1 July 2004

Longwood’s Center for Citizens Scholars Named The Cormier Center for Citizen Scholars

When Longwood University successfully completed its first comprehensive campaign, a turning point: The Campaign for Longwood, in July 2003 it did so a year ahead of schedule having raised over $33 million. Seven objectives were the focus of the campaign, one of which, The Center for Citizen Scholars, had particular meaning to Longwood President Patricia Cormier and her husband Dr. Raymond Cormier.

Building upon Longwood's dedication to developing citizen leaders, the Cormiers believe that a Center for Citizen Scholars will be instrumental in Longwood's ability to achieve a distinctive new level of excellence. With instant access to information shrinking our world, Raymond and Patricia Cormier understand that it is not enough that colleges and universities produce good students. Students who can evaluate and actualize their goals are needed in every field and in every part of the world.

"The best asset our world community has is a student skilled in assessment and thinking, with a devotion to community, and confidence and skills to lead and serve," said President Cormier during the campaign.

In appreciation of the Cormiers' dedication to the Citizen Scholar program, the Longwood Board of Visitors recently adopted a resolution naming the program The Cormier Center for Citizen Scholars. The Board cited the Cormiers' unselfish donation of time, energy and enthusiasm to the successful campaign, their commitment to academic excellence, and their personal Campaign Commitment designated for The Center for Citizen Scholars. The resolution also recognized that the program was conceived and designed by President Cormier.

"Both Raymond and I are honored beyond words that the program we are confident will produce exceptional citizen scholars and leaders has been named for us," said President Cormier. "To contribute to students who will be prepared to play an active role in addressing the critical issues that confront our communities is so rewarding to us," said President Cormier.

Bobbie Burton, Longwood Vice President for University Advancement, said, "This program was truly Dr. Cormier's 'brain child' for establishing an academic program worthy of regional and national importance. "

The Cormier Center for Citizen Scholars will become Longwood's signature honors program. Through a curriculum of Longwood Citizenship Seminars, the program will introduce distinctive and uncommon experiences that model behavior and provide the real practice of effective citizenship. Students selected to be Citizen Scholars will focus on scholarship and leadership throughout their four years at Longwood, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in some area of public service.

The Campaign for Longwood met a $2 million goal for scholarship endowment and raised $1,282,128 toward a goal of $2 million for program endowment. Program costs include money for Citizen Scholar faculty mentors, orientation and seminar programs, research, equipment and travel.