An innovative spirit has always been important to progress in our society, and, given the scope and severity of issues throughout the world, it is even more important today. Innovative leaders demonstrate new ways to create sustainable benefits by fusing a social mission with innovative practices. These leaders have a clear and compelling moral purpose; they possess effective leadership skills, they are savvy; and they are emotionally engaged in their work. Above all, they embrace innovation as a way of life.
Robertson Scholars are pragmatic idealists who act on their passions to create benefits for others.
Heart. Mind. Action.
These are the three core program values and qualities. The program selects Scholars who have demonstrated these qualities and exhibit the potential and desire to elevate them even further.
In addition to these three values, the Robertson Scholars Program believes in excellence as an overarching principle. Robertson Scholars work hard to become great at whatever their passion or task.
Heart
We want students who exhibit integrity and authenticity and act on the courage of their convictions (character). They possess an intrinsic motivation and drive for excellence, and they are willing to take risks and break out of their comfort zone (motivation). They value community and are committed to collaborating with others, realizing that great things can become even better with group effort (community).
Robertson Scholars are strong-hearted.
Mind
Beyond academic excellence, we want students with an intellectual sense of adventure; students who are curious and imaginative and seek to create their own opportunities to expand the life of the mind (curiosity). We want students who have the ability to examine information critically to create new knowledge (analysis). They possess the ability to bring what they learn in the classroom to the world, and what they learn in the world to the classroom (knowledge).
Robertson Scholars engage and develop their minds.
Action
"The end is not knowing, but action" -- Aristotle. We seek students who find new solutions to existing problems through creativity and careful analysis (innovation); who can see what problems exist, realize what cannot be changed, focus on what can, and galvanize others to do the same (leadership). They do more than work well with others; they make a team of individuals stronger than the sum of its parts (collaboration).
Robertson Scholars build teams and make waves.
Robertson Scholars:
Heart, Mind, and Action define the core of the Robertson Scholars Program -- each is an important outcome for our students, but real synergy results when the three come together.
