On a Friday afternoon, instead of mellowing down after a long week of classes, many DePauw Posse Scholars and "Pluses" prepared for an intense three-day experience that concerned deep intellectual debate. This year's topic, social movements, was suitably titled "Revolt? Rethink? Reform?" to mirror the actions and open-mindedness necessary for social change.
DePauw faculty and staff such as Dana Dudle, Ellen Bayer, Vince Greer and Anne Harris were only a few of the numerous remarkable individuals who participated in and supported the Posse Plus Retreat. Posse trainers and staff served as the backbone of the retreat, facilitating activities and providing positive and energetic attitudes. Andrea Sununu, a very respected and praised English Literature professor exclaims that this was her twelfth Posse Plus Retreat.
"[The Posse Plus Retreat] holds the spirit of community and empathy and understanding, a sense of camaraderie and collaboration and warmth," said Sununu.
In fact, many scholars agree that the Posse Plus Retreat provides a much different atmosphere than DePauw offers. Sophomore Anna Gawlik, a Posse Scholar herself said, "It was one of the safest environments I have ever experienced both as a Posse Scholar and a DePauw student."
Immediately following everyone's arrival, students and faculty struggled to agree on what constitutes a movement. Questions such as, "Is TOM's mission statement really a social movement?" and "Are internet-based movements the 'new' revolution?" brought many opinions to light and ignited insightful arguments.
On the following day, we began by reading headlines concerning the last decade's most popular news, discussing similarities and the importance of the article's source. Even though there were headlines that really resounded in individuals or some that did not impact them at all, most agreed that a great amount of social change had taken place recently.
Collectively, we discussed social issues on campus, such as the disunity of social events on campus, while offering direct solutions. "We need to have events that all types of students can attend," said first-year Ranyerlis Galvez. "We need to think of campus as one."
The importance of integrating both majority and minority Greek events was also discussed in length. Individuals from Student Government advocated for unity for the sake of new friendships, greater social change, a higher event turnout.
Many others, such as sophomore Posse Scholar Kayanat Parachat offered solutions that were more internal to campus and aimed towards breaking social barriers.
"We need to get people to be open to discuss misunderstandings," said Parachat. "Even though you see people in the classroom everyday, they would not acknowledge you outside of that setting."
In light of the progressive solutions offered, much dedication and hard work is necessary for social change.
The most memorable activities of the Posse Plus Retreat include traditions, such as writing "Warm Fuzzies", which are heart-felt compliments that individuals address to one another on a colorful sticky note.
Another activity, taps, involves forming a circle and counting off in groups of eight, and remaining seated with eyes closed. Then, each group silently taps the shoulder of a person, to whom they believe a prompt applies.
"The [activity] that really touched me, was the last activity, where we had to walk around and tap people," said first-year Posse Scholar Corey Medina. "When they said, 'tap somebody you're proud of,' I felt three or four hands tap my shoulder and it legitimately brought tears to my eyes."
In totality, the Posse Plus Retreat produced viable friendships and the emotional validation of all participants. All stereotypes concerning the Posse Scholarship were debunked, and many ideas for social reform were produced. But of course, as Parachat said, "You don't have to be a Posse Scholar to believe you can make change."
Many individuals look forward to next year's Posse Plus retreat including Professor Sununu.
"I think every year has its own distinct feel because the themes and the students vary," said Sununu. "Each Posse Plus Retreat develops its own personality."