Brandon Rosen	Kate Smiley	Newman McKay

DANVILLE, KY—For the 17 Centre College freshmen enrolled in "Rainmaking: The Study of and Preparation for Leadership," this CentreTerm will be particularly memorable. Not only will their teacher be Centre's president, Dr. John Roush, but the group recently learned that they will be spending one week in New Orleans helping Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their lives.

President Roush teaching his "rainmaking" class last year.

During CentreTerm, the College's unique three-week January term, all students take one course designed to provide an intense, small-group learning situation. The classes are carefully designed, based on the special interests and expertise of the professor, and typically include field trips, dinner discussions, labs, and other special activities to stimulate student interest.

"This course has always involved learning through the study of literature, as well as through the experiences of various guest speakers," Roush said of his class, which he teaches every CentreTerm. "This winter, we'll also have the opportunity to learn through service. This will not only be a chance to serve, but also to observe the leadership that's vital for survival during such times. Our academic focus during [the trip] will be 'leadership in crisis.'"

While the students knew their course schedule some time ago, they only recently learned about the trip to New Orleans, and the "wow-factor" was pretty powerful.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic about going to New Orleans," said Kate Smiley of Prospect, Ky. "I've been wanting to help out with the [Gulf Coast] cleanup, but couldn't really attend college and travel at the same time! I was surprised at first, but it seems like a typical thing for Centre to do, offering opportunities to students and helping those less fortunate. I signed up for President Roush's class because he's made such a good impression and the class seemed like a great way to become a better leader and have fun at the same time."

"As I heard about it I immediately started looking forward to it," said Brandon Rosen of Ashland, Ky. "I was looking forward to the class to get to work with President Roush, as well as members and leaders of the community. Little did I know when I signed up for this class I would get the chance to travel to the Gulf Coast and be part of a major rebuilding."

When asked what he thought he would take with him from the class, Newman McKay of Pewee Valley, Ky., said, " Obviously I'll learn about leadership in a time of crisis but I also hope to learn specifically about the crisis in New Orleans.   How do people band together in a time of need? Why do some selflessly volunteer their time and energy to helping people they don't even know?"

Keep watching the Web site for more reports on "Leadership in Crisis" as President Roush and his intrepid students make their way to the Gulf Coast. Also, look for stories on other CentreTerm classes, trips abroad and internships.

For more information on CentreTerm, see this preview story or check out the course listings here.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

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