Cider and Scholars: Reviving a Greenville Tradition

Published: November 20, 2024

In 1996, Greenville College introduced the original McAllaster Scholars Honors Program, designed to inspire students to pursue deeper learning through extracurricular opportunities and close faculty mentorship.

The idea for one of the program’s newest traditions, Cider and Scholars, finds its roots in a campus activity from the 1950s and ’60s. During that time, librarian Ruby E. Dare regularly hosted Book Ahead Day, an event where students gathered in the library to engage in meaningful conversations with faculty over shared literary interests.

Inspired by Dare's vision, senior McAllaster Scholars Kennedy Gerton and Lucas Nowlan reimagined the concept and launched Cider and Scholars.

“Since it’s our first-year hosting Cider and Scholars, I was delighted by the turnout,” said Kennedy Gerton. “The Honors Program wants to create an inviting space for conversations about our intellectual pursuits beyond coursework. By hosting an event open to all students, we wanted to honor the legacy of Elva McAllaster and her commitment to students.”

Kennedy Gerton and Professor Grant Trudel are at the snack table, and Professor Trudel greets students.

This year’s event brought students, faculty, and staff together in the library for an evening of lively discussion. Books filled the tables and desks, setting the stage for conversations that spanned topics like ecology, philosophy, and romantic literature.

Attendees explored the wide range of intellectual interests within the campus community, making the evening both enriching and memorable.

Professor Jeannie Trudel, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Development for Greenville University, has a conversation with Professor Andrea Nord, a biology professor, and Kehaya Thomas.

“We intend to host this event again next fall to honor the spirit of Ruby E. Dare's original vision for the library as a place where students could come to be with the books,” Gerton shared. “Personally, I was able to engage with faculty and staff members that I’d been waiting years to connect with, so it was a rewarding experience!”

Professor Mauricio Nava discusses Chespirito with a group of Mac students.Bethany Wilkson and Ellie Carrington enjoyed the camaraderie together at the scholarship program.

The event also highlighted an essential truth: the life of the mind often begins in solitude but flourishes in community. A love of learning, when shared, has the power to inspire and uplift others.

The McAllaster Scholars Honors Program plans to make Cider and Scholars an annual tradition, celebrating curiosity, connection, and the joy of learning together.

Andrea Nord and Kollin Fields discuss books together. Professors Grant Trudel and George Peters socialize with students.