Events at Penn State Harrisburg: Feb. 10-16

Next week, Penn State Harrisburg will host several engaging events that are sure to captivate students and visitors alike. The Kulkarni Cultural Series will present the “Barron Ryan Trio – There Arises Light (in the Darkness)” on February 11th at 7:30 p.m. in the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. Renowned pianist Barron Ryan, recognized as one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “Ten Innovators to Watch,” will lead the trio in a musical journey that captures themes of struggle, discovery, and triumph. Drawing from iconic pieces in the classical repertoire, the trio will also perform an original composition that pays homage to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Admission is free for Penn State Harrisburg students, who are encouraged to register on Engage/Corq, while tickets for other attendees can be purchased online.

Additionally, the AI in Sales Symposium will take place on February 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Events Room 210 at the Capital Union Building. Organized by the Penn State Harrisburg Professional Sales Education Center in collaboration with the Harrisburg Launchbox Powered by Penn State and Truist Foundation, the symposium will feature thought-provoking discussions on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the sales industry. Keynote speaker Michael Rodriguez, a seasoned sales professional with over 25 years of experience, will provide valuable insights into this evolving landscape. Registration for this event can be completed online at no cost.

For those interested in exploring exhibitions, several ongoing displays are available for viewing on campus. The “Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” display, located on the 3rd floor of the Madlyn L. Hanes Library, showcases items from the College History Archives that commemorate the legacy of Dr. King. Featuring student-designed posters and playbills from the MLK Campus Play Series, this exhibit is a tribute to the civil rights icon and is in celebration of MLK Day and Black History Month.

Another captivating exhibit on campus is the “Black History Month Exhibit – The Unsung Patriots of the American Revolution,” running from February 1st to February 15th in the Olmsted Atrium. Supervised by Beatrice Epwene, assistant teaching professor of communications, this project highlights the vital roles played by African American soldiers during the American Revolution. Through research and storytelling, students in the African American Studies 100 course have assembled profiles of these courageous patriots, shedding light on their contributions as informants, spies, and intermediaries during this historic period.

In addition to these exhibits, visitors can also explore “The Classroom and Beyond: Student Life at Penn State Harrisburg” and the “Archives and Special Collections Greatest Hits” displays, both located in the Madlyn L. Hanes Library. These exhibits offer a journey through the history of student life at Penn State Harrisburg, showcasing a diverse range of materials and artifacts that illustrate the rich tapestry of student experiences on campus.

Lastly, visitors can immerse themselves in the thought-provoking “State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda” exhibition, located in the 1st floor Linda Schwab Holocaust Gallery and Reading Room at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library. Developed in collaboration with the Penn State Harrisburg Center for Holocaust and Jewish Studies, this exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on the nature of propaganda, its impact on society, and how to combat divisive messaging. Through powerful imagery and educational resources, the exhibition invites visitors to critically engage with the themes of propaganda and violence.

With a variety of events and exhibitions taking place at Penn State Harrisburg, there is something to enlighten and inspire everyone on campus. From musical performances to educational symposiums and insightful displays, these offerings showcase the vibrant intellectual and cultural landscape of the college.