The 2009 Common Reading Program
The 2009 Common Reading was Three Cups of Tea, One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. This is the story of Greg Mortenson, a mountaineer who was climbing K-2, when a failed attempt left him stranded in a remote mountain village in Pakistan. In gratitude for saving his life, Mortenson pledged to build a school in the village and has gone on to build dozens of schools for girls all over this region. The story is not only a testament to the power of one individual but also an inspiring adventure story.
Greg Mortenson spoke at Fall Convocation and then joined the four Essay Contest winners for dinner that evening. The 2009 Essay Contest winners, pictured with Greg Mortenson, are Caitlin Hearn, Thea Emmons, George Linderman, and Michelle Williams.
Case Western Reserve is also supporting Greg Mortenson's Pennies for Peace fundraising campaign to raise money to support the Central Asia Institute's mission to build schools in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. CWRU students, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to donate. The CWRU Pennies for Peace program will continue through Family Weekend, November 8, 2009.
History of the Common Reading Program
The Common Reading Program was started in 2002 for first-year students at Case Western Reserve University. For the past eight years, new undergraduate students have been given a common reading assignment during the summer. The assigned book then serves as a basis for programs and discussions beginning at orientation and continuing through the fall semester.