Program Spotlight: Elon University’s Periclean Scholars
At Elon University, Dr. Mat Gendle has reimagined the Periclean Scholars Program to deepen student-community partnerships and ensure sustainability. Originally focused on short-term volunteer service, the program now follows a fair-trade learning model emphasizing local collaboration, transparency, and long-term trust. Under Dr. Gendle’s leadership, cohorts engage in multi-year, community-driven projects.
Skidmore 2025 Program Directors Conference Recap
The 2025 Program Directors Conference at Skidmore College brought together Periclean leaders from across the country for three days of collaboration and reflection. Hosted by Skidmore’s exceptional team, the gathering featured sessions on civic engagement, storytelling, and future programming. Highlights included Skidmore’s Co-Creation Initiative, inter-campus collaboration ideas, and creative approaches to civic learning. With art, dance, and “Living Art” performances woven throughout, the conference celebrated imagination, partnership, and the shared work of strengthening democracy through higher education.