Previous Summer Highlights

Summer 2007

Quotes

• "The most memorable experience was the chance to work in a lab.  This has made me confident that I would like to continue research through college."
• "It was the greatest learning experience I have ever had.  The Natural Disaster and Homeland Security Curriculum was top notch!"
• "This program really helped me get adjusted to college life and what to expect."
• "I feel so prepared for college now that I’ve participated.  Meeting so many great people at UR has made me really thankful for this experience."
• "The RAs were great; always there when I needed them, and fun too."
• "My most memorable experience during the program was challenging myself inside and outside of the classroom."
• "It was great to see how a lab works along with getting a feel for how college works."

Other Memorable Experiences

• "Meeting everyone – I’m leaving this program with lifetime friends!"
• "Learning real techniques that geneticists use and doing research."
• "Working in research labs on campus, because it eased some of my collegiate decisions."
• "Working in the research labs alongside college students."
• "Bonding with everyone at Challenge Discovery – I’ve made some close friends."
• "The ability to learn about what is expected when I go to college."
• "Living on campus and experiencing the college life."
• "Hiking up in the Blue Ridge Mountains with our Professor, Lee Carleton. Also driving along Skyline Drive.

Summer 2006

Week 1

Our Summer Scholars are off to a great start! They quickly settled in and by Sunday night were ready for their new experiences. They have had a Library Orientation, attended class each morning & afternoon this week, and have become familiar with their dorm and campus buildings.

The Biogenetics class has received their lab research assignments and have had an introduction to atoms & molecules, microbiology, genetic engineering. They will have a quiz on Friday. Likewise, the Homeland Security/Disaster Science class will be taking a test this Friday.

We have had some good fun as well. Scholars have seen 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and had an Ice Cream Social out at local venues this week. On campus, they have already enjoyed the traditional 'ordering pizza' at the dorm for study nights!

Week 2

After a quiz in both classes last Friday, scholars were ready to take on the weekend! We enjoyed a great night of rock-climbing at Peak Experiences on Friday. We may have some future expert climbers in our group! On Saturday, Kings Dominion offered a variety of new rides and fun. Scholars braved the heat (and the roller coasters!) and were rewarded with rain showers and a rainbow as we left the park. Pizza at Richmond's historic 'Bottoms Up Pizza' in Shockoe Slip was the perfect ending to the day.   Scholars participated in various campus and local activities on Sunday as they began to prepare for Monday classes.  

Week 3

After their second full week of classes, some research papers and labs, scholars were ready for excursions on the weekend. On Friday evening, we visited the Byrd Theater, a historic landmark in Richmond’s Carytown, having opened in 1928, and still a favorite local venue. We got an early start on Saturday, and ventured to Washington D.C. museums and area attractions. We also spent time in Tysons Corner and Leesburg for shopping, and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Uno’s in the busy Georgetown district.

On Sunday, the July heat and humidity subsided a bit for a beautiful day out at the Ball Game! The Richmond Braves put on a great game as we all enjoyed 'front-row' seats near 3rd base. After the game, scholars were able to get photos and snapshots of the players, and some fun souvenirs!

Scholars will be preparing for final exams at the end of this week while continuing with their daily morning and afternoon class work and labs.

Photos
Photos are available online at http://community.webshots.com/user/SummerScholars2006. Visit this frequently-updated site for photos throughout the session.

Summer 2005
Students from around the country have enjoyed Summer Scholars. Here’s what some of them had to say about their experiences.

"I was impressed with everything during Summer Scholars."

"Living in dorms was great. Our RAs were awesome."

"My experience showed me what to expect from college and to have a good balance between fun and studying."

"Being in the labs after class with our student mentors was great. Everyone in the lab wants you to succeed at what you’re doing."

"Summer Scholars was fun, educational and memorable. It was a great experience, and I would do it again."

"Dr. Green was an incredible teacher. He gave us all a true idea of what college is all about."

"I really feel I have had a taste of college life. I feel ready and more prepared for college."

"Summer Scholars really let me get to know the University of Richmond and some of the students as well."

"I really appreciated the freedom and ability to be on my own during Summer Scholars."

"The most memorable part of Summer Scholars was meeting and living with so many different people. I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met."