Spring 2024

During the spring semester, the seminar focused on empathy, a topic proposed by the Park Scholar Class of 2027.

Daniel Sitts

Daniel Sitts ('12)

The first of three separate programs featured Park Scholar Daniel Sitts (’12). Before coming to speak with the Park Scholars, Daniel Sitts shared a documentary on his work with StoryCorps. He then taught Park Scholars how StoryCorps builds a culture of listening to foster greater awareness, empathy, and inclusion.

In the second program, Park Scholar Bailey Reagan (’12), gave Park Scholars a series of preparatory exercises to building empathy and then came to Ithaca to guide Park Scholars in their own personal—and collective—practice of empathy.

Bailey Reagan ('12)

Bailey Reagan ('12)

The third program featured Park Scholar Maura Gladys (’11). She has spent much of her career traveling the world and documenting women’s soccer and the role of empathy in helping to build the resources necessary for the full participation of female athletes in national and international sports competitions. Maura Gladys came to Ithaca to contribute to the semester-long conversation on the importance of empathy in telling untold stories. In preparation, Park Scholars watched a series of documentaries, to gain a deeper understanding of the impact and scope of Maura Gladys’s professional work.