UNC Charlotte religious studies undergraduate Kevin Caldwell was so inspired by his research experiences last summer, at the university’s Mt. Zion archaeological dig site in Jerusalem, that he headed back again.
“To participate in that was perhaps the best, and I would have to say the greatest, intellectual exercise that I’ve been able to participate in thus far, and is a large reason as to why I’m going back,” Caldwell said. This summer, he returned as a site supervisor. The dig has now completed for this summer.
The UNC Charlotte site, licensed by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Israel Parks Authority, is the only archaeological excavation in Jerusalem currently being conducted by an American university.
Caldwell and other study abroad students at the excavation site focused on Jerusalem in the time of Jesus, within the historical, political, and cultural context of the holy city. The students completed reading and writing assignments and attended lectures by experts in the field. They traveled to relevant destinations in Israel and worked at the site with students from other universities and community members.
Arriving at UNC Charlotte as a freshman in 2011, Caldwell is a member of the second class of Levine Scholars. The Levine Scholars Program is UNC Charlotte’s most prestigious merit scholarship program, founded in 2009. The program awards scholarships, based on students’ academics, ethical leadership and civic engagement.
Early on, Caldwell realized the importance of cultivating genuine relationships with professors. From these relationships, he has gained greater awareness of resources and opportunities.
“It’s just as easy as initiating conversation,” he said. “They’re not going to do it, but you can and you won’t regret it. I haven’t regretted it thus far and I never will. Whenever I’ve approached faculty the response has always been overwhelmingly positive.” The faculty have so many demands on their time that it’s up to the students to show initiative, he said.
Along with the Mt. Zion excavation, Caldwell has participated in other study abroad experiences, independent studies, and community service projects.
“Conducting my own research has given me an independent perspective and has made me recognize some of the presuppositions that I’ve had,” he said. “It also has given me some authority to speak and engage in the discussion, and that’s been an inspiring and wholeheartedly rewarding experience thus far.”
In his community activities, Caldwell has interned with The Levine Museum of the New South, cooked meals at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and tutored at James Martin Middle School.
“It’s good to give back and maybe inspire them to reach higher,” he said, reflecting on his work with middle school students
Caldwell expects to continue to explore his world and draw from the skills and knowledge he has gained in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “I’m very optimistic,” he said. “I’ve received a fantastic education here. While I don’t know the specifics of where I’ll be in five, 10, 20 years from now, I know that I’m going to do something, and I’m going to impact the community in a positive way.”
Words: Cady Ray, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences communications intern
