Southwestern Magazine | Spring 2020

Future firsts More recently, Southwestern’s tradition of firsts has continued as the University has established a new educational experience designed to produce a 21st-century thinker. The University’s unique interdisciplinary approach to learning challenges students to think, create, and connect in ways they never thought possible, ultimately preparing them for today’s ever-evolving workplace. “Southwestern focuses on making connections within disciplines, across disciplines, and across experiences. This type of thinking teaches our students to approach real-world problems such as climate change from multiple perspectives,” says Alisa Gaunder, dean of the faculty and professor of political science. This includes a commitment to inquiry-based learning. By minimizing lectures and maximizing hands-on engagement, this approach enables students to take ownership of their own learning while improving their retention of knowledge and skills. Southwestern’s approach to learning will continue to evolve as the needs of students and society change. But no matter what the future may hold, the University’s core purpose will remain constant—as it has for 180 years. “We were created for a purpose that we are still upholding today. At Southwestern, it’s not about your family name or birthright but your actions and contributions to society,” Frisque says. “I believe the founders of Southwestern would be proud of who we still are today.” 18 SOUTHWESTERN