Liberal Arts Week 2010 took place last week after months of planning. As the chairperson of the event, I am proud to say we had a successful, interactive, entertaining, and educational week. Before I discuss some of the achievements of the week, I would like to thank all of the Liberal Arts and Penn State faculty, staff, and students who contributed to the planning and execution of our weeklong celebration. Without your help, such events would not be possible. The week is truly about community and bringing together various members of the college and campus to celebrate the values we share such as diversity, discussion, and knowledge.

We kicked off the week with a discussion panel on whether humanitarian aid should be increased. Our panelists consisted of Professor John Christman, Professor Cary Fraser, Liberal Arts student Samuel Settle, and Liberal Arts student Geoff Halberstadt. The discussion covered topics of foreign aid, the economy, and the disaster in Haiti. The panelists did a wonderful job in presenting diverse viewpoints on the subject matter. Each of them brought forth new knowledge that the audience could benefit from, such as the stories of Professor Fraser’s experience living in Haiti as a Human Rights Observer. The audience was able to interact with the panel and participate in the discussion as well. Before starting the event, we took the time to introduce not only the panelists but also those in attendance to allow for a more personal atmosphere.

The second event of the week–our Undergraduate Research Panel–was just as successful and has become a tradition of Liberal Arts Week. Our panelists for this event included Dean Denise Solomon, Director of the Survey Research Center Kurt Johnson, and Liberal Arts student Edward Schwab. Each of the panelists discussed their current and favorite research projects. Dean Solomon studies communication in romantic relationships, Director Johnson oversees many of the research projects ongoing at Penn State and has studied homeless adolescents in the past, and Edward Schwab is completing research within medieval studies. The panelists addressed ways in which undergraduates can become involved in research both independently and with faculty and why research is important when applying for graduate schools. Students in the audience were given the opportunity to ask the panelists questions and also mingle with the panelists after the event while sharing some refreshments.

What would have been our third event in the series, the Cultural Fair was cancelled last minute. Scheduling did not work out as expected for some of the participating groups, but we thank those organizations who had signed up and hope to have better luck next year.

The final event–our Team Trivia Night–ended Liberal Arts Week 2010 on a high note. Five teams competed for gift cards to the creamery including a Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council team, College Democrats team, and Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies team. Subway was provided for the event, and the atmosphere was very fun and laid back. Lauren Perrotti and Geoff Halberstadt hosted the event and put together the slide show of questions consisting of Liberal Arts, Penn State past and present, and current events trivia. The questions were increasing more difficult and more valuable point wise in each of the three rounds, which allowed some teams to make a comeback.

Check out some photos from Team Trivia Night:

A wager question was also presented at the end, which stumped all five of the teams: This year marks Graham Spanier’s 15th year as Penn State President–what two other Penn State Presidents have served at least 15 years? Think you know? Join us next year if you’d like to find out!