Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia, has taken a major step in expanding its academic offerings with the establishment of the “Judge Betty Willis Ruben Center for Global Studies.” This transformative initiative, developed in partnership with Mercer University, is designed to provide students with enriched educational experiences with three main points of focus: global connection through language development, cultural awareness, and international service opportunities. The creation of this center not only aligns with the academy’s mission of academic excellence but also positions Mount de Sales as a leader in global education within the region.
One of the first initiatives with the creation of the Judge Betty Willis Ruben Center for Global Studies at Mount de Sales Academy is to build on the Academy’s existing partnership with its downtown neighbor, Mercer University. Mount de Sales Academy will collaborate with Mercer On Mission and Mercer’s Department of International and Global Studies to offer upper school students the opportunity to help create long-term solutions for global problems and change the lives of underserved citizens in other countries.
Mount de Sales Academy, an independent Catholic school established in 1876 and sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, is a Christ-centered college preparatory community of learners who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.
The Next Level of Global Learning
The Judge Betty Willis Ruben Center for Global Studies is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of the world beyond the classroom. The center will serve as a hub for international education, offering students access to global perspectives through specialized coursework, cultural exchange programs, and hands-on learning experiences. With the Academy’s support and belief in long-range obligations to the global community, this center will equip students with the resources to engage with international educational communities, understand diverse cultures, and contribute meaningfully to the world globally.
The center is named in honor of Judge Betty Willis Ruben, a distinguished alumna of Mount de Sales Academy from the class of 1944, who passed away on April 28, 2024. Judge Ruben’s legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to education serves as an inspiration for students who will benefit from this new initiative. Her lifelong dedication to justice and learning embodies the values Mount de Sales instills in its students. The Sisters of Mercy who served at Mount de Sales shaped Betty Willis’ young life. She credits those sisters, the education she received, and the lifelong friendships she made at the school, helping her become the confident, successful, driven lifelong learner she was.
Bridging Classrooms Across Borders
One of the center’s primary goals is to incorporate global studies into the academy’s curriculum on a deeper level. Students at Mount de Sales Academy can enroll in globally focused courses that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. These courses will not only provide theoretical knowledge but also encourage students to apply what they have learned to real-world scenarios. In addition to classroom instruction, guest speakers, workshops, and special events will expose students to a broad spectrum of global issues, from climate change and human rights to economic development and diplomacy.
Additionally, the center will offer resources for students who wish to pursue careers in international relations, global business, diplomacy, or humanitarian work. By guiding college programs, scholarships, and internships with global organizations, the center will prepare students for future opportunities in the international sphere.
Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects of the Judge Betty Willis Ruben Center for Global Studies is its emphasis on cultural exchange and the opportunity to study abroad. Through partnerships with schools and organizations across the world, students will have opportunities to participate in exchange programs where they can experience different cultures firsthand. These experiences will help them develop cultural empathy, adaptability, and a broader worldview—skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected society.
The center will also facilitate virtual exchange programs for our students to engage in while staying local in Macon. These programs will allow Mount de Sales students to collaborate with peers from different countries, engage in global discussions, and work on joint projects addressing international challenges. Such initiatives ensure that every student has access to international learning experiences as part of a Mount de Sales education.
International Service and Community Engagement
Another core component of the center is its commitment to service learning on a global scale. Mount de Sales Academy has a longstanding commitment to service learning and active community involvement, aligning with its mission to cultivate compassionate leaders dedicated to serving others; this new center will extend that mission internationally.
Through its partnership with Mercer On Mission, the center will provide students with opportunities to participate in international service projects. These projects may include humanitarian aid initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, and educational outreach programs in underprivileged communities. By engaging in meaningful service abroad, students will develop leadership skills and cultivate a sense of global responsibility and social justice inspired by the Sisters of Mercy and our Catholic teachings.
A Lasting Impact on Mount de Sales Academy
Establishing the Judge Betty Willis Ruben Center for Global Studies will be a landmark achievement for Mount de Sales Academy. This initiative reflects the school’s dedication to preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. By fostering a deep understanding of international connectedness, cultural diversity, and global service, the center will play a crucial role in shaping future leaders.
Furthermore, the center will enhance Mount de Sales’ reputation as a forward-thinking educational institution. By providing students greater access to international experiences and perspectives, the Academy is positioning itself as a model for other schools seeking to integrate global studies into their academic programs. It also serves as a powerful reminder of education’s transformative impact on the students who graduate from Mount de Sales Academy.
With this groundbreaking center, Mount de Sales Academy reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement, ensuring that its students are equipped with the knowledge and experiences they need to make a lasting impact on the world.