The Eckardt Scholar program has first and foremost given me the opportunity to study exactly what I wanted at Lehigh. It has allowed me to pursue two degrees, study abroad for a semester, and take classes outside of my major requirements without delaying my expected date of graduation or necessitating enrollment in summer classes. In other words, the Eckardt Scholar program offers an incredibly flexible and personal learning experience within your four years of undergrad.
Back during my first semester of college my then professor and current Eckardt advisor Gus told me that if I wanted to pursue both a business and arts education, then "why not?". The Eckardt program encourages students in the Arts & Sciences to pursue all of their passions, even if that means concurrently pursuing an education in one of Lehigh's other schools or taking classes that interest you even if they're totally unrelated to your major(s). The Eckardt Scholar program will introduce you to other students who, like you, have a passion for independent learning and will enhance your overall Lehigh experience.