Welcome! This webpage houses information related to the Program Directors’ Conference from Sunday, October 18, to Tuesday, October 20, hosted by Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.
This annual conference brings together our vibrant community of Program Directors for knowledge-sharing and relationship-building. It offers a unique space and opportunity to fortify a valuable community of practice that extends far beyond our three days together.
Each Periclean campus sends one or two representatives. Program Directors routinely report the conference as one of the most rewarding they attend:
“This conference and the Periclean community is truly special. Being able to work through challenges and share best practices with other civically minded colleagues has created invaluable relationships.”
Our team has secured a special group rate at the conference hotel: The Memphian, a beautiful historic Memphis hotel within walking distance of Rhodes at $239 per night.
Book your group rate for Rhodes College Project Pericles.
Booking Deadline: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to secure this discounted group. Reservations made after this date cannot be guaranteed at this price. In addition, fall is a popular tourist season for Memphis so we encourage people to register by the deadline.
To/from the Airport: The hotel and campus are a 10 minute car ride away. Locals recommend using rideshares like Uber and Lyft as they are very reliable. Note that public transportation “isn’t really a thing” in Memphis.
During the Conference: Shuttles to/from the conference hotel, campus, and any off-campus venues will be generously provided by Rhodes College. Attendees can also walk to/from campus through gorgeous Overton Park.
The Lynne & Henry Turley Memphis Center for Community Engagement at Rhodes College empowers people to create social change in Memphis. In the spirit of the liberal arts at Rhodes College, their mission is to “connect and support students, faculty, staff, and community partners in Memphis and beyond who are engaged in academic study, research, service, advocacy, and solutions in the pursuit of just and informed outcomes.” The Turley Center is a hub that supports several high impact initiatives including: the Bonner Center for Service, Institute for Race and Social Transformation, Liberal Arts in Prison Program, Rhodes into Memphis, and Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies.
For more information about the Turley Center and community-engaged civic learning at Rhodes:
For more about Memphis, the Rhodes team recommends checking out:
Special thank you to our the Turley Center team for hosting what will be an extraordinary experience:
Full detailed agenda forthcoming
Sunday, October 18
5:00–7:00 PM │ Welcome Community Dinner
A warm gathering to welcome attendees and cultivate connections across our consortium.
8:00 PM │ Explore the City: Memphis Music and Local Culture
An informal evening invitation to experience the rich cultural heritage and vibrant music scene that makes Memphis unique.
Monday, October 19
8:00 AM │ Breakfast
9:00 AM–4:30 PM │ Project Pericles & Rhodes College Conference Sessions
A full day of building connections, idea-sharing, and collaborative engagement across our community of Pericleans.
6:30–8:00 PM │ Periclean Dinner
A special evening gathering featuring special guests from Rhodes College, held at a memorable off-campus Memphis location (venue to be announced).
Wednesday, October 20
8:00 AM │ Breakfast
9:00 AM–5:00 PM │ Project Pericles & Rhodes College Conference Sessions
A continued day to deepen our shared learning and discuss implications to continue the momentum.
Session Topics include:
Thank you to our Program Directors Council who co-developed sessions to best reflect the culture and what our consortium needs:
Lindsay Johnson (Goucher College), Mecca Madyun (Drew University), Eric Morser (Skidmore College), Sinda Nichols (Carleton College), Heather Novak (Pace University), Darby Ray (Bates College), Lauren Shermer (Widener University)
