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.
Thank you to the Memphis Listening Lab for hosting Monday night’s dinner. The lab is a curated collection of music and music history, and is one of Rhodes’ community partners.
This annual conference brings together our 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.”
Please RSVP using this form ASAP and by no later than Monday, September 14.
In mid-September, you’ll receive a brief form to gather your information for the conference directory. Two weeks before the conference, you will receive pre-conference materials ahead of the event.
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 the the Turley Center team for hosting what will be an extraordinary experience:
Full detailed agenda forthcoming
Sunday, October 18
Optional Pre-Conference Activity:
2:45 PM: Meet at Memphian Lobby
3:00–5:00 PM: National Civil Rights Museum Visit
One of the nation’s premier cultural museums and one of Rhodes’ high-impact community partners, the museum’s mission is to share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally.
Formal Conference Begins
5:30–7:00 PM │ Welcome to Memphis: Periclean Community Dinner
A warm gathering to welcome attendees, learn more about our home for the next two days–Rhodes College and Memphis, and cultivate connections across our consortium.
8:00 PM │ Memphis Meet Ups: Exploring Beale Street
After dinner, we will be right next to historic Beale Street. All are invited to informally explore the area and experience the rich cultural heritage 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.
6:00–8:00 PM │ Periclean Dinner (Community Partner Site Visit)
A special evening gathering at the Memphis Listening Lab for hosting Monday night’s dinner. The lab is a curated collection of music and music history.
Tuesday, 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 reflect the culture and what our consortium needs:
Darby Ray (Bates College), Sinda Nichols (Carleton College), Mecca Madyun (Drew University), Lindsay Johnson (Goucher College), Celestina Castillo (Occidental College), Eric Morser (Skidmore College), Lauren Shermer (Widener University)
