Photo collage by Ian Halter.
Community is a critical piece of the puzzle that comprises the undergraduate experience and becoming a Plymouth State Panther is the first step in seeing the “big picture” for many. From the start of the student journey, the PSU community overflows with opportunities for partnership and discovery.
With more than 80 campus clubs and organizations, such as the Marketing Association of Plymouth State (MAPS) and the venerable newspaper, the Clock, there’s certainly no shortage of avenues to explore. Though interests and outcomes vary all groups share pride in being a part of something greater, and the skills and experiences acquired are invaluable as students venture out into the professional world.
Athletics has a major impact on the communal atmosphere that defines the institution. Most student athletes, especially those who travel far and wide to attend PSU, view their teammates and coaches as a secondary family, both during and after their time on campus. Those who choose to spectate rather than participate can be found enthusiastically rooting for their team(s) of choice.
Panthers are collaborative, critical thinkers, which equips them for whatever endeavors they decide to pursue. Numerous alumni wholeheartedly credit PSU, and the outstanding faculty and staff that uphold its mission, with not only preparing them for inevitable challenges but also encouraging them to achieve more than they ever thought imaginable.
The bold restructuring of Plymouth State by way of Clusters has opened up the classroom to alumni interaction more than ever before. Collaboration is a pillar of the initiative, and former students have been invited to engage, teach, and support undergraduates across disciplines on a much larger scale, producing a positive, transformative effect.
This spring, the University piloted the First-Year Mentoring Program, which will officially launch in the fall. A small group of alumni from all over New England worked with five first-year mentees each on one of the “Wicked Problems” considered in the required First-Year Seminar program. By basing the mentoring program on these relevant challenges, students not only sharpen their critical thinking skills but also explore how they can apply their outcomes to other areas of study and interest.
The cyclic quality of the university environment, a coming and going of individuals and ideas, lends itself brilliantly to connecting past and present. To become a Panther is to be welcomed into a community that cultivates curiosity, fosters relationships, and encourages creativity, and to stay a Panther is to inspire current students to forge their own path. ■ Shannon Griffiths ’17
Tags: Alumni Mentors community MAPS
