Founders' Scholarship Competition

What you need to know

The Founders’ Competition weekend is coming soon.  We want to put some helpful information at your fingertips to help you prepare and enjoy the weekend.  Below you will find information on assignments, schedules, and dress code.

Title: Obedience and Its Limits

Description:
“What answer shall we make to this, Crito? Do the laws speak truly, or do they not?”
Socrates, facing an unjust verdict and death sentence, resists his friend who is urging
him to escape from prison. He then invites him to consider whether or not he should
comply with the verdict, and why. Our default response to authority in the family, in
religion, and in the state is obedience. But are there also circumstances that require a
different response–disobedience, rebellion, even outrage? What are the grounds for
both obedience and its limits? Socrates, Abraham, and a young Snopes all face
situations that compel us to weigh compliance against the claims of authority.

Readings:
William Faulkner, Barn Burning
Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-8, 22:1-19
Plato, Crito

Follow this link to downloadable version of the reading packet.

Physical copies will be provided for all participants at the competition.

Rubric for competitors:
  • In preparation for this seminar, you need to study the two readings above. We suggest that you read both twice, and take notes on the text.
  • Seminars are best when each speaker responds the to the ideas of the previous speaker, rather than ignoring them in order to advertise one’s own ideas.
  • Bear in mind as well that the best contributions are made by those who listen and consider the discussion, and then speak their own thoughts. Neither total silence nor an insistence on dominating the conversation yield much fruit.

Participants will write the essay on Saturday morning.  The goal of the exercise is to see how competitors write under a time limit and spontaneously, so the prompt will be announced on Saturday morning. Once you start the essay, you will have two hours to complete it.

 

 

 

Dress Code

Classroom Attire – To be observed in class and at daily Mass. Men should wear a collared shirt, neat slacks or dress jeans* with appropriate belt and with shirt tucked in, and non-sports shoes (cowboy boots and leather shoes are acceptable). Women should wear a dress, a skirt or formal slacks/modest dress jeans* and blouse, and non-sports shoes. 

*Dress Jeans: In Wyoming, “dress jeans” are accepted as khakis as a business casual level of dress. Dress jeans are very dark blue (or black) in color, with no holes, patches, fringe or fading, and with a tailored, relaxed fit.

Formal Attire – For the competition on Saturday, the Vigil Mass, and the formal dinner. Men should wear jacket and tie, dress slacks, and dress shoes or cowboy boots. Women should wear a modest dress or skirt and blouse. Sleeves are required, as are dress shoes or cowboy boots.

Casual Attire – The minimum standard that may be observed outside of the residence halls at all other times. Modest clothing is always required, and students should dress neatly and in accord with Christian dignity.

Outdoor Attire – This type of attire can overlap with Casual Attire, it is more specifically designed for performance and comfort while participating in the outdoor adventure.  Students are advised to bring trail shoes or light hiking boots.  Caving will be the outdoor adventure this year (weather permitting.)(Bring a headlamp!)

Packing List

  •  Please bring an outfit for each type of dress code described above.
  • Bring footwear appropriate for formal settings, outdoor activities, and possible rain or snow.
  • Any medicine or hygiene items you require.
  • We recommend a backpack over messenger bags for the competition.
  • At least one water bottle.
  • Layers appropriate for temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Hat and gloves
  • Pens and pencils
  • Headlamp for evening activities

Times and locations are subject to change.

Thursday

9:00 am – 4:00 pm.   early arrivals are welcome to participate in classes

Please coordinate with the Admissions Office if arriving early

12:00 pm                     Shuttle Departs Denver International Airport for Lander

6:30 pm                       Dinner at Frassati Hall

7:00 pm                       Meet with Student Hosts

9:00 pm                       Compline

10:30 pm                     Curfew

 

Friday

8:00 am                    All College Mass

9:00 am                      Breakfast at Frassati Hall

9:20 am                      Founders Scholarship Schedule Orientation

9:30 am                     Audit classes with current students (see schedule; no prep necessary)

11:45 am                     Campus tour followed by and Admissions and Financial aid

12:45 PM                    Lunch

2:30 pm                       Seminar class (Competitors only)

5:00 pm                      Conversations with faculty (Competitors only)

6:00 pm                      Dinner at Frassati Hall

7:00 pm                      Adoration

7:30 pm                      Social Hour at the Pequod

10:30 pm                     (Recommended) Curfew for competitors

 

Saturday

8:00 am                    Attend Divine Liturgy or  1962 Mass

9:00 am                    Continental Breakfast in Frassati Hall

10:00 am                    Essay writing begins at Augur (Competitors Only)

12:00 pm                     Lunch in Frassati Hall

12:45 pm – 4:45 pm      Outdoor adventure (Competitors Only)

5:00 pm                       Vigil Mass

6:30 pm                       Closing Reception

7:00 pm                       St. Martin’s Dinner and festivity

12:00 am                     Curfew (Unless at dance)

 

Sunday

5:00 am                       Depart Lander for Denver International Airport