KRISTIN CAPODANNO | guest writer
COLLEEN HUSTON | guest writer
Tuesday night, March 17, male and female students gathered in UTCC from 9 p.m. to midnight to celebrate women’s creativity at the Women’s Coffeehouse, themed “Honor. Unity. Celebration.” This event was brought together by Multi-Ethic Programs, the Women’s Resource Center and the Office of Communiverity. Associate Professor of English Adrien Lowery was one of the leaders in organizing the coffeehouse, and wanted that theme to be delivered to everyone in attendance.
“This is an appreciation for the range of creativity that students at APU share and the inspiration that comes from other women. We just want to inspire,” Lowery said.
Communiversity puts on a coffeehouse for the first three months of each semester and the Women’s Coffeehouse is the final one of the 2009 spring semester. The motivation for this particular coffeehouse came from the month of March being women’s history month, and also from the four founding mothers of the university, as the school celebrates APU’s birthday this month.
“It not only educates women about women’s history, but brings men and women together for a time of celebration,” Heritage Month Coordinator for Multi-Ethnic Programs Dacia Taleni said.
The atmosphere included twinkle lights, a chocolate fountain, artwork, students, professors and various staff members. While sipping coffee and dipping strawberries, students heard their peers and professors’ songs, poems and short stories. Although the performers were dominantly female, the men were also participating: Omari McNeil, Joel Simpson and Soren Baird performed songs and Brian Urtz and Everson Marsh read poems.
Many performed original work, such as sophomore social work major Leonicia McGriff, who opened the night with her song, “You are Loved.”
Other performers read and sang works from other artists who inspire them. Sophomore English major Kristen Rea read a poem she wrote about God’s healing.
“The coffeehouse is a great setting for students to share their work with other people.” Rea said.
Rea also had a few pieces of visual artwork displayed beside the many pieces by other students.
“Some friends of mine really need to be encouraged right now and that made me want to sing,” McGriff said.
These performers were invited, along with the entire student body, to share their work. The invitation was made known by emails sent out to all APU students.
The three offices worked together to create an event that brought together community, education, entertainment and creativity. The purpose was to celebrate the work of women today and women in the past who continue to inspire and to celebrate our maker who blessed His people with the ability to create these works of art.
