Table of Contents
What's New About the New Economy?
The Idea Factory
The Idea Factory
By Neal Burdick '72When Joseph Lieberman got the call asking him to run for the vice-presidency, Melceditha "Melody" Diegor '01 was in his office; the Windsor, Conn., resident had been an intern for him last spring while on St. Lawrence's Washington, D.C., program, and he'd been so impressed he'd asked her to stay on for the summer.
When Todd Matte '01, Canton, developed an interest in abstract art, he undertook a University Fellowship (see St. Lawrence, Summer/Fall 2000, p. 14) and traveled to Vietnam to work with an artisan who had been on campus last spring as part of the Festival of the Arts. He also did an independent study in painting on campus in fall 2000.
When Sarah Long '01, Bethesda, Md., decided she would like to compile a record of women's first experiences, she was able to have the study authorized as an English honors project. And when Catherine "Cat" Bush '01, Montpelier, Vt., wanted a summer internship in business, she lined up a project with University Trustee Jo Ann Campbell '86.
The point? Each of these students had an idea, and various individuals in the St. Lawrence community made it possible for them to implement that idea. The lesson learned? "If I have a good idea, I can find ways to make it work." The larger implication? In the world these students will enter upon graduating in three months, that's the key to success, whatever they will do.
Kathryn Poethig, a faculty member in global studies, has some thoughts on how St. Lawrence can best prepare its students for her vision of the new economy, and they revolve around more than just business. "On an international level, we need to focus less on generating money and more on raising consciousness on worldwide issues," she says, adding that the social implications of the "new economy" need to be studied. To this end, she says she hopes to promote more international service learning opportunities for St. Lawrence students.Professor of Economics Robert Blewett agrees that there's more to the "new economy" than business; his goal is to prepare his students for life after college generally. "That's the advantage of a liberal arts education," he points out. "Students work on communication and analytical skills, which give them the advantage later in life. Our aim is to produce innovative thinkers."
"What St. Lawrence does through its liberal arts program is to encourage students to be broad-minded thinkers," says Professor of Economics Peter FitzRandolph. To him, the greatest battle in setting up an online company is management, not technical know-how. "There is a great shortage of experienced managers and we give our students the tools to become those managers," he says.