RELEASED: May 20, 2004

DANVILLE, KY—Senior Jonathan Samford of Chicago admits he wasn't completely sure what type of opportunities would be presented to him when he arrived at Centre four years ago. Now, days before he graduates from the College, he says he's received extraordinary educational experiences that will last a lifetime.

"Show me another school where I can learn leadership techniques in a class taught by the president of the college," says Samford, an economics major who's considering a career in politics. "The opportunities for service and leadership at Centre are some of the best available. In my time here I've worked on the inside of a vice presidential debate, became active in several campus organizations and learned valuable lessons on being an effective leader. I doubt there could be a better testing ground for future leaders than the campus of Centre College."

Other seniors below describe how Centre has had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on their lives.


Brittany Andriot, a psychobiology major from Henryville, Ind.
"Centre has definitely helped me mature from a shy freshman to the confident and outgoing person I am today. Centre, with its caring faculty and rigorous curriculum, has also helped me achieve my goal of getting accepted into medical school. But most importantly, I've met some of the most wonderful people through classes, sports and my sorority who will continue to be my best friends for life."

Annie Murphy, a religion major from Louisville, Ky.
"Centre has broadened my mind and my world view. Studying abroad changed how I think about the world and my place in it. I've grown in so many ways. I've gotten the chance to do and experience things I wouldn't have at another school—like travel and working so closely with professors."

Ian Frank, a dramatic arts major from Terrace Park, Ohio
"Centre has taught me how to go into an increasingly diverse and complicated world and make a difference. It's taught me how to observe, how to adapt and how to find a way to overcome obstacles. Centre doesn't teach you what to think, it teaches you how to think."

Jordan Parker, an English major from Lexington, Ky.
"I've lived in London for two and a half months and traveled to Paris and the Greek Isles, and I owe it all to Centre College. I've dined with my professors outside of class, met the most influential people in my life and have obtained an overall experience that words can't describe. I'll never forget my experience at Centre because it's shaped who I am today."

Anne Nesmith, an art history major from Prospect, Ky.
"Through my experiences at Centre I've become more independent—especially because of my semester [studying abroad] in Strasbourg, France. I've also become a more original thinker through my independent study and senior seminar."

Katherine Abbott, an economics major from Hendersonville, Tenn.
"Centre has given me so much over my four years here. I've had the opportunity to play varsity soccer, study abroad in London, take excellent courses with top-notch professors and meet my best friends. I'm very grateful for everything the college has provided me and for everything that I've been able to achieve for myself. I feel very prepared to go out into the 'real' world. I couldn't have asked for a better undergraduate experience."

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