Page 40 - The Bell Tower - Fall 2014

Putting Education to Practice
The University of Maine at Fort Kent held the fifth annual Scholars’ Symposium at the end of April. Over the course of the events, the participants learned from each other, showed off their own knowl- edge, and increased the value of their education. The theme for the event this year was “The Language of Learning.”
The symposium began Thursday,
April 24, with a panel discussion on the importance of a secondary language in today’s work force, which drew a large and
engaged audience.
Friday’s schedule began at the Fox
Auditorium with a welcome from UMFK President Wilson G. Hess and keynote speakers in the Fox Auditorium. Katharine Harrington, associate professor of French at Plymouth State University, gave a pre- sentation, followed by Michael Schiano, associate professor of music theory at the University of Hartford.
After the keynote addresses, students gave presentations simultaneously in the Fox Auditorium, and other students pre- sented puppet shows in the Nadeau Hall teleconference room of classic children stories they adapted to modern audiences.
The Symposium moved to the UMFK Sports Center for the popular poster and project session. The session involved stu-
dents displaying poster presentations of their work and answering questions about their topics.
For many students, the work they pre- sented was as well-researched and orga- nized as what it might be in professional circles and academic publications. UMFK President Wilson Hess gestured to the displays that students had set up at the UMFK Sports Center, “We’re seeing things that could easily be presented there (in real-world settings).”
Hess said the students who partici- pated gained a boost to their careers and to the value of their education. “This sort of thing raises their professionalism and marketability.”
The Symposium showcased academic achievements by encouraging students to conduct research, organize their results, and create a professional presentation to peers and professionals within their area of learning.
The UMFK Scholars’ Symposium con- tinues to foster a community of engaged educators, researchers, and life-long learners who value academic excellence, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity.
Waneta T. Blake Visiting Professor
Author Den Latham was the University’s Waneta T. Blake Visiting Professor this past spring. The event was in conjunction with, the Environmental Studies Speaker Series. Latham presented on his book, “Painting the Landscape with Fire: Longleaf Pines and Fire Ecology” to a full house.
Latham beautifully tells the story of the resilience of these woodlands and of the resourcefulness of those who work to see them thrive. Fire is destructive in the case of accidents, arson, or poor policy, but with the right precautions and safety measures, it is the glowing life force that these forests need.
Den Latham is a nature writer. His articles have appeared in South Carolina
Wildlife, Pee Dee Magazine, Sandlapper, and the Aroostook Review. Latham is a founding member of Friends of Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.
He is involved with conservation activi- ties and natural resources education pro- gram in his area. Latham interests also include writing, painting, backpacking, and kayaking. He is a three-time member of the
US East Surf Kayak Team.
The visiting professorship at UMFK is
designed to bring noteworthy writers and scholars to the college to work with stu- dents through courses, workshops, and seminars. The professorship is offered by the UMFK Division of Arts and Sciences English program.
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