Director: Ioanna Chatzidimitriou, Associate Professor of French, John and Fannie Seager Chair in Comparative Literature
The Dana Scholars Program of Muhlenberg College provides a four-year experience for outstanding students. As applications for admission are received by the College, exceptional applicants are identified and invited to submit a separate Dana application. Invitees typically are near the top of their high school class, score 1350 (Critical Reading and Math) or greater on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and, equally important, exhibit distinctive creativity, versatility, and intellectual curiosity. In addition, invitees demonstrate a potential for civic engagement and leadership.
The goal of the Dana Program is to develop citizen-scholars who will pursue lives of service and leadership in diverse areas of civic and professional activity. Dana Scholars attend their First Year Seminar as a cohort; they then participate in a Sophomore Seminar that introduces them to the meaning and practice of civic discourse; in their junior year, they conduct independent research in a field of study of their choice under the mentorship of a Muhlenberg faculty member; and, finally, in their senior year, they develop the vocabulary and communication skills necessary to turn their ongoing research into public-facing work in a year-long forum that brings the cohort back together. The Program offers a robust pre-orientation experience as well as multiple opportunities for social gatherings that bring all cohorts together and create a strong sense of community and belonging.
Dana Program participants may major in any field of study offered at Muhlenberg. At the discretion of the major department, certain components of the program may be applied toward the major requirements.
Dana Scholars need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.33. Those who successfully complete the Dana Scholars Program are honored by receiving the designation “Dana Scholar” on their diploma and transcript.
