Celebrating Success Luncheon and Percussion Workshop

Well folks, we're quickly approaching mid-semester. That means pressure is mounting as students prepare for mid-term exams and professors roll back their sleeves to navigate through all the material they need to teach. By the time mid-terms are here, many a student and professor is hyperventilating, wondering when this will all end. It's the routine cycle of the semester.

But the fact that we stick to it means we're well on our way to success. Success isn't just about getting an "A" on the test or in the class. It isn't just about getting through another semester, either. And it certainly isn't all about how much money we'll make once this is all said and done. Success is about what we're learning. It's about leaving with more knowledge than what we started and about gaining grains of information that will help us later on. I use the collective "we" here because throughout the dance of an academic semester, students and professors learn from each other. Our lives are enriched because of the people with whom we come in contact and the backgrounds they bring. It's a win-win, I think!

This is especially true with Learning Communities. Right now, those of you part of this group are finding that you're bonding more with your classmates. You're helping each other learn the material. You're even hanging out before or after class at Wendy's (or other places). In doing this, you're becoming a community and learning lessons that transcend subject matters. You are on the path to success as students, individuals, and professionals!

But aiming for success is undeniably stressful, and as you finish settling into the comfort of classroom routine, you'll find that you're starting to stress about mid-term exams and the piling of work that ensues from procrastination (because, really, I know most of us procrastinate). That's why I want to invite all students, faculty, staff and administrators who form part of South Campus Learning Communities to come Celebrate Success with a mid-term luncheon and percussion/stress-reduction workshop led by the internationally acclaimed percussionist and music facilitator Mr. William Stewart!

Mr. Stewart spent 23 years as a member of the band Third World and during that time, Third World produced 13 albums, of which 5 received Grammy nominations. Mr. Stewart has performed with such renowned artists as Stevie Wonder, Eddy Grant, Carlos Santana and Bob Marley. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious, even for those who don't think they have a musical bone in them!

In addition to the wonderful workshop provided my Mr. Stewart, there will be food provided by Student Life, door prizes, an open mic hour, and a spectacular opportunity to strengthen our community! I hope to see you there!

When: Friday, October 22, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Southern Breezes
(Bldg 68, next to the cafeteria)

Here are some video clips of workshops and music by Willie Stewart and Third World (respectively); I hope you enjoy them!