Close Scholars at Winthrop University

On the third anniversary of her passing, we pay a heartfelt tribute to beloved philanthropist Mrs. Anne Springs Close. We are forever grateful for her selflessness in establishing the Close Scholars Program. Her legacy will always be cherished, and we honor her memory today by continuing her dedication to serving others.

Our next is Isabelle Roddy, a sophomore social work major from Chapin, South Carolina. Isabelle gives back to the community through participating in the York County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program.

We are proud this week to highlight sophomore Scholar Julia Perryman! Julia is from Hanahan, South Carolina and studies instrumental music education. Her goal is to become a school band director after graduation.

Meet Taylor! She is a sophomore political science major from Anderson, South Carolina. Taylor's primary volunteer site is the Adult Enrichment Center of Rock Hill.

You may recognize Aaliyah as one of our Peruvian travelers! She is a sophomore special education major from Lugoff, South Carolina. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking.

Meet Sydney! She is a sophomore Scholar from our very own Rock Hill! Sydney is majoring in dance and passionate about service through the arts.
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Did you know that Close Scholar Sean Pennington is also Winthrop's incoming CSL Chair? Here he is helping welcome new students at orientation yesterday. The involvement of Scholars all across campus is a testament to the leadership focus of our program!

We are thrilled to welcome eight new Scholars into the program this year-- six freshmen and two upperclassmen! This diverse group of students will undoubtedly enrich the learning community with their unique perspectives and experiences.

Outstanding alum Shawn Clement continues to embody the core principles instilled during his time as a Close Scholar. His commitment to these values showcases the profound impact of the Close Scholars program in nurturing capable and compassionate leaders!

Close Scholars continued to excel this spring with outstanding academic work! We are so proud of them!

Back to our regularly scheduled programming! Today we are shining a light on another distinguished alum, Alexandra Smith! We are so thrilled to see her thriving as an educator 🌟 and look forward to witnessing her continued success serving tomorrow's leaders!

Day 8: School Visit and More!

Our day began with pure joy at Institución Educativa Inicial N° 417 San Borja. The adorable students, ages 3-5, greeted us with open arms and infectious smiles. Each class performed songs and dances, bridging the language gap with hugs, high-fives, and heartwarming gestures like gifting us coin purses with tiny stuffed alpacas. Surrounded by their warmth and enthusiasm, it was impossible not to be touched. For many of us, this school visit was the highlight of our entire trip.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind tour of Cusco's rich history and culture. We explored the lively San Pedro market, marveled at the sprawling Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman where llamas roamed freely, and wandered the revitalized "Siete Borreguitos" district adorned with vivid street art. We learned about the clashing of Inca and Spanish civilizations at the Cathedral and Coricancha. Hearing tales of this storied city, where our guides' ancestors once walked, added profound meaning.

As our Peruvian adventure neared its end, we soaked up one last vibrant experience-- a dinner show featuring traditional music and dances at Tunupa. Swaying in our seats and cheering on a brave soul who joined the performers, we embraced the spirit of Peru. With photos of airplanes on the remaining itinerary, we prepared to bid farewell to this extraordinary land, our hearts full of unforgettable memories.

Day 7: Huaypo Lagoon Adventure & Peruvian Cooking Extravaganza

Sunday marked Mother’s Day in both Peru and the United States, setting the tone for a special day ahead. We embarked on our journey at 8:30 am, heading towards the breathtaking Huaypo Lagoon, famed for its clear waters and picturesque mountain vistas. While our itinerary initially slated kayaking, our guide, Manny, proposed paddle boarding and canoeing as alternate options, sparking a mix of excitement and apprehension among the group. With a spirit of inclusivity, everyone chose activities that suited their comfort level.

