Celebration of Scholars and Creators engages guests in shared learning and tribute
The College of Wooster honored the accomplishments of faculty and staff with a Celebration of Scholars and Creators hosted by the Libraries and the Dean for Faculty Development in Andrews and Gault Libraries on Friday, March 1. The event welcomed colleagues, retirees, and Wooster trustees to engage in the shared learning that is a hallmark of the Wooster community across a broad spectrum of mediums and topics from paintings and music to the role of social learning in farmers’ adaption of pesticide alternatives.
“The Celebration of Scholars & Creators was created with the singular goal of celebrating the accomplishments of Wooster’s faculty and staff, especially those whose work came to fruition during COVID years and may not have gotten the in-person accolades they deserved,” said Christa Craven, interim dean for faculty development. “We were thrilled to have author signings and sales of over 30 recent books by Wooster authors, digital & physical posters of recent research, oral presentations, technology demonstrations, musical performances, and artwork from award-winning photography to activist quilting.”
The evening opened with a musical performance by Dylan Findley, clarinetist and visiting assistant professor of music, who composed a series of movements inspired by Wooster with titles like “The Arch,” “Scottie Dog,” and “Senior I.S.: A lesson in procrastination,” to the amusement and enjoyment of the crowd gathered in the CoRE Cube. Short presentations followed, by Carlo Moreno, assistant professor of environmental studies, on his work to complete a social network analysis surveying vegetable growers across eight states; Beatrice Adams, assistant professor of history, on her work as a historian to understand the role of history in placemaking; and Laura Sirot, professor of biology, highlighting her work with alumni and students to develop a podcast on hot topics in science. A short film screening featured The Valedictorian, written by Makayla Smith, assistant director of regional and multicultural engagement.
After the presentations, guests had the opportunity to purchase books recently authored by faculty and staff in a gathering supported by the Mayer Bookstore, and many authors were on hand to sign copies and share details about their publications. The other side of the building displayed artwork by faculty and staff including paintings, ceramics, photography, and more.
Posted in Event on March 6, 2024.
