Indiana State University Newsroom

The College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State University plans a semester-long series of lectures, performances and activities centered on the theme of "Crossroads" to share with the Wabash Valley beginning in January 2014.

"The Community Semester Series is a way for the college to showcase what it does best and encourage both faculty and students to share what they are learning with the community," said Dean John Murray.

"During our inaugural series last spring we hosted 40 events, interacting with nearly 4,000 guests. We took the feedback we received from guests and participants, along with the excitement and energy, and channeled that into our programming for this year's series." Murray added.

The theme, "Crossroads," explores not only the places in which we encounter one another, but also the junctures in our lives when the decisions we make reveal who we really are, Murray explained.

"The arts and sciences can play a vitally important role in helping us make those decisions at any stage of life," he said.

The college has scheduled events to begin in January and continue through early May. All events are open to the public, and a majority of them are free of charge. The events will be held on campus and throughout the city of Terre Haute.

The Community Semester kicks off with a reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Clabber Girl Museum. The opening reception is free and open to the public.

Lisa Calvin, a professor in the department of languages, literatures and linguistics, will discuss her experience of walking the El Camino de Santiago during a program at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Then on Jan. 28, Indiana State's Center for Genomic Advocacy will welcome Elaine Mardis of the Washington School of Medicine to discuss the next generation of cancer genomics. Mardis' presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in University Hall Theater.

Indiana State's School of Music will hold a Faculty Gala Concert with music exploring the theme of "Crossroads" at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in the University Hall Theater.

February will see events ranging from the Groundhog Day Economic Forecast on Feb. 4, a celebration of great American songs, songwriters and singers during the program "The Great American Songbook" on Feb. 4, a panel discussion about drug policy on Feb. 10, a discussion about the importance of creativity on Feb. 11, a program highlighting international perspectives on recreation and wellness on Feb. 13, a program at Allen Chapel highlighting Terre Haute's role in the Underground Railroad on Feb. 13, a video art exhibition beginning Feb. 17, a discussion of energy production on Feb. 24, a discussion of international travel and study on Terre Haute Feb. 25 and a conversation with Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett on Feb. 27.

Other planned events will include a walking tour of downtown Terre Haute, a program of German immigrants in Terre Haute, a performance of Dickens' "The Mystery of Edwin Drood,"a bat box building workshop, a discussion of the ever-changing world of gathering and reporting news and a celebration of Earth Day. A complete list and description of the Community Semester's activities may be found at: http://www.indstate.edu/communitysemester .

Contact: John Murray, dean of Indiana State University's College of Arts and Sciences, at 812-237-2411 or John.Murray@indstate.edu

 Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications and Marketing, 812-237-3783 or paula.meyer@indstate.edu