Upon reaching the Piruy Outdoor Center, we were greeted by Pedro, who introduced us to the unexpected paddle boarding adventure. Adapting quickly, three brave souls opted for paddle boarding, while the rest of us prepared for canoeing. After gearing up, we ventured onto the serene waters, guided by Pedro’s expertise. Cheers erupted from the shore as the paddle boarders mastered their balance, while the canoeists paddled in sync, soaking in the scenic beauty.

Returning ashore, we transitioned seamlessly into a culinary odyssey, crafting a feast from scratch under the guidance of our hosts. From mixing traditional Pisco Sours to cooking potatoes and fava beans in a rustic fire hut, every step was a hands-on experience. As we savored each dish, we were joined by a yoga group, fostering a sense of camaraderie over shared culinary delights.
However, the most heartwarming moment came as neighbors and community members gathered to partake in the leftover food, embodying the spirit of abundance and togetherness. It was a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture and the generosity of its people.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to the hotel, filled with gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and the bonds forged along the way.

Day 6: Machu Picchu

At 6:00 am, we gather for breakfast before catching a bus to Machu Picchu. Excited, we join the queue, boarding just in time for our 7:00 am entry. As we ascend, the stone city unfolds before us, its intricate design captivating. From temples to terraces, each part tells a story of ancient life.

We explore, climbing towards Huchu’y Picchu, a daunting but rewarding journey. With each step, we encourage one another, pushing past exhaustion to reach the summit. The descent is nerve-wracking, but we make it, signing out before leaving.

After four hours of exploration, we head back to Aguas Calientes, tired but fulfilled. Lunch recharges us before we relax at the hotel, preparing for the next day's adventures.

Deciding to cut our return journey short, we disembark at Ollantaytambo, shaving off an hour. Arriving in Cusco, we enjoy a pre-ordered dinner and settle into the Sonesta Hotel Cusco, eager for more exploration tomorrow.

Day 4: Visiting the Salt Mines, Musminay Village, & Moray Incan Laboratory

Day 4 was packed with adventure. After breakfast, we embarked on a challenging journey to the salt mines amidst drizzling rain. Despite the muddy roads, our skilled driver, Caesar, safely navigated us through.
At the salt mines, we marveled at their ancient origins dating back to the Incan era. We learned about their significance in Incan culture and their modern-day role in various industries.

Next, we visited Misminay Village, where we were warmly welcomed with music and dance. Immersing ourselves in the local culture, we donned traditional outfits and participated in weaving and blessing rituals led by the villagers.

After a hearty lunch, we continued to Moray Incan Laboratory, where we admired the intricate terraces and learned about their innovative design.

To cap off the day, we celebrated Aaliyah Haney's birthday with heartfelt gestures from our newfound village family. It was a day filled with cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences.

Day 3: Cusco and Sacred Valley Journey
Our group convened early at 5:45 am to prepare for our flight to Cusco. Despite the early hour, our new Travel Director, Juan Manuel (Manny), greeted us warmly at the airport, ensuring everything was set for our journey.

After a smooth flight and a meeting with Manny and our driver, Caesar, we began our exploration of Cusco, guided by Manny's wealth of knowledge. Adjusting to the high altitude, we took in the city's unique blend of Incan and Spanish influences, marveling at its rich history and cultural tapestry.
Our first stop at Awanacancha allowed us to interact with Andean camelids and learn about their fur, all while supporting a local clothing company. Journeying through the picturesque Sacred Valley, we visited Pisac Market, honing our negotiation skills and sampling local delicacies.

A highlight of the day was lunch at Museo Yukay, where we indulged in a diverse buffet featuring both local specialties like guinea pig and international dishes. Following lunch, we immersed ourselves in the living museum, gaining insight into traditional Andean practices and crafts.

Finally, we settled into the historic Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yukay, once a monastery, before enjoying a well-deserved dinner. As we retired for the night, we reflected on the day's experiences, eagerly anticipating what tomorrow would bring.

