Director’s Note
The best part of this job, and any job at Hampden-Sydney College, is working with our outstanding young men, who are smart, funny, outgoing, earnest, and hardworking. Wilson Center students self-select into our Leadership in the Public Interest and National Security Studies minors and our four-year leadership program. In doing so, they choose to go above and beyond to learn about leadership in diverse contexts, ethical leadership, civil discourse, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in our democratic republic. It is also an honor and a privilege to work with colleagues and supporters who provide students the practical experience and grounded theory needed for a lifetime of service.
Each fall, rising sophomores are provided the opportunity to earn a Harrison Scholarship, awarded to students who did not qualify for merit scholarships as incoming freshmen but perform exceptionally well academically in their first year at Hampden-Sydney. In the fall of 2018, 340 young men entered the College as freshmen, 47 of whom were Wilson Fellows. Of the 27 who qualified for the Harrison Scholarship this fall, 11 are members of the Wilson Fellows Leadership Program.
These numbers are an indicator that the College in general, and the Wilson Center in particular, continues to provide motivated young men the opportunity to increase their self-awareness, explore various career paths, develop deep and meaningful relationships, and get the very best from their college experience. With the help of alumni and faculty mentors, these students push themselves to new heights.
At the Wilson Center, we often provide our students with the following thought: “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” The future is indeed bright for our Wilson Fellows because of your friendship, support, and engagement. Our collective civic future will be bright, too, as these young men graduate and take leadership positions across our commonwealth and country.
We invite you to come meet these outstanding young men and learn more about the way we “prepare men of character for lives of consequence.” Please come back to campus and visit the Wilson Center anytime!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ryan Pemberton, ’00
Director of the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest
Wilson Fellows Story: Year two of the Wilson Fellows Leadership Program is off to a great start! Read this longer article that appeared in the most recent edition of the Record.
Events: Event season at the Wilson Center is in full swing! Academic and co-curricular life at the Wilson Center is enhanced by speakers and programs offered throughout the year. Here are some highlights of this fall’s events. As a reminder, you are always welcome to attend these public events!
Wilson Center: An Oasis of Excellence. Wilson Center Attends the national “Oasis of Excellence” Conference hosted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). Read more…
DC Events: The Wilson Center is heading to Washington, DC for the annual “trip to the hill!” Read more…
Fundraising: Make your gift today to support students at the Wilson Center! Read more…