The Culver Academies open 111^th school year

           The Culver Academies welcomed 755 students from 38 states and 21 countries, including a record 330 girls, back to campus August 22 during the annual opening convocation at Memorial Chapel.

            In opening remarks to the student body, faculty and staff, Head of Schools John N. Buxton suggested that no virtue is a virtue by itself before relating valuable experiences with his son and grandson this past summer, as well as the traits that continue to make Spiderman his favorite superhero. A trip to see “Spiderman 2” proved much more inspiring than the usual big-budget, popcorn movie.

            “As I think about the Spiderman story, I have always been drawn to the notion that an average, unremarkable person—like most of us—has the ability to do remarkable things,” Buxton said.  “We see that often in real life.  In fact, I think some of you will discover that in your Culver careers. Remember, no virtue is a virtue by itself.  Service without justice may be selfishness or interference.  Courage without moderation or loyalty might just be foolishness.”

            Even though life doesn’t always imitate the ideal art often portrayed in motion pictures, the messages still ring true, he continued. People learn to care for themselves and eventually develop the capacity to care for others.

            “This is the Culver way, and it has been forever. Is it an idealistic approach? Most definitely. Is it a worthwhile approach? If I did not believe that, I would not be here today. This place, with its memorials, its traditions, its ceremonies, and its significant history of developing responsible citizens, will challenge you to develop in yourselves the capacities for special accomplishments.  Will you put yourself and your well being on the line to do the right thing?  Will you have the courage of your convictions?  Will you make the tough decision, when pressured to do otherwise?  Culver asks the best from you—while you are here and as you go forth to become part of our larger world.”

            Located on Lake Maxinkuckee in the town of Culver, Ind., the Culver Academies are boarding schools offering a nine-month, college-preparatory curriculum for grades nine through 12. Culver’s mission is to “educate its students for leadership and responsible citizenship in society by developing and nurturing the whole individual – mind, spirit, and body – through integrated programs that emphasize the cultivation of character.”

            Founded in 1894, the boys’ school is based upon a military-type system used to teach self-discipline, responsibility, and leadership. The girls’ school was founded in 1971 and is based upon the prefect system, with girls following a democratic, self-rule operation teaching similar values.

            The Academies have an annual enrollment of more than 750 students representing 21 countries and 38 states. Nearly 14 percent of the enrollment hails from such countries as Ecuador, Korea, Mexico, the Peoples Republic of China, and Thailand.

            The Academies and the six-week Culver Summer Camps, with an enrollment of 1,300 for boys and girls ages 9-17, operate on the same 1,800-acre campus in north-central Indiana.

            Accomplished Culver alumni include Tennessee Titans owner K.S. “Bud” Adams ’40, actor Hal Holbrook ’42, Weather Channel founder Frank Batten ’45, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner ’48, Penske Corp.’s Roger Penske ’50, Bill Koch ’58, winner of the America’s Cup yacht race; Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating ’60, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh ’69 of Indiana, children’s book author Jon Scieszka ’72, Abbott Laboratories Chairman and CEO Miles White ’73 and five-time National Hockey League all-star and 1986 rookie of the year Gary Suter ’82.