning, faith,
and ethics in the educational process.
U.S. News ranks
Stetson fourth
STETSON UNIVERSITY again ranks fourth
among southern regional universities in
U.S. News & World Report's 1994
special report, "America's Best Colleges,"
to be published next week. Stetson ranked
first in its category among Florida
universities, as it did last year.
In this year's top 15 southern regional
universities, Wake Forest University again
is first; the University of Richmond,
second; and Berea College, third.
"We have worked very hard to enhance
the quality of a Stetson education, and we
are pleased that our efforts have been
reflected in the U.S. News and World
Report survey," said Provost Eugene
Lubot. "We will continue to concentrate
on providing students with the best
education we possibly can, and we hope
that commitment will serve the needs of
our students and their parents."
Florida placed three universities, two
private and one public, in the top 15
southern regional institutions.
Mark that date:
'93 Family Weekend
MAKE SURE OCT. 22-24 is circled on
your calendar. That's Family Weekend at
Stetson.
Among the highlights: the annual
Stetson Stars student talent show; a play at
Stover Theatre; men's and women's soccer
matches and golf and tennis tournaments;
a picnic around Holler Fountain; and a
variety of information sessions on
everything from Study Aboard programs
and new calendar plans to deferred rush
and the Prince Program. A Sunday
worship service in Elizabeth Hall Chapel
and brunch in the Commons close the
activities.
The President's Parents Council,
chaired by David and Susan Mitchell from
Sarasota, meets Friday afternoon, Oct. 22, to
discuss campus life, student recruitment and
Parents Fund progress and issues.
You'll also have a chance to see all the
changes on campus that occurred during
the summer: the $650,000 renovation of
the Commons to make it more "user
friendly"; a major renovation of Nemec
Hall (a similar "targeting" of a residence
hall is planned each summer) and new
carpets and furniture elsewhere; an
exercise trail and landscaping at Rinker
Field; and landscaping work on Amelia and
East Minnesota, etc.
