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Humanities Week 2026 

Monday, March 16 @ 8:00 am – Thursday, March 19 @ 5:00 pm

Graphic for Humanities Week featuring icons of a column, light bulb, and theater masks above the words ‘Humanities Week,’ with the dates ‘March 16–20’ displayed below.

Celebrating Creativity, Culture & Humanity

Middletown Campus (in-person) and Fauquier Campus (virtual)  

Join us for a week-long celebration showcasing the power of human connection. From conversations with illustrators and writers to hands-on public art, a film screening, and student performances, Humanities Week highlights the culture that shapes our communities.  

EVENT SCHEDULE

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Careers in the Humanities Panel (Hosted by PTK) 

Monday, March 16 from 2 – 3 p.m.

Hear from professionals working in humanities fields—including Dean Nicole Munday—as they share insights into employment pathways, skills, and opportunities. 
Pizza provided by Student Life. 

Locations:

  • Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center, Thompson Conference Center (In-Person)
  • Fauquier Campus, Barkman Family Conference Center (Virtually Viewing)
  • Online at https://vccs.zoom.us/j/86186352503 

Women in Humanities Online Trivia Challenge

Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m. 

Challenge yourself with an online trivia game. Faculty, staff and students are welcome. The winning student gets a prize!  

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What Your Professors Wish You Knew About AI 

Tuesday, March 17  from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Professors Margaret Ross (philosophy), Addie Jones (psychology), and Jessi Lewis (English and writing) will discuss ethical considerations and issues surrounding artificial intelligence in the classroom. 
Locations:

  • Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center, Thompson Conference Center (In-Person)
  • Fauquier Campus, Barkman Family Conference Center (Virtually Viewing)
  • Online at  https://vccs.zoom.us/j/84121849576

The Power of Public Art 

Tuesday, March 17 from 1  – 3 p.m. 

Monica James will host a hybrid conversation exploring public art and murals with three artists. Stay after for a public painting demonstration in the Corron. 

Locations:

  • Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center (In-Person)
  • Fauquier Campus, The Paris Room in the Library (Virtual Viewing)
  • Online at  https://vccs.zoom.us/j/83692226638
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Conversation with an Illustrator 

Wednesday, March 18 from 11 a.m. – Noon

Join us as we welcome Laurel Ridge alum and Kent State Professor of Visual Communication and Design, Chad Lewis, for a deep dive into children’s book illustration and the creative process. 

Locations:

  • Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center (In-Person)
  • Fauquier Campus, The Paris Room in the Library (Virtual Viewing)
  • Online at https://vccs.zoom.us/j/84433535178

Student Coffee House 

Wednesday, March 18 from 2 – 4 p.m.

Join this open mic-style celebration with Laurel Ridge students and clubs. Enjoy coffee and snacks while supporting student creators. This celebration will feature readings, performances, artwork, and creative projects from Laurel Ridge students and clubs. 

Location:

  • Middletown Campus, Cornerstone Hall Kummli Lounge (In-Person)

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Not Just Another Podcast: How Stories Build Community 

Thursday, March 19 from 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Writer and poet Sean Murphy joins Jessi Lewis for a conversation on building connections through poetry, publishing and podcasts. 

Locations:

  • Middletown Campus, Corron Community Development Center (In-Person)
  • Fauquier Campus, The Paris Room in the Library (Virtual Viewing)
  • Online at  https://vccs.zoom.us/j/88528761412

Empathy Film Club: Ismail 

Thursday, March 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.  

Join us for a viewing of the short film Ismail , followed by a discussion hosted by Laurel Ridge sociology students. Participants will be challenged to reflect on the diversity of human experiences alongside sociological concepts. 

Locations:

Who Should Attend? 

  • Students exploring majors or careers 
  • Faculty & staff 
  • Those interested in the humanities and big questions 

Why It Matters 

The Arts & Humanities help us understand ourselves, communicate ideas, build empathy, and engage in meaningful dialogue—skills essential for every career and community. 

Interested in studying Humanities? Explore our Humanities program at https://laurelridge.edu/school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/ and connect with your advisor to get started.

Prof. Jessi Lewis

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