Franklin & Marshall College

On Friday, May 1, 2009, The Clemente Course in the Humanities at Franklin & Marshall College celebrated the graduation of three students who had successfully completed the yearlong, five-course humanities program.

The course, which will celebrate it's fifth anniversary in 2009-10, is a free, college-level program in five disciplines (art history, U.S. history, moral philosophy, literature, and writing), taught in a college setting by college faculty. The students are selected with the help of Lancaster social service agencies and include those whose economic circumstances have limited their educational opportunities.

This year's graduating class – Liana Jones, Jodi Runde and Melinda Zipp – were surrounded by a filled-to-capacity gathering of family and friends in the College's Philadelphia Alumni Writers House.

From left:  2009 graduates Jodi Runde, Melinda Zipp and Liana Jones

Clemente Course Director Marcy Dubroff opened the ceremonies with an address that acknowledged each student's unique achievements and contributions.

About Ms. Jones, she said, " Liana, you wrote in your application that a person can never be too educated. You also said that you believed that education would help you become a more constructive person as well as a reflective thinker. Over the past eight months, we have seen you work diligently, always with an eye on improving on your latest effort. Your work ethic and discipline have been commendable. I know that as you go forward, you will continue to apply that same work ethic to your educational endeavors and because of it, you will undoubtedly succeed."

Turning to Ms. Runde, she continued, "You were our very first interview for this year's class and you set the bar on enthusiasm for the rest of the applicants. In fact, you were so excited about Clemente during that interview, I got the feeling that you wanted to start that very night! There were times that I know things got a little difficult for you, but your spirit won out in the end and propelled you toward the completion of this course. As you continue to pursue your goal of a career in juvenile services, we know that your energy and spirit will carry you through. Of course, you also have your three little ones to keep you on your toes! Jodi, by seeing this course through to completion, you have set the very best example for your children."

Finally, she told Ms. Zipp, " You are the student who has proved the old adage that you are never too old to learn. Not to say that you are old! But your willingness to come back to a classroom at this point in your life has been nothing short of inspirational. You started this program to set an example for your son, but you have also ended up proving something to yourself. You said it best…'Clemente has shown me that I can fulfill a part of my life that I haven't yet had a chance to explore.'

"Your goal of accomplishing as much as you can while you still can motivates us all.We wish you all the best in the years to come as you continue to learn, explore and make a difference."

Dubroff went on to introduce the evening's keynote speaker, Dr. Alexis Castor, who was the first director of the Clemente program at F&M.

Alexis Castor, founding director of Franklin & Marshall's Clemente Course, addresses the guests.

Castor recounted the origins of Clemente and of the words of its founder Earl Shorris.  "Clemente is wide-ranging in scope, introducing you to ancient art and philosophy and bringing you to contemporary America," she said.  "Earl Shorris, the founder of Clemente, set this broad agenda as a way to inspire students to become politically engaged. By that term, political engagement, he does not mean simply voting, but really feeling connected to the civic life around you, realizing that the past has played an important role in shaping you and everyone around you, and creating an opportunity to understand people and ideas that have been important in history."

Castor went on to remind the students that "your future study will require moments of solitude and quiet, moments that are precious in a busy modern world. The books, paintings and poems that have so influenced history were not created quickly, nor can they be mastered with a fast glance or a flip through the pages. It can be hard to find the time and mental focus that you need to continue this process on your own. But I hope that you’ve experienced the great rewards that come with real dedication to the task. I encourage you to continue to explore your own intellectual and emotional depths through the study of humanities."

The evening concluded as Dubroff and the faculty presented certificates of completion and gifts to the students, and 2008 graduate Richard Bowman addressed the class and reminded them of the opportunity that lies ahead.

From left:  Clemente Course Director Marcy Dubroff; Van Gosse (U.S. History); Scott Vine (philosophy); Jodi Runde; Melinda  Zipp; Liana Jones; Eliza  Reilly (art history); Deborah Linder (literature); Marci Nelligan (writing).

Click Here to View the Clemente Graduation Slideshow