Dear SBS Alum,

Since we started our Strategic Broadening Seminar in 2014, I have counted the opportunities to learn with you all as one of the greatest highlights of my life. Since that time, we have wrestled with ways to help you all continue your education after graduating from our SBS program. Well, we are now ready to step into that void.

With this inaugural issue of “Meditations,” our new online journal written and produced for you, we hope to re-energize your dedication to continuing your education. We hope our modest efforts will add something substantively to your lives and careers–and perhaps even those with whom you serve.

For the next 8 months (November 2018-June 2019), we invite you to join us and read Plato's Republic in its entirety. Of course, we don't expect you to do this alone! Here's how the project will work:

First, we are sending you monthly reading assignments. I have divided the text (we gave each of you the edition we are using) into seven easy targets (plus a bonus!) for you to read each month. [See assignments.]

On the 15th of every month, you will receive a new edition of "Meditations." Each issue will contain a mix of:

• A podcast I record discussing the assigned Plato reading section (Read and reflect on the section on your own before listening to the podcast.)
• Book reviews or book recommendations
• Quotes from your favorite Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius
• Featured video
• Featured soldier research/writing piece. We will begin by featuring a few projects from #SBS2018, but we hope to highlight writings from SBS alumni. These might be projects from your time at SBS or they might be new articles you wish to submit. This is your chance to think about what you might want to write and share through this platform. (Contact GlyptusAnn Grider Jones if you are interested in submitting.)

That's it! Read a bit each month, listen to my podcast, and think through it all. If you stick with us, in eight months you will be able to say that you've read and really thought about Plato’s classic, one of the pillars of western civilization. So, pull The Republic off the shelf, turn to page 3, and start reading! (You only have to read through page 44 by Nov. 15, so let's get on with it!)

As the months go by, we will need to hear from you to determine if we are hitting our mark, if you are using our work, and what refinements you would recommend. If it works and you all engage, it’s on to another book next year!

You have a responsibility to continue your education, and we are taking up the task of helping you do that, at least in some small way. May we both meet great success!

Looking forward to our times ahead.

Gary L. Gregg, PhD
SBS Lead Faculty & Director