URAC event showcases student research, creative endeavors

NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Westminster College will showcase student research presentations and performances at its annual Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration (URAC) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, throughout campus.

More than 300 students, ranging from first years to seniors from nearly every academic discipline, will participate in the day’s events which include presentations, poster sessions, poetry readings, performances and art displays.

“Much of what will be displayed and presented is a culmination of years of study or countless hours of rehearsal. For some students, this will be their first formal presentation in college, while for others, participating in URAC is a final milestone before graduation,” said Dr. Pamela Richardson, co-director of the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research.

“The research and creative projects presented at URAC result from high-impact experiences that help students develop critical thinking skills, intellectual independence, creative problem-solving and close relationships with faculty mentors,” she said.

Posters will be on display in the Witherspoon Room of the McKelvey Campus Center in four sessions: 9 to 10 a.m., 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.

Oral presentations will be held in Patterson Hall in two sessions: 9 to 10:55 a.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Live musical performances will take place in the Music Gallery in Patterson Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:40 p.m.; and on the first floor of McKelvey Campus Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Public speaking performances will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. in Mueller Theater; Art Gallery talks will be from 10 to 11:20 a.m. in the Foster Art Gallery of Patterson Hall; and an art display will be showcased on the third floor of McKelvey Campus Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The annual poetry slam—sponsored by the English honorary society Sigma Tau Delta and the campus literary magazine SCRAWL—will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Berlin Lounge of McKelvey Campus Center.

Additionally, the debut of a new online literary publication The New Wilmingtonian will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in Berlin Lounge of McKelvey Campus Center. The new online site will be revealed and student contributors will reach sections of their featured pieces. The New Wilmingtonian, founded Dr. David Swerdlow, professor of English, will provide commentary on various subjects relating to the College and its home of New Wilmington.

“While many other colleges have an undergraduate research day, few have the breadth of participation and variety of events that we have,” said Richardson. “It’s a wonderfully exciting day that highlights the great work done by Westminster students across all disciplines.”

All events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of the day’s events, please visit www.westminster.edu/urac. For more information, please contact Dr. Pamela Richardson, co-director of the Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research and associate professor of mathematics, at 724-946-7286 or richarpa@westminster.edu.

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