Coker College reveals theme for seventh annual Celebration of Academics

Coker College will host its seventh annual Celebration of Academics April 4-6, 2016. This year’s theme will be “Collaborative Learning.”

The Dr. James W. Lemke Celebration of Academics is an annual, campus-wide tradition recognizing Coker’s unique academic environment. The three-day event celebrates the myriad forms of academic exploration, both inside and outside of the classroom, that define a Coker education. In 2014, the Celebration was named in memory of Dr. James W. Lemke, former professor of political science and philosophy and a member of Coker’s faculty for nearly 40 years. Lemke was instrumental in the planning and success of the first-ever Celebration of Academics in 2010—and a strong supporter of the belief that at Coker, learning happens everywhere.

The 2016 Celebration of Academics will celebrate “Collaborative Learning” by exploring how an academic community shapes the educational journey. From one-on-one projects to large group discussions, this year Coker College celebrates the many ways we are challenged, inspired, and supported by collaborative learning. This year’s celebration will include a community service poster display and numerous scholarship and research presentations, with a focus on collaboration.

“This year’s Celebration of Academics theme of ‘Collaborative Learning’ highlights the rich and various collaborations that are happening on campus amongst and between students, staff and faculty,” said Kristin Hapke, assistant professor of dance and faculty chair for this year’s Celebration. “It is a time to celebrate and share these experiences with the Coker community—from presentations throughout Davidson Hall, to student research posters in the library, to creative research in the Performing Arts Showcase. Personally, I am thrilled for the cross- and interdisciplinary work and to see all of our efforts come to fruition.”

The celebration culminates in a Performing Arts Showcase on Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Watson Theater. This event, featuring a selection of performances from Coker dance, music and theatre faculty, will showcase the department’s work while highlighting the creative process and the importance of collaboration in the performing arts. An informal reception in the Stein Gallery will follow the show.

Events that are free and open to the public are listed below:

Monday, April 4:

• Community Service Poster Display, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Library (Poster Display runs all day Monday–Friday)
• Susan Coker Watson and Sparrow Scholarship Presentations, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., Library (Daniels Board Room)
• Education Graduate Student Presentations, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m., Davidson Hall Room 109

Tuesday, April 5:

• Community Service Poster Display, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Library
• Student Research Symposium-Oral Presentations, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Library (Daniels Board Room)

Wednesday, April 6:

• Community Service Poster Display, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Library
• Faculty-Student Presentations, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., Davidson Hall
• Performing Arts Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Watson Theater (informal reception to follow)

For a full schedule and more information about the 2016 Celebration of Academics at Coker College, visit coker.edu/celebration-of-academics.

About Coker College

Coker College is a student-focused, private liberal arts college located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom. A supportive, close-knit community prepares Coker students with the confidence and practical life skills they need to reach their personal best, in college and beyond.

Founded in 1908, Coker is a bachelor’s and master’s degree-granting institution and competes in 21 NCAA Division II sports. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as No. 5 for value among colleges in the Southeast region.