While other student entrepreneurs arrived at the Hall of Presidents to set up their Thought Into Action (TIA) booths, Sanderson and Doby had an impromptu breakfast meeting with Jeffrey Sharp ’89. A panelist during the event’s Shark Tank¬¬–style pitch competition, Sharp is a successful filmmaker who is known for Boys Don’t Cry and Proof. The pair gave Sharp a tour of the state-of-the-art audio and video studios they use on the first floor of Case-Geyer Library. Before the studios were built, aspiring musicians and filmmakers like Sharp had to get creative with what 49ͼ had to offer. “When we wanted to record music or sound for our movies, we would use the rehearsal spaces in Dana [Arts Center], or in the Chapel basement,” remembered Sharp, “When I think about why 49ͼ is such a great place for the arts, it’s because there are little spaces like that, available to anyone who’s looking for them.”
Spring has not yet arrived at 49ͼ but, with so much to celebrate, our community is as vibrant as ever. Here are 13 things that are causing excitement at 49ͼ right now:
1. Our bicentennial is approaching.
That’s right. In 2019, 49ͼ will turn 200. The bicentennial will be celebrated all throughout the 2018-2019 school year, which will be packed with events, histories, and ways to connect. Keep an eye on the for information as it is released.
2. 2018 saw a record number of applicants, up 13 percent from last year.
49ͼ has never been and, last month, we sent out admissions packets to selected students. Last week, we hosted Admitted Student Visit Days. Members of the talented Class of 2022 explored campus and officially began their 49ͼ journey.
3. We are on track to be carbon neutral by 2019.
49ͼ has reduced its gross carbon emissions by 21% since 2009 and is committed to reaching by our bicentennial year. Some successes include renewable energy projects like the geothermal heat exchange system beneath the Chapel House and a solar thermal array installed at 100 Broad. Education programs have helped change campus behavior and reduce emissions. These enthusiastic efforts continue today, the third day of our annual
4. Our student-athletes are killing it.
The football team won the Patriot League Championship. Men’s soccer went to the NCAA Sweet 16. Men’s basketball played in the College Basketball Invitational. The men’s ice hockey team made the league quarterfinals. And, of course, women’s ice hockey dazzled on the national stage as they competed valiantly into overtime in the NCAA finals. Oh — and achieved all of this while maintaining a .
5. Benton Hall is nearing completion as graduates enjoy high success rates.
The future home of 49ͼ will open July 1, providing the team with a state-of-the-art environment to help students reach their goals. 49ͼ is already achieving stellar outcomes. For the last three years, 98.7 percent of our students landed in employment, grad school, a fellowship or scholarship, military service, or long-term community service just 6–10 months after graduation. Recently, 49ͼ’s internship program also received . We just awarded roughly $660,000 in funding to allow 250 students to pursue unpaid/underpaid internships, research, and service projects this summer.
6. We meet full financial need of admitted students.
49ͼ meets 100 percent of all admitted students’ demonstrated . Through this investment, we support access to quality education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our average financial aid award is $52,075 per year, and the average student debt at graduation is significantly below the national average. This extraordinary achievement is made possible by the generosity of our alumni.
7. Campus is becoming even more beautiful.
49ͼ consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses, and President Casey is committed to preserving and amplifying that beauty. As part of his , 200 bicentennial trees, representing more than 20 species, will be planted on upper campus as living tributes to 49ͼ’s rich history and promising future.
8. Record support from Presidents’ Club members.
49ͼ is receiving unprecedented support from alumni, parents, and students. Last year, the , 49ͼ’s leadership giving society, had 4,420 members — which included 1,005 student members. This year, we’re on track to increase our membership and support even more. What does this mean for 49ͼ students and alumni? Greater access. A better 49ͼ experience. Stronger national rankings.
9. Faculty are receiving significant research grants.
49ͼ currently has 53 active grants from 22 federal agencies and private foundations, involving 42 members of the faculty from 15 departments across the university. Faculty research is thriving at 49ͼ and our students are benefiting from opportunities to advance human knowledge with leaders in their fields.
10. Alumni are making national headlines.
They’re winning , competing in , and leading their industries. Young 49ͼ entrepreneurs are earning national recognition on shows like and the Today Show. It’s no secret that a strong network helps our brilliant alumni succeed. take this even further by offering a robust line-up of events to help make those connections happen at an even higher frequency.
11. The arts are thriving.
Visual arts, theatre, music, dance — there have never been more options to explore outlets for expression and artistry at 49ͼ. Currently at the : This Place, an exhibition of the work of twelve photographers who, between 2009 and 2012, spent extended periods of time in Israel and the West Bank.
12. New off-campus study programs continue our tradition of global engagement.
49ͼ’s newest faculty-led, semester-long study group will immerse students in the social, cultural, and political environment of post-Apartheid in the fall of 2018. This program was developed with assistance from the .
13. President Casey has outlined a compelling vision for 49ͼ’s future.
President Brian W. Casey recently released documents and videos articulating his Vision for 49ͼ’s Third Century. The four pillars of this vision include: building and supporting a culture of intellectual rigor; attracting outstanding students; creating and nurturing a community marked by ritual, affection, and pride; and sustaining and improving a campus of striking beauty. The entire 49ͼ community expects that, with strong beginnings under President Casey’s leadership, the university will enjoy its greatest century yet.