Learning by Doing

An immersive experience has great potential to transform a student learner so that she/he possesses the necessary attributes to live and work in a changing, diverse, and fragile world, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Lebanon Valley College students have opportunities that touch their lives through academic experiences such as study abroad, research with faculty, and clinical interactions. Others take advantage of broadening their academic experiences through internships, serving in on- and off-campus leadership roles, and participating in service-learning projects for the community.

This summer, a group of students will spend three weeks in Italy visiting places where food and reflection on food go hand-in-hand—experiences based around the innovative class Gastro-Philosophy: Reflections on Place, Time, and Identity. In another experience, Dr. Philip Benesch, associate professor of politics, led a trip for LVC students to hear oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. The experiences are broad reaching and profound for our students as they learn to effectively integrate and apply knowledge gained in their courses.

Part of the College’s new strategic plan includes preparing students to be world-ready with an emphasis on expanding high-impact experiences for all students. In 2014, 96% of LVC seniors indicated that they had participated in at least one high-impact experience; with 84% participating in two. The ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for all students to participate in two high-impact experiences as part of their education at LVC.

Over the years, supporters of LVC have invested in these transformational experiences for our students. Averaging around $2,500 for each experience, your gift to the Immersive Experience Fund would connect you with a student pursuing a hands-on, immersive opportunity. The support of alumni, parents, and friends of the College is critical to reaching our goal and delivering these transformative experiences for all LVC students.