From the Dean: A Season of Momentum at the Abbey

from Dean Nicholas Baldwin

We have had a busy start to the year as January saw five different groups/programs being hosted at the Abbey, two from Fairleigh Dickinson University and three from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.  One of the FDU programs was for a group of their Global Scholars, while the other was for Education students, participants being placed in local schools in order to obtain some teaching experience.  As for the three RMC groups, they were studying Mathematics, Philosophy, and Economics & Business respectively. 

These groups had class at the College but also went out and about on field trips.  For example, the Economics & Business students visited a number of businesses and had a seminar in London involving presentations from Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords on aspects of Global Business.  

The Spring Semester group of students arrived in on Friday 30th January, so that weekend was busy with a variety of briefings, orientations, and initial classes.  The Semester sees some 19 courses running, ranging from Astronomy and Art to Psychology and Theatre.  The courses will utilise tutorials, hence the Wroxton focus on each individual student and a personalised approach to education continues.  

Another key feature of a Semester is the trips that are provided for the students, and the current semester is no exception.  Indeed, as I write this the students are preparing to spend the weekend in London.  Later on, they will have two four-day weekends in both Paris and Edinburgh.  On other weekends there will be trips to Brighton (including the Royal Pavilion), Kenilworth Castle, and Stonehenge, as well as attendance at a Premier League Rugby match.

Following the Semester – from mid-May onwards – we have an array of some 20 groups due in at the College, including from St Michael’s College (Vermont), D’Youville University (New York), Pace University (New York), The Gatton Academy of the University of Western Kentucky, and both Fairleigh Dickinson University and Rutgers University (New Jersey).  There are a variety of programs involved, ranging from Sports Administration, through Creative Writing and The History of the Two World Wars, to Communications, the schedules for which are currently being worked upon.  

Finally, as there is to be another reunion in March, let me conclude by saying that I very much look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.

My very best wishes to one and all,

Nicholas