No Beret Required

Last night saw Uni's first ever evening open mic-- and it happened in the library, natch. Inspired by National Poetry Month, fueled by olives, bread, cheese, and fizzy drinks, and surrounded by the notes of Miles Davis's Kind of Blue wafting through the dusk, our enthusiastic students shared words that matter. Whether their own poems and reflections or those of Sierra DeMulder, T.S. Eliot, Robert W. Service, Billy Collins, and Charles Bukowski, these words -- and, more importantly, the communal experiencing of them -- made the evening special indeed. Here's to many more!

 

 

Printing: Now in 3D!

Need a bicycle part? Or a cell phone case? Or a thingamajig? We got just the tool for the job! Uni's 3D printer, generously donated by alum Blaine Garst, has been getting lots of use this year, though not everyone knows how to use this awesome piece of equipment. Thanks to seniors Ansel and Noah and their Agora Unleashed talk, Make and Take (or Give): 3D Printing and Modeling for Your Life, we now have an idea of where to start!

Mr. Russell checks out the very important thingamajig.

Ansel explains modeling software.

Bicycle parts, orbs, and thingamajigs-- oh my!

Making Noise about Silence

In honor of last Friday's National Day of Silence, the Uni Spectrum Club held an open mic today in the library. With great turn-out and even better contributions, this thoughtful, enthusiastic, and downright slammin' event might just become an annual tradition!

Club president Bella sets the stage.

Carmen the Brave kicks things off with her reflections.

Sophomore Emilie has a story -- and a smile -- to share.

Senior Sofia tells about a meaningful performance art piece she witnessed on a recent college visit.

Ms. Majerus weighs in.

Linus reflects.

Subbie Kate slams Gay by Brian O'Reilly, aka Bribry.

Ms. Green reflects on collusion-- no matter how small.

Ms. Majerus sets up one of her favorite poets, Denice Frohman.

Sofia shares one of Shel S's greatest.

The whole event might be best summed up by the last piece performed, Shel Silverstein's There is a Voice Inside of You:
                           
There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
‘I feel this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.’
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you–just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.

Singing Solar

Today we had a visit from Illinois Sustainability Coordinator -- and Uni alum -- Morgan Johnston. Morgan kindly shared with us not only her time, but also her insight into the University's various projects and efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050. Best of all, she even had ideas for Uni, and how our community can help support and lead these efforts. Thanks, Morgan!

The Good, the Bad, and the Techie

In another edifying Skype session organized by the SSO, Uni alums Gloria and Lara made a cameo appearance on the library screen to discuss the pros and cons of tech schools. Now at Cal Tech and Georgia Tech, respectively, these two young women had much to say about their college experiences so far. For instance, did you know at tech schools, students might convert a room of a house into a giant hot tub? Oh yeah-- and the academics are pretty important, too.

To Tech or Not to Tech? These students want to know.

The magic of split screen: double the info, double the smiles!

Thanks, gals, for sharing your wisdom and your smiling faces!

Students Beat Down Doors for Agora Unleashed Session

Katie (seated) had to fend off at least zero other students for her chair.

Today's rousing Agora Unleashed discussion saw an astounding turnout of one (1) student for Peeling the Onion: The Art of Satirical News. Nicholas had a hard time controlling the crowd, but somehow managed to keep attendant Katie T. focused.

Though librarian Amy and GA Amanda also joined in, their in loco parentis status voided the legitimacy of their presence. "Amy and Amanda?" said Nicholas, "That's like the library equivalent of having your mother attend. They're like morally obligated to support you."

 

 

Nicholas, Katie, and surrogate mom Amanda work on their own satirical news stories.

We'll remember that come Mother's Day.