Founders College Lifts Off!
Founders College officially opened its doors to students on Monday, September 10, following an inspiring Sunday evening opening ceremony. The ceremony featured remarks by the four-year liberal arts and business college’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tamara K. Fuller and a keynote address by former NASA astronaut Winston Scott.
The evening began with music by the Founders Philharmonic under the baton of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and a processional of the college's 12 full-time students and nine faculty members. More than 250 community leaders gathered to hear the addresses by Ms. Fuller and Captain Scott. View a full video of the ceremonies here.
"As we make this leap, we are making history. Educational and business leaders are watching us with great anticipation. The world is hungry for our product: graduates who are incisive, innovative, confident thinkers — great thinkers who will live productive, reasoned, and meaningful lives as a result of their education — men and women who, in whatever career they may choose, will make that crucial leap from thought to action. This is our mission," said Ms. Fuller. Read or hear Ms. Fuller's remarks here.
Ms. Fuller's speech detailed the Founders vision and mission and acknowledged the outstanding support she has received from the Southern Virginia community and Founders' educational partners. It concluded with Ms. Fuller's heartfelt promise to equip students to carry forth in the world as pioneers, as explorers, in thought, in action, in whatever pursuits they may choose.
Ms. Fuller's remarks were followed by the presentation of an original musical piece composed specifically for the occasion by Maestro Kim Kluge. The piece, titled "Vocalise — for Branford Marsalis," was performed by the Founders Philharmonic. The performance received an enthusiastic reception by all in attendance.
Former astronaut Winston Scott's keynote address drew parallels between his space exploration and the spirit of discovery and pioneering expected of Founders' students. Captain Scott, a retired U.S. Navy captain, was selected by NASA for the space program in march, 1992. He flew on two shuttles: first as a mission specialist on STS-72 in 1996, and then on STS-87 in 1997. During his space travels Captain Scott logged a total of over 24 days in space. This included three spacewalks that totaled nearly 19.5 hours. Captain Scott ended his speech with inspiring words to the students on the importance of education:
"Students, work hard. Study, but don't study just to get a degree to get a job … Study and learn for the sake of growth. Study and learn for the sake of stretching. Study and learn for the sake of experiencing. Study and learn for the sake of knowing yourself. And when you know yourself, you have the tools necessary to become that pioneer, to become an explorer, and to reach your star," said Scott.
The evening concluded with a special candle lighting ceremony and soprano Jennifer Jellings singing "Because We Believe," accompanied by the Founders Philharmonic. As the music reached its climax and dusk settled in, three hot air balloons launched from the school's grounds.
After the ceremony, Founders College hosted an elegant reception in the Mansion Dining Room and patio of Berry Hill Estate. Take a look at the weekend's photo gallery here.
The new Founders College students will reside at Berry Hill Estate, a leading conferencing center used by corporate clients from around the globe. Founders is a for-profit four-year liberal arts and business college dedicated to integrated education that will assure the development graduates who are both thinkers and communicators who are committed to lifelong learning and discovery.
