As part of our new partnership with Girton College, University of Cambridge, Sigma Tau Delta members were represented at the College’s Lifelong Learning Summer Program in the UK. Four alumni and two current and former Board members took part, participating in lectures, seminars, and cultural excursions. The program not only offered them the chance to engage with leading scholars and new, diverse, perspectives at a world-leading research university, but also to strengthen their skills as lifelong learners. They returned enriched with fresh insights, intellectual inspiration, and lasting connections. Look out for alumni and faculty applications for the 2026 Lifelong Learning Summer Program this fall, and new opportunities for undergraduate students will be coming soon!
In just two short weeks, the Girton College Lifelong Learning Program has cemented itself in my memory as one of my favorite trips to the UK, educational or otherwise. There is a little something for everyone on this program: well-presented lectures, social outings, and perfect places for quiet retreat.
When applying to the program, I requested to be placed in lectures outside of my usual academic scope: British Government, Architecture of Cambridge, European Politics, and Scientists of Cambridge. With no exams or papers to cram for, I was able to enjoy learning outside my niche without the pressure of deadlines. That being said, I am sure that any of my fellow Sigma Tau Deltans reading this know that it’s impossible not to quietly incorporate an engaging lecture into one’s own writing, and on this program I made connections—academic and social—in some surprising places.
As part of the Architecture course we had two city visits led by our lecturer. On one of these, we visited the Wren Library to observe the architecture, but I was drawn away by an exhibit the library was hosting on women in science—which, conveniently, introduced me to the works of Ireland’s first female botanist, filling in some of the historical blanks I’d drawn in the plotting of my novel. Another Architecture course trip took us to King’s College Chapel, where the soaring fan vaulted ceiling and kaleidoscope stained glass set this little Gothicist’s heart aflutter.
As my photos from the program show, I spent a lot of time sitting at a quiet wooden bench behind the Ash Court buildings, shrouded by the hanging limbs of a massive tree. It was there that I took my new ideas inspired by the city and massaged them into my existing writing. When chased away by the afternoon rain, I took my work inside to a no less beautiful scene to watch through the window by my desk, the beaming daffodils outside my window swaying in the breeze while the raindrops made music against the glass. I cannot stress enough how the beauty of the place inspired such creativity in me, as if the gardens and courtyards themselves were reaching into my mind and bringing forth the best parts of my ideas. One might go so far as to call my experience with Girton a writing retreat with extra (engaging and enjoyable) steps!
One of these extra steps was the social aspect of the program, which I found to be a perfect counterweight against my burning urge to melt into the scenery and simply exist in the space. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite outing, considering that every single one was well organized, thematically appropriate, and thoughtfully executed with considerations for the physical abilities of everyone on the program. Some of these social outings didn’t even require leaving the college, including the one that was the hardest for the Student Ambassadors to sell me on, but which ended up being one of my favorite memories: karaoke night in the social hub. Simone and I absolutely bossed it singing Hit Me With Your Best Shot, for the record.
The thing people asked me about the most upon my return from the program was the Formal Hall, a weekly Cambridge tradition. We assembled first in the Fellows Room for a bit of light chatter and drinks, then we were summoned for dinner directly from there. Entering the dining hall for Formal is far different than for a regular dinner; it feels almost as if you are in a different room entirely. With the lights low, candles burning on the tables, and place settings for a 3-course meal, one could be forgiven for mistaking the dining hall for a ghostly illusion of times past. With my head already swimming with Gothic imaginations fit for Catherine Morland, this delightful evening of dress-up and celebration was the perfect way to close out the week.
There is so much more to this program than I could ever fit in 700 words, so I must encourage you, dear reader, to go experience it for yourself. I’ve barely scratched the surface of everything I loved about these two weeks, and there’s nothing like living it.
Robin Bozik
Alpha Chi Xi Chapter, Alum
Clark University, MA
Lifelong Learning Summer Program at Girton College
We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between Sigma Tau Delta and the University of Cambridge, UK, offering access to Lifelong Learning Summer Courses in the arts and humanities at the prestigious Girton College, Cambridge.
Girton College, founded in 1869, was Britain’s first residential college for the degree level education of women. It opened its doors to men in 1979 and has remained a pioneer of inclusive excellence. With its historic architecture, distinguished faculty, and commitment to intellectual rigor, it offers a rich environment in which to learn.
These immersive courses are designed to enrich academic and professional growth while offering a unique opportunity to experience the inspiring environment of Cambridge.
How to Apply
Submissions for the Lifelong Learning Summer Program at Girton College are accepted through AwardSpring. The link to access the Sigma Tau Delta AwardSpring platform will be posted on the AwardSpring Application informational page of our website once the Winter Awards Cycle opens.
If you are using AwardSpring for the first time, you must create an account by clicking “Register.” If you have used AwardSpring previously, you should login using your email address and existing password.
Submission Requirements
To learn more about the program, please visit the Girton College Lifelong Learning page where you will find details of course offerings (including outline syllabi), information about college life, the social activities included, full details of fees, and a digital brochure.
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