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Show 4 ASWC FORUMFORTNIGHTLY.COM Thinks Big Continued from Pg. 1 Its almost like a May 10-min- ute Term, but theres even more freedom -they can literally talk about anything, said ASWC President Ben Wilkinson. Westminster Thinks Big is mod- Encourage interdisciplinary discussions Alumni relationships with Another goal for the event is to Brown said she hopes that Westminster Thinks Big will foster alumni relationships with current students. We have these really great, successful, innovative, creative big thinkers who graduated here but we feel so disconnected from them, she said. Students need to be able to see that this person is and thats what I have the potential to do. Brown said alumni surveys report that alumni want to have these meaningful relationships, and students should take advantage of that. courage interdisciplinary discussions and research. Sam Wilkinson said, Students in the audience may hear a talk that they are really moved by, and they can go approach that professor later and maybe collaborate on some kind of research or eled after Harvard Universitys Harvard Thinks Big program. Brown said she is excited about how well Harvard has done in the four years that it has been going. Its so big now that students line up around buildings to get tickets so they can just be there, even though they are free, she said. And thats inspiring. project. Its and son. a chance for students to come said Ben Wilkin- cross-pollina- te, A biology major can come listen that gives meaning to students degrees. Westminster is trying to prepare us to be the people who go out into the workforce and say give me whatever problem youre dealing with and Ill be able to come at it with a lot of different perspectives, and well work through this because I have this wide background and ability to pull all of these ideas to- to an economics lecture and make connections. Brown said she often hears other students ask Why does this matter? gether, she said. Seeing the Big Picture Sam Wilkinson said, The whole surrounding their coursework, and that The idea to bring this event to caminterdisciplinary discussion can answer goal is to get Westminster students to this question. pus was Browms idea, and inspired by be thinking big. We want to get them to I think students have a hunger to a Tweet. The tweet was a quote from look at themselves and their education know what they can be doing with the a Harvard Thinks Big speaker Michael and think about how they can apply that stuff they are trying to cram into their Puett: to make a difference in the world. brain every day, she said. These discussions need to happen more, said Brown. That is how ideas Harvard University ; Har.2r5 2F in the academic world become actions world Weve left you a foolishly complacent way of thinksng-Th- e in the real world. weve left you with, bad as it is. can still be saved hvrd me.WMEVrz I think that this gets at that spirit Q Vie w summary and that conversation, she said. Heres how weve given you the tools to go out and change the world, save the worlds problems the ones that our genera- The tweet that inspired Leslie Brown to bring Westminster Thinks Big to campus. This tweet is a quote from Harvard Thinks Big speaker Michael Puett. tion are going to inherit. Showcasing big ideas Wilkinson said one goal for Westminster Thinks Big is to showcase big ideas from faculty, staff, alumni and eventually students in future years. A lot of times what students see is just curriculum, he said. A lot of our professors have vast knowledge that they dont always get to showcase. ASWC Vice President Sam Wilkinson said they are looking for creative ideas from speakers. Most of the time they are two topics you wouldnt always relate with each other, he said. Like, for example, how I dont to cure AIDS using music know, things like that where youre like Wait, what the? and then you listen to it and you think Whoa, that makes sense. - en- students Brown watched Puett talk, and she said he has a big picture perspective. The speaker said that his generation has taught younger generations to think too passively, and urges students to be proactive thinkers instead. Brown said she hopes that Westminster Thinks Big will encourage f - of - Commencement speaker announced, Robert Redford is coming to town is Westminster College pleased to announce Robert Redford as the 2013 Commencement speaker. The ceremony will be held June 1, 2013, 1:45 p.m. at the Maverick Center in West Valley City, UT. Redford will speak to more than 900 graduating seniors during commencement. The actor, director, and producer is also the founderpresident of the Sundance Institute, based in Utah. Known for his roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Horse Whisperer, and many others, Redford is also recognized for his support of engaged storytelling through the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute. As an environmentalist, Redford is a tireless activist who has earned numerous awards for his conservation efforts. Westminster is excited to welcome a commencement speaker with a passion for broadening the creative mind, provoking thought, and en couraging social responsibility, said Westminster president, Dr. Our Brian graduating seniors are prepared to take on lives of success and meaning. They have mastered a demanding curriculum, grounded in the liberal arts and exploring one or more disciplines in depth, often through original research. They can think critically and communicate effectively. More importantly, they will be lifelong learners, quick to adapt to changes in their lives and in their environment. They have demonstrated social responsibility through their service to the community and their commitment to the environment. Robert Redfords passionate commitment to social justice will be an exciting model for our graduates. Levin-Stankevic- esy h. of Westminster College -- Communication Office In the homecoming parade of 1972, Robert Redford walked in the procession. He crowned the homecoming queen. Tg V |
