Spring Break 2012 is almost in the books, but don’t let go of that relaxed, fun feeling just yet! There are tons of invigorating and enriching activities on campus this coming week – from Willy Wonka Day in the Commons to the Model Senate to amazing performances in the arts. So plug in, expand your thinking, expose yourself to some culture and learn something. Here are some highlights:

Eye on the Arts: Don’t miss a special multi-media reading/performance featuring Stetson Poet Terri Witek and visual artist Cyriaco Lopes, at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the Rinker Auditorium of the LBC. A reception will follow in the Hand Art Center, where a retrospective of Witek and Lopes’ collaborative work, Uma Coisa Into Another, will be exhibited from Monday, March 12, through Friday, March 30.

For the Foodies: Bring a big appetite and your imagination to Willy Wonka Day in the Commons from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, featuring special chocolatey foods, extreme decorations, characters from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and prizes for students! And because we know you’ll still be hungry on Thursday, March 15, celebrate the Russian holiday Maslenitsa by enjoying some Russian bliny (pancakes), served with various fillings, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Allen Hall Chapel.

Taking Steps: Raise your awareness of social injustices experienced by people around the world at “Silent Steps,” a powerful exploration of the issues of HIV/AIDS, hunger, religious persecution, youth issues (foster care) and lack of education. Meet at the Hollis Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15.

Political Ambition: Students from nine colleges will get into character of U.S. senators for the 41^st annual Floyd M. Riddick Model United States Senate on March 15-17, also to feature lectures by two famous Stetson alumni: Florida Sen. President Mike Haridopolos and Washington, D.C., political commentator Craig Crawford.

Celebrating Research: Stetson will host more than 200 students and faculty members from 23 colleges and universities for the second annual Florida Undergraduate Research Conference on Friday evening, March 16, and all day Saturday, March 17. Stop by on Saturday to see the poster presentations and hear the faculty lectures.

Tune in: The School of Music has a fabulous week of concerts planned – Adjunct Professor of Percussion Marja Kerney will give a faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11. A guest recital in the Artists & Lecturers Series will feature “Echoing Air” by Early Music Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 13. The faculty trio Veritate Winds will perform a Chamber Recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 16. All three concerts will be held in Lee Chapel.

Speaking of (Music and Philosophy): David Schillhammer, executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will tell students “The Necessary Qualifications to Succeed in the Music Business” at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, in Room 25 in the lower level of the library (Media Services). Also lecturing this week – on the topic of “Kant’s Philosophy of History” – will be Sidney Axinn, at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the John E. Johns Auditorium, third floor of Elizabeth Hall.

Just for Laughs: Comedian Josh Blue, who won Last Comic Standing in 2006, will keep us laughing from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in Allen Hall.

Etc., Etc., Etc.: Ross Allen and Florida Natural History: A Photographic Exhibition will continue through April 12 at Gillespie Museum, and Concentrated Color: Watercolors by Oscar Bluemner from the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection will remain up through May 2 in the Hand Art Center. Details for both – and much more – can be found on the Arts Events listing. And although they are not technically Stetson events, you might be interested in the  Homelessness Forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, in Rinker Auditorium of the LBC and/or a talk by actress and writer Irene Zeigler at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the library.

A Great Way to End the Week: To get back that Spring Break feeling and celebrate that (St. Patrick’s Day and Stetson) “green,” be sure to head downtown on from 3-10 p.m. Saturday for Stetson’s spring 2012 HatterPalooza music festival featuring Jack’s Mannequin and other bands in a live concert. Get your tickets at the Dean’s Office, Room 201 of the CUB, or online at www.stetsontickets.com.

Enjoy your week! The Stetson Today team