Q&A with DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD –
Q: What’s it like at the Clinton School during the summer?
A. While different from the traditional school year, it’s still a busy time. Our students are working on their summer international public service projects, and we’re working to make sure they’ve arrived safely in their respective locations on all six inhabited continents. While some have experienced airline delays and spent far more time than expected in airports, we’ve been fortunate. We’re also planning orientation for our new class arriving in August, finalizing the fall and spring curriculum schedule and school calendar, working on budgets and coordinating our summer, fall and spring public programs.
Q. Was it sad to see them leave?
A. Exciting is more descriptive. Having seen the personal growth as a result of the international experiences from our those in our two previous classes, I know some of our students will have life-changing experiences. What’s more difficult for me is realizing how quickly these nine months (August 2007 to May 2008) have passed. This fall about half of our students will be returning to Little Rock for their final capstone (individual) public service projects. Others will be working all over the country and the world.
Q. How do you keep in touch with students abroad?
A. Email makes international communication much easier, and some of our students have blogs. I read them daily.
Q. What can you tell us about your new class that will be entering this fall?
A. It’s very strong. We’ll be announcing the members in a few weeks.
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