Beideman Visiting Scholars Detail the Importance of a Relationship-Rich Education
The 2024 Beideman Visiting Scholar Program featured vibrant discussions about the importance and impact of relationship building. This year's program welcomed Peter Felten (pictured), Leo Lambert, and Oscar Miranda Tapia, three of the authors of "Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education." The visiting scholars spent the day on Widener's Chester campus leading interactive discussions with students, faculty, and staff about how relationships are a key element of student learning, well-being, and success.
During the keynote presentation in Founders Hall, the authors provided both statistical and anecdotal evidence demonstrating the value of a relationship rich higher education experience. According to the authors, institutions of higher education can better serve and prepare their students for long-term success by shifting away from the transactional interactions and focus instead on fostering meaningful and intentional relationships within the community. The presentation led to the discovery of how the Widener community can build additional relationship-rich experiences for its students and further advance its commitment to belonging and inclusion.
The Beideman Visiting Scholar Program brings world-class speakers and scholars to the Widener campus on an annual basis to stimulate discussions on current and pertinent theories and practices related to leadership development and the effective exercise of leadership. The Beideman Visiting Scholars Program is made possible by a generous gift from Paul and Caroline Beideman.