May 22, 2011

It's His Very Own College, and Welcome to It

37.5-sphere-1

Kevin Cook for The Chronicle

Richard Liston, founder of Sphere College, has put about $100,000 into his effort, including his retirement savings and a loan from his father.

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Kevin Cook for The Chronicle

Richard Liston, founder of Sphere College, has put about $100,000 into his effort, including his retirement savings and a loan from his father.

By Joel Berg

Phoenixville, Pa.

Virginia Stewart had lost her apartment but not her sense of adventure, which is why she stopped Richard Liston one Sunday afternoon in a suburban Philadelphia coffee shop. She had heard he was starting a college, and she wanted to hear more.

Mr. Liston, a tall man with a shaved head and an inviting gaze, made his pitch: He was calling his project Sphere College. The curriculum would be individualized. It would focus on helping students identify their passions and learn how to use

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