"Nichols Reads" Launched

Nichols College first-year students are participating in the launch of a new summer reading program entitled "Nichols Reads." The first selection is best-seller - THE KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini.

The program was launched to provide a common educational experience for freshmen and was the brainchild of Assistant Professor of Business Communications Luanne Proko.

"Our objective is to reinforce the importance of reading as a life-long pursuit of knowledge and learning," says Proko. "We want to enhance the intellectual life on campus by stimulating discussion in and out of the classroom.

According to a Spring survey, one percent of incoming freshmen have already read THE KITE RUNNER, compared to 15% of faculty and staff.

THE KITE RUNNER was chosen because it addresses a wide range of thought-provoking issues about culture, ethical decision making, tolerance and social expectations, and life within a war-torn region. These issues will be the theme for many on-campus events based on the book, including an essay contest for a first place cash prize of $300, small-group classroom discussions, and blog postings.

Students are encouraged to post their comments on http://nicholsreads.blogspot.com/