Eagle Scholars Program Helps Students Excel In And Out Of The Classroom

Each year, Liberty University’s Eagle Scholars embark on a spring retreat to take a break from their busy college schedules and enjoy time with fellow Eagle Scholars while also building crucial leadership skills.

Eagle Scholars, a program for high-achieving freshmen and sophomores across all majors, helps students develop personal and professional leadership skills. Each semester, the organization hosts an event, retreat or service project for its students. 

A freshmen retreat kicks off each fall semester for new members. This spring semester, the Eagle Scholars will take a retreat to Hydaway Outdoor Center, according to Frank DiGregorio, the director of Eagle Scholars. 

“This is a way for us to close out the year and celebrate a job well done on their part,” DiGregorio said regarding the importance of a second retreat in the spring. 

At the retreat, students will participate in a wide range of spring activities, including volleyball, kayaking and even fire-starting competitions. They will also complete the high ropes course and take time to relax and enjoy the lake. 

“Students can learn and connect with each other through these activities,” Dan Berkenkemper, the head of academics for the Eagle Scholars, said.

This retreat is designed for the Eagle Scholars to not only celebrate their hard work but also to have fun. All of the retreat’s activities focus on community building and self-leadership to help Eagle Scholar students learn essential skills for college and beyond. 

Students may not realize it, but while participating in activities, they learn essential lessons in teamwork. Some students even overcome their fears by being pushed beyond their comfort zones in events such as  the high rope courses. 

“Our students spend time in the program building leadership and professional development skills. We have seen so many students lead and serve others during their time in the program,” DiGregorio said.

Each semester of the Eagle Scholars program centers around a theme that directs events, including Connecting With Others, Self Leadership and Leading Others and Changing Culture, according to its website.   

The Eagle Scholars program accepts Liberty freshmen and sophomores in the fall semester only. Members of the program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete four required leadership courses. Scholars enjoy benefits including early class registration, the option to live in preferred housing and an annual banquet. 

For more information, students can visit its website at https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/eagle-scholars/. 

Pace is a feature reporter.