Please join the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities' Scholarship Spotlight on Wednesday, February 19, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Pace Library second floor multipurpose room (room 215). February’s Scholarship Spotlight is a celebration of artistic expression in its many forms—from the emotive power of song to the depth of poetic language.

Dr. Grier Williams School of Music Faculty: Cory McKern, Sheila Dunn, and Blake Riley will take us on a musical journey through “Joy” and “Hope,” exploring the human experience through the works of contemporary composers Ricky Ian Gordon and Ben Moore. Jonathan Fink (Department of English) will share selections from his latest poetry collection, Don't Do It - We Love You, My Heart, offering insights into creativity, artistic inspiration, and the transformative power of language. Join us for a dynamic blend of music, poetry, and thought-provoking conversation that showcases the many ways art helps us interpret, celebrate, and understand the world around us.

Sheila Dunn, Cory McKern, and Blake Riley - Dr. Grier Williams School of Music

“Joy” and “Hope”: Understanding the Human Experience Through Song

Sheila Dunn, Corey McKern, and Blake Riley will perform and discuss works by contemporary composers Ricky Ian Gordon and Ben Moore. Through Gordon's settings of Langston Hughes' poetry and Moore's powerful song cycle, this program celebrates the enduring power of joy and hope.

Jon Fink - Department of English

Don't Do It - We Love You, My Heart

Jonathan Fink will be reading from his new collection of poetry, Don't Do It - We Love You, My Heart (Dzanc Books, January 2025). Additionally, Jon will discuss sources of artistic inspiration and strategies for deepening one's creativity, perception, and artistic expression.