A fantasy camp for lifelong learning
Furman putting final touches on summer Alumni College

Ever wanted to return to college for the weekend? Stay in a residence hall (preferably without a community bathroom), eat in the dining hall, listen to a few stimulating lectures by some of the school's top professors, and socialize with your friends?

From June 28-July 1, Furman alumni, parents and friends can do that and more if they take part in Alumni College, a three-day "education vacation." Participants will stay in apartment-style campus housing, attend a specially designed series of classes and lectures taught by Furman faculty based on the theme "The New South," and take part in activities both on and off campus.

The idea for Alumni College came through a committee, organized two years ago to generate ways to attract alumni and prospective students to campus during the summer. The committee, consisting of Jack Dickey (Continuing Education), Shannon Wilson (Alumni Association), Judy Bainbridge (Educational Services), A.V. Huff (Academic Affairs) and others, also proposed the Summer Scholars Program, which began last summer with an enrollment of 60 high school students.

Earlier this year, a small group of professors and administrators worked with Alumni College consultant Michelle Burnett to develop the concept and begin plans for a 2001 event. Wilson says the completion of North Village helped boost enthusiasm for the Alumni College.

"We really could not have done this several years ago, because we did not have the appropriate housing," says Wilson. "We could not house our guests in freshman and sophomore residence halls."

Furman examined Alumni College programs at Williams, Dartmouth, Washington and Lee, Emory, Yale and Reed before developing its program. In addition to attending classes, other highlights of Alumni College will include an outing to Café and Then Some, Greenville's resident comedy theatre, and a graduation celebration at White Oaks.

Described as a "fantasy camp for lifelong learning," Alumni College will offer participants a choice of academic subjects tied together by the theme of "The New South." Wilson and history professor Lloyd Benson will co-chair the program.

A schedule of classes and lectures will be released early next year. The cost is $375 per person, which includes all meals, lodging and entertainment. Wilson says she expects up to 50 alumni to participate this summer.