November 24, 2006

A Civics Lesson

By ELIZABETH F. FARRELL

Five years after its founding, Project Pericles takes stock of its plan to turn students into model citizens

Eugene M. Lang, the renowned philanthropist, smiles contentedly as he sits at a sprawling, leather boardroom table. In high-backed chairs, about 30 other higher-education leaders are gathered around him here in midtown Manhattan.

They have come to discuss the future of Project Pericles Inc., the organization Mr. Lang founded in 2001 to promote civic engagement among