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The ��Ӱֱ�� State English and Humanities department hosted a pair of events to highlight their students. The annual fall poetry reading drew a large crowd in the Allegany Room and students debated general education requirements in the Student Leadership Center.  

Travis Matteson, Chair of the English and Humanities Department, emceed the Poetry reading that featured President Dr. Steve Mauro, Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely, and Dean Kathleen Casey reciting poems prior to opening the podium for students and community members. Students followed by reciting original poems or one of their personal favorites. The evening also featured desserts baked by the Culinary Arts students, artwork drawn by ��Ӱֱ�� Students, and guitar music by Dr. Tim Bocchi.  

Many of the original poems recited by students have been submitted for inclusion in Ergo, the literary and artistic publication of ��Ӱֱ�� State that is published each semester.  

Professor of Communication Nicholas Stefanski served as moderator for the fall debate. Two teams of four debated ��Ӱֱ�� State’s requirement of general education classes. One group argued the value of general education while they other debated in favor of open curriculum.  Each team gave constructive speeches, had time to give rebuttals, answered questions, and a trio of judges decided the winner. The audience was allowed to ask questions or give their opinions on the  topic at the conclusion of the event.  

Stefanski commented, “Because we often focus on campus issues, the public debate event is not only a venue for students to hone their public speaking skills through real-world experience, but also an opportunity for faculty and administrators to hear and respond to student voices on contentious issues of academic policy.”