Wagner College has received a $40,000 grant to “Reframe the Institutional Saga” from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education program, or NetVUE, which was funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. This two-year grant will support efforts to explore Wagner’s heritage through a series of original performances and artistic works.
The grant application was spearheaded by professors Felicia Ruff and Lori Weintrob with support from Dean Sarah Scott, Horrmann Library Archivist Lisa Holland and Presidential Fellow Savannah Yates ’21.
Drawing on writings and actions of past college presidents, honorary-doctorate recipients at commencement exercises, students and faculty, the grant will allow Wagner to map milestones and turning points in the implementation of its mission, both globally and locally in Staten Island and New York City. A permanent exhibit and catalogue of Wagner’s story from its founding to today will be produced.
Entitled “Each One, Reach One: Embodying a Shared Past as Community-Building,” the grant will allow Wagner College to build on the call given in 2014 by civil rights activist Julian Bond in his commencement address to its graduating class. Bond said, “Each one, reach one, until all are productive citizens of this world. ... Someday someone will ask you, ‘What did you do with your education?’ Be sure you have an answer.” This innovative exhibition and performance series will prompt members of the Wagner College community to answer this question while reflecting on their shared commitment to inspire and educate students to serve the nation in the 21st century.
For more information, or to be contribute to this collaborative project, please contact either Felicia Ruff or Lori Weintrob.
