Happy Easter! We hope you enjoy your long weekend. When you return to campus, there will be many thought-provoking programs over the next week—including a panel discussion on the Trayvon Martin case and an interactive diversity exercise, ‘Strange Like Me.’ Here are some highlights. Have a great holiday weekend!

Global, ethical issues:  Be informed about the global concern of Kony 2012 on April 9. Invisible Children roadies and a Ugandan civil war survivor will show a video and speak with students about the ethics of human trafficking and the efforts to end the violence in Uganda and surrounding countries… “A Mayan Life: An Evening with Nicolasa Jerónimo” will be presented April 5. Her life story is an intriguing combination of intense hardship and rich cultural expression. She will weave in the tradition of her ancient people.

Thought-provoking subjects: Subjective Well Being: Michael Sadler, visiting assistant professor of Psychology, will speak on April 10 on subjective well-being, a topic on which he has conducted much research here at Stetson and at many other institutions of higher learning… On April 10, a flash panel in the aftermath of Trayvon Martin incident, will address the implications of this incident to our understanding of what has been called a post-racial, or a color-blind America. Sponsored by the Diversity Council, the panel will feature faculty members, students, legal experts and law enforcement… Strange Like Me lays bare the ugliness of hate and sets the stage for a lively discussion of diversity on April 12. This program gets college students talking on issues of racism, sexism and homophobia… Cheated! Academic integrity challenges for the modern university will be presented by Law Professor Peter Lake on April 12… As part of the Green Symposium, award-winning author Cynthia Barnett, will hold a forum on April 13 to discuss water scarcity covered in her book, “Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Easter U.S.” The symposium is hosted by the Volusia County Office of Sustainability and Energy Management, Lake County, Stetson University and the City of DeLand… Economics Assistant Professor Dr. Benhua Yang will speak on U.S. and China Relations in a time of transition on April 13.

Passover Seder: Students are invited to attend this annual event, complete with traditional order and food on April 10.

Beautiful music: Scholarship students of Dr. Stephen Robinson will perform in the Guitar Ensembles concert on April 10. Special guests include: Amanda Caban, Soprano; Elizabeth Galafa, Mezzo Soprano; and Erin Coatney, Soprano… The Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Anthony Hose, conductor, will perform April 13, and will be joined by soprano Susan Neves, mezzo-soprano, Jane Christeson and Stetson’s Concert Choir to perform some great Italian opera excerpts. The orchestra will also play Aaron Copland’s evocative Appalachian Spring, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Beautiful art: The opening reception of the Senior Thesis Exhibition will be held April 13 in the Hand Art Center… Concentrated Color: Watercolors by Oscar Bluemner from the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection continues at theHandArtCenter through May 2.

Stetson Olympic Challenge in the Hollis Center It’s not too late to sign up to participate!  This week our spotlight Olympic Sport is Rowing.  Remember to get a star for every workout you do.  Each star is one step closer to the Grand Prize, so sign up now!

Chapel Service: Don’t forget Chaplain Michael Fronk invites all students, faculty and staff to Stetson’s weekly Chapel Service every Thursday, 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. in Lee Chapel. (Only exceptions are University Holidays.)

Phil the Pig: Because last semester’s collection days were a huge success, this drive is back and ready to collect for student scholarships! Collection days will be April 10-12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the CUB porch. The first 25 people who donate each day will receive a free t-shirt! Come donate your change and make a big impact.

The Stetson Today Team