On Monday, May 13, the Southern Oregon Arts and Research conference will embark on its 6th year at Southern Oregon University, showcasing the diverse research and talent of SOU students and faculty.
Setting the tone for the week will be a presentation by Richard Hutton entitled “Communicating Happiness,” which will conclude SOU’s campus theme lecture series for the year. Hutton is the executive producer of PBS’s well-known series “This Emotional Life.” The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in the Meese Auditorium in the Art Building.
Following will be “An Evening of West Coast Brass Music,” a brass quintet performed by SOU faculty. This will take place at 7:30 p.m. in SOU’s Music Recital Hall, students get in free, $5 for community members.
Tuesday, May 14 will begin with the SOAR opening ceremonies from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in the courtyard of the Stevenson Union. Along with performances and speeches, a hexicopter, used in forensic investigations, will make an appearance. Following will be a series of lab and studio open houses from 1 to 5 p.m. at different locations around campus.
The student film festival will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Varsity Theater in downtown Ashland.
Wednesday, May 15 will feature student demonstrations from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the SU, Hannon Library, and Center for the Visual Arts. Performances and podium presentations will take place at different locations around campus, and exhibits will remain on display.
Thursday, May 16 will feature more student presentations from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the same locations as on Wednesday, and performances, podium presentations, and exhibitions around campus. The poster session will take place in the Rogue River Room of the SU from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Following will be a reception in the Rogue River Room from 5 to 7 p.m. A production of “Avenue Q” by the SOU Theater Department will start at 8 p.m. in the Center Stage Theater on campus. Tickets are $21 general admission, $18 for seniors, and $6 for students.
Friday, May 17 will include student music recitals from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall. Student theater performances will conclude the week from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Greenway.
Here is a link to the SOAR website for more information:
According to Paul Adalian, dean of Hannon Library and the main event organizer, SOAR provides a great opportunity for students to gain experience in showcasing their research.
“It’s a great preparation for those who want to go onto graduate school and those who will be engaging with community members in their chosen professions,” he said. “The presentation and participating in SOAR [also] looks good on a resume.”
If not directly participating in SOAR, Adalian believes that students should attend regardless to lend support to each other.
