Program provides forum for diversity

Willamette Academy helps steer young students toward college.

March 23, 2003
By Susan Tom

Reprinted with permission of the Statesman Journal.

A blanket of beans doesn't seem like much, but for Willamette Academy students at a recent workshop, it was a lesson on the principles of natural selection.
Minority and economically disadvantaged students from the MidValley already may know that lesson.
They were selected to participate in the inaugural class of the academy because of their socioeconomic standing.
Elaine Green, interim director, said the program is unique because it makes a five-year commitment to students through middle and high school in hopes of steering them toward college. "It's an intensive simulation of life on campus," Green said.
The academy is just one of a growing number of programs, activities and events that make Willamette a magnet for diversity.
The university's speaker series has drawn figures from all walks of life and cultures, including former South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and writer Amy Tan.
World-class attractions like Dance Theater of Harlem and the Egyptian art exhibit expand the community's horizons. Campus activities - from American Indian pow wows to a full menu of speakers and events during Black History Month - celebrate diversity.
From devout Muslims to controversial Christian figures to Holocaust survivors, Willamette University has provided a forum for all.
M. Lee Pelton is the first black president at a university that predated the Emancipation Proclamation. When
Pelton took the reins nearly five years ago, two of his goals were to increase diversity at the mostly white, affluent university and to increase Willamette's interaction with the community.
Willamette Academy expects to meet both goals by taking students who likely wouldn't attend college and immerse them in a program to help them get there.

Willamette Academy News Archive

Fall 2007— Academy Sends Off Graduates, Welcomes New Director (from The Scene)

Summer 2007— Paving the Way (from The Scene)

July 18, 2006 - June 18, 2007 — A Year in the Life: Willamette Academy (an continuing story by Sarah J. Evans)

Oct. 10, 2005 — Salem family’s dream lost in son’s death (from the Statesman Journal)

Jul. 22, 2005 — Streams get some TLC (from the Statesman Journal)

Nov. 16, 2004 — Willamette Academy Awarded $75,000

Sep. 1, 2004 — College preparatory program wins grant (from the Statesman Journal)

Feb. 20, 2004 — Classified Staff Supports Willamette Academy (from Inside Willamette)

Oct. 15, 2003 — Mini dose of college (from The Collegian)

Sep. 26, 2003 — WU Program Receives $1 Million (from the Statesman Journal)

Fall 2003— Donation Brings a Million Opportunities (from The Scene)

Mar. 23, 2003 — Blueprints for diversity (from the Statesman Journal)

Feb. 17, 2003 — The Monday Profile: Champion of Diversity (from The Oregonian)

Fall 2002 — Willamette Academy Offiers Bridge to Students of Color (from The Scene)

Aug. 10, 2002 — Two-week camp exposes life in higher education (from the Statesman Journal)

Aug. 9, 2002 — University helps kids make grade for future (from The Oregonian)

Jun. 1, 2001 — Willamette Receives Grants to Establish Programs for Ethnically Diverse Students