News Release

July 21, 2006

Boise State Announces Debut of First-Year Student Reading Program

Boise State University has announced the debut of its “First-Year Student Reading Program.” About 2,000 of the university’s new, degree-seeking academic students are being asked to read “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” one of the most popular reads by first-year students on college campuses.

Coordinated by the Orientation Office, the First-Year Student Reading Program is designed to reinforce academic values, engage students in discussions on pertinent issues, and build campus community. First-year college students are expected to read the book this summer and be prepared to discuss it when they arrive on campus for the fall 2006 semester. Free copies of the books are currently being distributed to new students at summer orientation programs and via the mail.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder, “Mountains Beyond Mountains” touches on many relevant topics, including health care, politics, poverty, internationalization, and the role of the individual. “It is a most inspiring book,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “‘Mountains Beyond Mountains’ reminds us that one person can still make a difference in a world that can look foreboding and beyond the reach of ordinary people. CNN may keep us posted on the latest news around the world, but this book takes us inside the life of a doctor lucky enough to have been born in the United States, but dedicated to practicing medicine and saving the lives of the most vulnerable and powerless in remote regions across the globe.”

Kidder is the author of the best sellers “The Soul of a New Machine,” “House,” “Among Schoolchildren,” and “Home Town.” He has been described by the “Baltimore Sun” as the “master of the non-fiction narrative.” His new book tells the true story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a gifted man who is in love with the world and has set out to do all he can to cure it. A physician, Harvard professor, renowned infectious-disease specialist, anthropologist and the recipient of a MacArthur “genius” grant, Farmer found his life’s calling to diagnose and cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most.

“Mountains Beyond Mountains” takes the reader from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes minds and practices through his dedication to the philosophy that “the only real nation is humanity” — a philosophy that is embodied in the small public charity he founded, Partners In Health.

First-year students at Boise State will be engaged in discussions about “Mountains Beyond Mountains” in several venues. University 101 courses will include discussion of the book; Student Residential Life is developing programming around the book; and themes from the reading will be focal points for a film series, several lectures and other activities scheduled during the fall semester.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to read the book and to engage first-year students in discussions about it. The book is available at a discount in the Boise State Bookstore and free for faculty members who plan to integrate it into their curriculum.

“I believe the First-Year Student Reading Program is an important initiative. It is one of the items listed in the Freshman Success Action Plan,” Kustra said. “I introduced a similar program on another campus, and I can personally attest to the strong message it sends students about the importance we attach to reading assignments and class discussion. It also operates as a social icebreaker for new students meeting each other in a campus setting for the first time.”

-30-

Contact: Mark Wheeler, Student Affairs (208) 426-2384; mweeler@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Bob Evancho, University Communications, (208) 426-1643; bevanch@boisestate.edu
 
Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with about 18,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff. More than 190 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and technical degrees are offered within eight colleges. A metropolitan university located in the capital city, Boise State is committed to life-enhancing research, teaching excellence and public service.
 

The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State University
1910 University Drive - Boise Idaho 83725-1030
Located in Capitol Village, 2225 W. University Drive

208-426-1577
(fax)208-426-4001

email communications@boisestate.edu

Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007