Scholarship and Creativity Day was first held in 2001. Since then students have taken advantage of the day to present their research to their teachers and peers. This year’s event added a new twist to the already enriching day — a theme.
The 10th Annual Scholarship and Creativity Day kicked off Tuesday night with the inaugural induction of students into the Theta of Minnesota Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Also being held Tuesday night was the Eric Rego Big Idea Competition, put on by the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship.
Wednesday’s events featured student presentations, award ceremonies and a plenary address delivered by William Cronon, the Frederick Jackson Turner Professor of History, Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His address, called “Kennecott Journey,” discussed issues of sustainability and looked at how people interact with the natural world.
This year’s theme, the first theme in Scholarship and Creativity Day history, was “sustainability.” The day was used as a kickoff to the year of sustainable efforts that the schools are embarking on.
Scholarship and Creativity Day began as an opportunity for students to present their research and scholarly work. It was not until three years later that the school decided to make the Scholarship and Creativity Day an academic holiday, giving students the day off of classes.
“It turned into one big celebration day,” said Marcus Webster, the schools’ director of undergraduate research. “Giving students the day off caused the event to explode in number of presenters and participants.”
After beginning as a showcase for economic, history and chemistry research, the day now welcomes all students to participate and present their research. Over 500 presenters displayed work from over 30 different academic subjects.
“We welcome all students,” Webster said. “We have a great faculty that really encourages and supports students participating.”
Students and faculty alike see the importance of Scholarship and Creativity Day.
“The beauty of personal research is not just the self satisfaction that comes along with seeing the fruit of our labors, but rather the ability of us as individuals to make large impacts with simple observations and a willingness to act,” senior Daryl Fields said. “As college students, it gives us an opportunity to voiceour passions and inspire others to pursue theirs.” Fields’ presentation was titled, “A nanoscience approach to drug delivery systems.”
Webster echoed Fields’ stance on the event.
“This is the best kind of learning,” Webster said. “Students can explore beyond what is taught in the classroom and they can become an expert in an area that they are passionate about.”
Despite the feelings of the event’s planners and student participants, some students still decide to take Scholarship and Creativity Day as an extra day off.
“It’s really a shame,” Webster said. “This is an opportunity to celebrate what we hold close as scholars at a liberal arts school. It’s just a shame when people don’t take advantage to go out and see what others are doing.”