Manchester University invites the community to attend the annual Student Symposium, showcasing undergraduate and graduate scholarly work across disciplines, on Wednesday, April 8.
The Student Symposium was started by Jo Young Switzer, former MU president and dean, in 1999 to give students and faculty an opportunity to collaborate on research and scholarship. It continues to be one of the University’s most significant campus events, offering high-quality presentations of student work.
The all-day event will begin at 9 a.m. in the Cunningham Academic Center with oral presentations and will move to the Jo Young Switzer Center in the afternoon for the poster session. This year’s Symposium features more than 40 oral and poster presentations; it also includes art exhibitions in both the Link Gallery and the Switzer Center. The keynote address will be held at 2:15, following the poster session.
“This is a remarkable opportunity for students across the disciplines––and across campuses––to come together and share their work,” said Katharine Ings, professor of English and Symposium chair. “We have a wide variety of oral presentations: from The Little Prince to presidents; from online learning to narratives of genocide. This is an occasion to celebrate our students’ work––and to learn from it, too.”
This year’s keynote speaker is senior Megan Pierce, presenting her honors thesis, “Method to His Madness: How Society’s Fears Throughout History Created Pop Culture’s Greatest Villain.” The presentation will examine the relationship between culture and comics in relation to the iconic Batman villain, the Joker. Pierce holds the Guinness World Record for “the largest collection of Joker memorabilia.”
Recipients will be named for the Jo Young Switzer Writing Award and the Poster Presentation Award.
For the media
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
