Westminster College will celebrate academic excellence Saturday, April 19, with its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and Honors Convocation. Both events are free and open to the public.

"The annual Undergraduate Research Symposium recognizes and celebrates the scholarly and creative activity of our students," said Dr. Virginia Tomlinson, Westminster College associate professor of sociology and director of the Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, a sponsor of the symposium. "Over 80 students have presented their work in off-campus settings this academic year, and the symposium provides an opportunity for the campus community to learn from them. While many students are participating in the symposium, many more are benefiting from close faculty mentoring, in and out of class, which makes this kind of activity possible."

The symposium begins at 8 a.m. with posters on display on the second floor of the McKelvey Campus Center and the second floor of Thompson Clark Hall. Presentations will begin at 8:30 a.m. at various locations in both buildings.

Contact Tomlinson at (724) 946-6033 (e-mail tomlinvm@westminster.edu) or visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for additional information about the symposium.

The Honors Convocation will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Orr Auditorium.

"Spring Honors Convocation provides an opportunity for the College to gather together as an academic community and pay tribute to our students for their hard work, academic accomplishments, creativity, and triumphs," said Dr. Jesse Mann, Westminster College vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.

Recognition will be given to Dean's List students, honor society members, and scholar-athletes. Tapping for Pi Sigma Pi and the presentation of scholarships and awards will be included.

Contact Gabriella Budai, executive assistant to the dean, at (724) 946-7122 (e-mail budaig@westminster.edu) for more information about the convocation.