Day 2: Touring Lima

Our second day in Lima, Peru, began with a restful night and a filling breakfast at the hotel. We embarked on a driving tour of the city, led by Matos and Mayrol. Lima, the capital of Peru, sits along the Pacific coast and is home to over 600 pyramids, temples, and burial sites.We visited Huaca Pucllana, which is made of mud bricks that have withstood the test of time due to the city's low rainfall. Huacas served as alters for various sacrifices to Mother Earth, Mother Moon, and Mother Water.

We then strolled through Lima's streets and plazas to reach the beautifully preserved colonial center, where we found the Main Square with the Government Palace, Town Hall, and stunning cathedrals. Mayrol shared the historical significance of the chapels, and we admired beautiful artwork, alters, sanctuaries, and burial plots. Our final stop was at the Santo Domingo Convent, where we learned about the first black saint of the Americas, Martín de Porres, and his work with the poor. We also heard about Santa Rosa de Lima and her life of penance and care for the poor.

We had lunch adjacent to Love Park in Miraflores, with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean that was masked by a generous covering of fog. We walked off lunch with some souvenir shopping then made our way back to the hotel. Some scholars explored the hotel and neighborhood, some of us napped.

We met up later for a lovely dinner, then we headed to the “club district” to people watch. We didn’t linger too long because tomorrow we have an early flight to the Sacred Valley. ¡Hasta mañana!

The Scholars have landed!
Day 1 Peru Bound via Miami:
We started our journey early! We met our Associate VP for Facilities, James Grigg, on campus May 6th at 5:30 am to depart for Charlotte International Airport at 5:45 am. Our flight ✈️ is scheduled to leave at 8:57 am. As a smaller group, we travel together, checking in, boarding, and dining as a unit. After a 4-hour layover in Miami which included a sit-down lunch, window shopping, and a slight flight delay, we boarded our flight to Peru at 4:15 pm, eager for rest and entertainment. We landed in Peru at 9 pm, made our way through customs without incident, connected with our guide Minton, and headed to Lima. Thankfully the drive is shorter than the forecasted hour.

Hoteles Jose Antonio is a beautiful, modern, and well-appointed hotel and we are happy to be here!! We are excited for our adventures ahead, but for night one, we rest. ¡buenas noches!

Today we bring you a special edition of Infographic of the Week! On Monday, the Close Scholars will be heading to Peru for our next global immersion trip. ✈️ Stay tuned for photos!

And our next alumni highlight is... Martin Jackson! Martin is a recent graduate who is passionate about making service leadership a lifelong practice.

Meet Victoria Williams! Victoria is a sophomore, biology major from Columbia, South Carolina. Her primary volunteer site is The Manna House Food Pantry.

This year, 59 students submitted applications to become a Close Scholar. We are privileged to have so many accomplished individuals interested in serving the community through our program!

Last night, the Close Scholars end-of-the-year dinner and senior send-off was held! As always, thank you to the Anne Springs Close Foundation for providing our scholars with the opportunities to serve.

Meet Sophia Thomas! Sophia is a sophomore, environmental studies major from Summerville, SC. She primarily volunteers with Anne Springs Close Greenway and Girls on the Run.

Starting tomorrow! Winthrop's Annual Day of Giving will begin! Take a part in making a difference and celebrating Winthrop! For more information visit https://buff.ly/4aS3IDK

Close Scholars Alum, Seth Merritt, shared how the program has benefitted his life.

The Adult Enrichment Center is another incredible resource serving the Rock Hill community that our Close Scholars often volunteer with.

Meet Joseph Neiconi! Joseph is a sophomore sports management major, and his primary volunteer site is Impact Church/Winthrop Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

One of the best parts of our program is that Scholars can explore their interests and talents while also helping the community. This semester, Dance major Sydney Burkhalter volunteered her time choreographing WCCS's production of Singin' in the Rain. ☔ Take a look at the final staging! 🌟

We are thrilled to highlight another stellar alum, Maggie Claytor! She is now modeling optimism and empathy in her work at a renowned museum! 🖼️