Taos Retreat

First-year President’s Scholars gather by "the tree"
on their first Taos trip over Labor Day 2007.

Rising Sophomore President's Scholars Elizabeth Tsai,
Kaley Marcis, Mariam Ishaque, and Clayton Vaughters
at the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico.
(In the background is Michael Sheetz)

At the President’s Scholars retreat at SMU-in-Taos, scholars hear from Associate Provost Tom Tunks and History Professor Jim Hopkins about the activities of the weekend and the history of the sites to be visited.

On a field trip Bandelier National Monument, Scholars learn about a ceremonial kiva from SMU-in-Taos director Mike Adler and hike through cliff dwellings and rock formations.

Later, students rest after hiking to ancient cliff dwellings, and senior
Alexis Darrough shows her affection for a tree.

Students visit the house of noted Taos Artist Irving Couse.

On a field trip to the Rio Grande Gorge, President’s Scholars gain
new perspectives on a geological wonder.

Taking a break are Beth Mably, Jenna Reekie and Allison Chandler,
while PS coordinator Martha Starke
fights the wind to take a photo.

The traditional bonfire at the old fort
is a time for continued camaraderie
and the bittersweet senior group photo.

Retreat Talent Show

The highlight of the President’s Scholars Retreat is the talent show, which features everything from skits and songs to dance routines
and other expressions of creativity.