Events
2009-2010 Synergy Events
Events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public, unless otherwise noted.
Synergy Coffee Conversations (UNCWelcome Event)
Sunday, August 30, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Clock Tower Lounge, Fisher Student Center
Sunday, September 13, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Java City, Randall Library
Sunday, September 27, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Java City, Randall Library
You've read it, now talk about it. Join students, faculty, and staff for an informal discussion of A Long Way Gone. Free coffee provided at the first discussion with coffee available for purchase at future discussions at Java City, Randall Library. Complimentary copies of the book will be available.
Chris Abani, Stories of Struggle, Stories of Hope (Synergy Keynote)
Monday, September 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Kenan Auditorium
First imprisioned at age 18 by a Nigerian regime that considered his first novel a threat to national security, Chris Abani went on to write award-winning novels such as Graceland, a coming-of-age tale that explores the underground world of slums in Lagos, Nigeria and Song for Night, a novel about a West African child soldier who has lost his voice. Abani, a professor of creative writing at University of California Riverside, will discuss the struggles of socially engaged fiction in addressing what it means to be human, who decides what makes up our humanity, and if there is a standard human against whom everyone is judged.
A Q&A session will be held prior to this even for students from 2:00 - 3:00 pm in the Clocktower Lounge, Fisher Student Center. If your class is interested in participating, please RSVP to Shannon Hooker. Space is limited. Tickets for the lecture are free for students, faculty, and staff. For tickets, visit the Kenan Box Office or call at (910) 962-3500. Co-sponsored by UNCW Presents, University College, UNCW Student Media, and the Department of Creative Writing.
Screening of Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars (Film Series)
Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Lumina Theater, Student Fisher Center
Celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit in the shadow of loss and madness, this acclaimed 2005 documentary tells the triumphant story of six musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp, and found solace and inspiration through music, forming a band that would go on to travel the world.
Sponsored by UNCW Presents.
Synergy Panel, "Prelude to A Long Way Gone: Africa's Geography, Culture, and History"
Thursday, October 1, 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Dobo Hall Room 103
UNCW faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences will explore the geography, culture, and history of Africa from an interdisciplinary perspective and respond to questions.
Student Exhibition: Peering into Non-Fiction
Wednesday, October 14 - Thursday, November 5, Boseman Gallery, Fisher Student Center
Opening Reception: Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 - 7:30, Boseman Gallery, Fisher Student Center
UNCW students bring to life this year's Common Reading selection by creating a diorama exhibition depicting three-dimensional miniature scenes from A Long Way Gone.
Synergy Conversation (Family Weekend Event)
Saturday, October 17, 10:30 - 11:30 am, Java City, Randall Library
Join students, faculty, staff, and family for an informal discussion of this year's Common Reading selection, A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah.
Sponsored by Randall Library.
World ACTion Festival
Thursday, November 5, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Burney Center and Courtyard
Follow up your Common Reading Experience with a focus on human rights, social justice, and activism. Enjoy creative student performances, student testimonies, music, informative displays, and participate in charity drives. Numerous student, local organizations, and campus departments dedicated to service and global causes will be available. Learn more about global justice, local social justice, and human rights issues and find out how to get involved. Free giveaways! Enter a raffle drawing to win free prizes.
