CHRISTOPHERSON TAPPED BY SOFTIES

Dr. Myrvin Christopherson ’61, president, has been selected to attend the Council of Independent Colleges/Microsoft Presidents Leadership Summit Aug. 5, in Redmond, Wash., home of Microsoft.

Christopherson was one of 38 college and university presidents chosen for the conference based on proposals submitted earlier this year. Dana’s proposal was centered on our small college’s ability to create innovative new programs on limited resources through cooperation between faculty, staff and administration. A major portion of the proposal highlighted Dana’s innovative new iMedia major, which gives students a sound foundation in new communications technology, while allowing them to emphasize an area of study like creative writing, music or history.

“Dana is one of the first liberal arts colleges to adapt its curriculum to include such a cross-disciplinary media program that meets the changing needs of students living and working in an increasingly technological society,” Christopherson wrote in the proposal. “Dana’s proposed iMedia major is distinctive in that it encourages students to combine their interests in technology with their interests in a specific field of study. Each academic program is individually designed according to a student’s needs and preferences.”

The Summit is billed as involving “sessions with some of Microsoft’s most creative thinkers.” Participants will explore how current and future generations of students learn the knowledge, skills, abilities and dispositions they will need to be effective contributors to the communities and organizations in which the will work and live.

“Given our commitment to advancing and integrating technology into all aspects of our educational program, Dana College is very interested in meeting with representatives from Microsoft and other private colleges and universities,” Christopherson said. “Dana will benefit greatly from the opportunity to develop relationships with technology innovators and higher education leaders to enhance teaching and learning in a digital age.”