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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

President's Wednesday Message


One of the aspects of life at MCC that enriches our students’ college experience is the wealth of speakers we are able to attract to campus. This month offers a number of examples that demonstrate the diversity of these voices and the talents they bring to our College. From the creative force behind some of America’s most staged plays to the acclaimed author behind a searing National Book Award-winning history of racism; from a political refugee who turned his own struggle into a call for justice for the world’s children to the journalist who shared the story of undocumented teenagers seeking the American dream--each will bring a perspective that is sure to challenge, engage, and enlighten.

* March 9: Playwright Lauren Gunderson will read scenes from her work at 7 pm in the Warshof Conference Center, Flynn Campus Center (Monroe A). Ms. Gunderson has won numerous awards for her playwriting and is one of the most produced playwrights in America. She has a special interest in the intersection of science and theatre and in creating complex female characters.

* March 13: The Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Project presents its 10th Voices of Vigilance program featuring author Gulwali Passarlay. Mr. Passarlay is the author of The Lightless Sky: an Afghan Refugee Boy’s Journey of Escape to a New Life in Britain, a memoir. He will speak at 7 pm in Monroe A & B.

* March 14: Winner of the 2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction, Ibram X. Kendi will read from Stamped from the Beginning: the Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America at 11 am in Monroe A & B. Dr. Kendi, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Florida, is also a regular contributor to The New York Times, Salon, and The Root; an Associate Editor at Black Perspectives; and an NAACP Image Award nominee.

* March 23: Joshua Davis, author of MCC’s Common Read Spare Parts, will speak at 7 pm in Monroe A & B. Mr. Davis is also a film producer, co-founder of Epic Magazine, and a contributing editor to Wired. His writing has been anthologized in The Best American Science and Nature Writing and The Best Technology Writing.

Our new strategic plan, Charting the Course, identifies our vision for MCC: we “will be a national leader in championing equity, opportunity, innovation, and excellence while transforming students’ lives and communities.” Each week, thanks to the depth of MCC’s programming, we have the chance to broaden our own vision and strengthen our understanding of our students. I hope you will make time to attend one or more of these presentations—-and search out even more of the complete schedule of talks, performances, and exhibits we host each semester, many offered or sponsored by your colleagues and our students.

What campus event, activity, or performance are you looking forward to this semester? Please share it on the blog.

Anne M. Kress
Office of the President
03/08/2017