MCC Offers Eclectic Activities for Liberal Arts Month

Friday, April 3 marks the start of the 10th Middlesex County College Power to Be Liberal Arts Festival. The Power to Be festival is a month long event celebrating Liberal Arts. The festival is open to students, faculty, staff and the public, said Susan Altman Chairperson of the Liberal arts Festival Planning Committee. The celebration is organized by a committee of faculty and chairpersons from the Division of Social Sciences and Humanities, said Altman.
“This year there are over 41 events that are open to the college community, many more than last year’s festival. It’s exciting because of the volume of people involved this semester,” said Altman.
This year’s event will include lectures, poetry readings, student films and play festivals. MCC will also host a student speech contest with a cash prize as well as several student and faculty showcases, said Altman. Funding for the event is provided by the Divisional council of the Division of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Dean’s office and generous donations from Pearson Publishing who provided the reception of keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Kimmel, said Altman.
In March the Liberal arts Festival Committee held a competition for MCC students to design this year’s festival logo. The winning logo was designed by Renina Powell, a Graphic Design major at MCC. Her design will be featured on the festival poster and on the t-shirts. Students who attend the festival will have a chance to win a t-shirt at the end of each event, said Altman.
A few of the main highlights of the festival include: keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Kimmel who will speak on “Mars and Venus or Planet Earth: Men and Women in the New Millennium”; a talk by Dr. Steven Gillon, resident historian for the History Channel; “Poets of Middlesex”, faculty members who are published authors; a lecture by Karen Carson from 106.7 Lite FM “A Career in Broadcasting”; musical performances including “Ragas, Talas and Improvisations: An Introduction to Indian Classical Music” and more, said Altman.
“There are also a number of student led events including a showcase of honors students and poster sessions from ESL students. It’s a nice time,” said Altman,
MCC faculty members often assign extra credit assignments for students related to the festival. Students who attend those events will receive a “proof of attendance” slip and an opportunity to win a festival t-shirt. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about new topics and expand their knowledge, said Altman. Aside from purchasing tickets to “Into the woods” there is no charge for any activity at the festival and students do not need to sign-up for any events.
“I think students will find the events interesting, informative, intellectually stimulating and fun. It’s important to take advantage of the free opportunities the college offers so come out and enjoy the event,” said Altman.