Student research takes center stage during 7th annual University Day

    PRESQUE ISLE – From a Greek play to GIS technology to genetics, students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle will be showcasing their academic research, scholarly work and community service on Wednesday, April 16, during the 7th annual University Day. The theme of this year’s event is “Building Global Respect: Our Environment and Ourselves.”     University Day is an event that heightens students’ awareness of the work being done by peers in all of the disciplines represented on campus. The event allows students to better understand how disciplines interrelate and how the academic work they do applies to the local and global community. It is also an opportunity for students to experience a professional conference format. No regular classes are held during University Day, but in their stead, students are encouraged to attend student-led presentations and talks held during five sessions throughout the day.
    More than 200 students will present 32 talks and performances, covering areas of study as wide-ranging as recreation, criminal justice, history, business, psychology, social work, biology, political science, education and sociology. Many of the presentations address the event’s dual themes of environment and diversity. The International Students Club also will host its Culturefest 2008 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Pullen 210, offering four presentations on the theme “Holidays.”
    To add to the community spirit of the day, the University will open its doors to the public. The University Day Committee has invited honors students from local high schools. Community members are welcome to attend all sessions. All are invited to attend an open house from 10 a.m. to noon in the Campus Center. Topics will include the academic, athletic and student life experiences. The open house also will feature a panel of current students and financial aid and application information.
    During lunch, Erika Valtinson will be presented with the Recent Alumni Award. Valtinson graduated from the University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a pre-med concentration. Two days after graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to complete a 27-month physician assistant [PA] program at Drexel University. When she returned home last fall, she quickly landed a job with Pines Health and now provides primary health care in Caribou. Also during lunch, students will be able to participate in an ecological footprint activity, learning about how big a mark they’re leaving in the environment. Throughout the day, there will also be poster sessions in Folsom 101A and displays from student clubs in the Gentile Hall lobby.
    That evening, the University will host the Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow Dr. Robert Musil, who served as the head of Physicians for Social Responsibility, which won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. Musil will speak at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center on “Hope for a Heated Planet: You are the leaders we have been waiting for.” A leader in national peace, nuclear disarmament and environmental movements, Musil is the author of Changing the Climate: Healing, Humanity, and Hope for a Heated Planet (Rutgers University Press, forthcoming).
    A complete schedule of University Day activities can be found at www.umpi.maine.edu/uday.pdf.