Humanities Scholars Program

In Their Own Words

Jack Mullee, American Studies
The Humanities Scholars Program provides a multitude of outings to cultural events like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, study abroad experiences and good professors who become friends. Each student has a favorite aspect of the program, but for most Humanities Scholars, the program ultimately comes down to one theme: opportunity.

In my freshman year, I was thrown into a group of about a dozen other scholars. We have become an eclectic, interesting hodgepodge of students with majors all over the map. The program fosters a sense of community among its students, encouraging us to pursue our personal interests and thus enrich the campus and each other’s lives.

My most important experience within the program was the five months I spent in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Though my primary intention had been to learn Spanish, I quickly fell in love with the country’s culture and complex history. I am hoping to receive a grant to return to study there. I give credit to the Humanities Program for helping me acquire the skills I need for my particular goals. Opportunities I thought unattainable are opening up all around me.

Phillip Seng, Director of the Humanities Scholars Program
The study of the humanities emphasizes the analysis and exchange of ideas; ideas which affect with increasing frequency the study of science and the social sciences. Our scholars challenge themselves and their educators. From their first semester they work closely with faculty, quickly becoming strong supporters of each other and advocates for the humanities. By their third year, they are often doing profound and original work. One scholar is currently working on newly discovered texts from the twelfth century; another has been developing educational materials on HIV for South African schools.

The third year is when most of our scholars study abroad and they find this a life-changing experience. They go all over the world, from Thailand to Hungary, Argentina to New Zealand. They return with stories, photos, friends and an appreciation of their place in a global community.