4th Annual Wiggins Memorial Library Academic Symposium Schedule on 3/26
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Oral presentations and musical performances (Wiggins, Butler Chapel)
3:30-5 p.m.: Poster presentations, artist showings and floating reception (Wiggins)
5-7 p.m.: Oral presentations (Wiggins)
7-8 p.m.: Poster presentations (Wiggins)
All day: Artwork on display (Wiggins’ lobby)
A detailed schedule, with each student’s project, can be found here.
BUIES CREEK — More than 120 students from 22 disciplines will present their original research, perform their original musical compositions, or display their original artwork during the Wiggins Memorial Library’s 4th Annual Academic Symposium at Campbell University on March 26. The symposium is open to students, faculty, staff and other guests, and will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. that Wednesday.
In all, there will be 121 students who present, perform or display a total of 79 works, making it the largest university-wide research symposium that the library has held since it began sponsoring the event in 2011. It’s almost double the size of last year’s symposium.
“The entire event is gaining momentum and buy-in from students and faculty from year to year,” said Sarah Steele, head of research and instruction services at Wiggins Memorial Library.
For the first time this year, the math departments, fine arts department and law school will be represented. Another first this year: musical performances will feature original compositions by Campbell students in Butler Chapel and students’ original artwork will be on display in the Wiggins Memorial Library’s lobby throughout the day.
Faculty in departments across the campus nominated the students whose work will be displayed, performed or presented.
“My hope is that students will be inspired by the work that is presented,” Steele said. “The research, artwork and musical compositions that have been nominated represent some of the best work at Campbell University.”
Among the students participating in the symposium will be Kenneth Vandergriff, a third-year Master of Divinity student. Vandergriff hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in religious studies and focus his doctoral research on the apocalyptic thoughts of the Johannine community. The symposium gives him an opportunity to enhance his research skills and credentials and offers him and other students the chance to get feedback beyond their professors.
“This feedback helps students see ‘holes’ in their argument and where they need to further their research,” Vandergriff said. “It also provides a safe environment to test ideas, theories or arguments.”
Visit the Wiggins Memorial Library website for a full list of the students participating in the symposium, as well as a description of their work and at what times they’ll present or perform.
“Sitting in on presentations and strolling through poster sessions and art displays promises to be enjoyable and energizing. Some students may even walk away from the symposium having solidified their choice for a major,” Steele said. “Faculty who attend are sure to sense the value of a university-wise research conference when they see the pride on students’ faces as they share their work.”