Below is an article that appeared in the 2003 edition of Danville magazine, sponsored by the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce. The story was written by reporter Amy Green. Visit the magazine online at www. danvillemag.com.



RELEASED: March 6, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—Centre College administrators take pride in this small private college's big achievements.

With a student population of only 1,100, the college has produced more than two-thirds of Kentucky's Rhodes Scholars over the past 40 years. It's ranked among the nation's best by U.S.News & World Report, and Centre's graduates include former U.S. Vice Presidents John Breckenridge and Adlai Stevenson, as well as former Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Vinson.

Administrators credit the school's top-notch educators, who give full attention to each member of their small classes. And students treasure the freedom of a liberal arts and sciences college that allows them to sample different courses of study.

Student Woody Leed plans to double-major in math and computer science while completing an independent study in glassblowing. He enjoys his math and computer classes, but would cringe at the thought of giving up glassblowing.

"I love it," says Leed, a junior. "It's relaxing but it's intense at the same time. You need to have your whole body involved in order to make something."

The college offers 25 majors but also allows students to craft their own majors. Whether it's English, economics, biology or religion, all of Centre's programs are strong, says spokesman Mike Norris.

"Centre is not known for being a specialty school," Norris says. "It's known for being a liberal arts college in which students are well-rounded and do well in all fields."

The college's arts program has become renowned. The Jones Visual Arts Center houses one of the nation's top glassblowing studios, led by internationally known artist Stephen Powell.

Remarkably, most students are guaranteed to graduate from Centre within four years after studying abroad and completing an internship. Nearly 70 percent of Centre students study abroad, which is more than any Kentucky institution and among the most of any national institution.

Known for its loyal alumni, Centre boasts the nation's highest percentage of graduates who contribute to their alma mater. Their contributions help keep costs low for students.

Norris said he would expect nothing less from the alumni of a college that has achieved so much. He notes that Centre's most recent Rhodes Scholar, who graduated in 2000, was the youngest-ever scholarship recipient at age 18.

"Centre is known as a small school that is capable of startlingly large accomplishments," Norris says.

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