14th Biannual Edison State College Symposium

Submitted 04/16/2012

---

Edison State College Faculty and Staff are invited to the 14th Biannual Edison State College Symposium on the Lee Campus open to all throughout the district. In order that we may have a rough number for planning purposes, please send an e-mail to rswanson@edison.edu if you plan to attend.

The event will be held on Friday, April 27th, from 3-5 p.m. in the President’s Club VIP Lounge. Access to the venue is through the door at the southwest corner of the Barbara B. Mann lobby. There will be light snacks and libations available for our enjoyment thanks to the support of Dr. Erin Harrel.

For those of you who may not yet be familiar with this gathering, the term “symposium” is intended in the oldest sense of the word, as a “convivial party involving the exuberant and free exchange of ideas, often accompanied by a moderate consumption of libations.”

Russell Swanson, Chair of Humanities and Fine Arts, Arts & Sciences, will serve as an informal moderator for the event.

At the first four gatherings we searched for “Love” (twice), hoped for “Humor,” and pursued “Progress.” For number five, we invited you to “Bring Your Passion” and at the sixth gathering we encouraged you to “Follow your Bliss.” During 2008, we set our sights on “Beauty,” and explored “Freedom.” In the Spring of 2009, we considered “Education” at one of our best attended events so far. Fall of ‘09 we sought a “Balance.” Spring 2010 we touched on “Pleasure.” Last year we made time for “Time” in fall 2010, in the Spring of 2011 we searched for “Foundations,” and then last semester we took a break!

But now we are back. This semester you are invited to come help build the bridge between “The Two Cultures.” This is a reference to C.P. Snow’s famous 1959 lecture. No preparation is required and, as always, our most important goal is a charitable, diverse dialog.

I hope that many of you will come and enjoy this unique opportunity!