The Opening Ceremony for HEART Fest started early Thursday afternoon, on the Roger Williams University (RWU) Quad. RWU student, Brenna Medeiros, introduced the speakers, with the first being refugee advocate, Night Jean Muhingabo. At the center of campus, Nuhingabo read three poems illustrating the past, present, and future of the refugee experience.
Following Night Jean Munhingabo was Provost Margaret Everett. She thanked the students, faculty, and staff who ran HEART Fest. Provost Everett continued, adding that the Humanities are the heart of an educated person. The Provost ended her speech, saying how the humanities are facing challenges, but are central to the mission of RWU.
Dean Jeffery Meriwether was next to the stand. He spoke about how proud he was of the students and faculty. Dean Meriwether then touched on the importance of the humanities and how they are most important when questioning who we are. He concluded with how the humanities are moving buildings and that the new building is at the heart of campus, like how the humanities are the heart of academics.
Next to speak was Dr. Jason Jacobs, Professor of English. Dr. Jacobs spoke about the pillars of the school of humanities, arts, and education, or SHAE: Connection, Creativity, Community, and Change Making. He also mentions the importance of the humanities and the skills that are learned from them, especially after years of deprioritizing and defunding. He added on, saying that there is a return to the humanities with the technological changes happening in the world. Dr. Jacobs ended his speech by emphasizing the professional skills that the humanities teach us and shared how proud he is to stand among his colleagues.
Associate Dean Anne Proctor talked about how the quad is an area to share and communicate with others. She adds information about the origin of the Co lab, saying it was formed from faculty members wanting to know more about what their colleagues do. She concluded by saying how it is important to learn with and learn from each other.
The last speaker was Dr Denielle Emans, Associate Professor of Graphic Design. She opened with the question, “What does it mean to have an open heart?” Her answer? It is the openness to learn, grow, and change. The heart is more than a symbol; it moves life forward and sends energy where needed. She compared this to the humanities, saying that the humanities do the same, and allow students to understand, communicate, and create meaning. She encouraged listeners to stay curious, listen, and stand together, and visit the Graphic Design tables event: Coloring in Hearts.
The Opening Ceremony concluded with a musical performance by Abby Honey and Morgan Hague, an acoustic cover of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.
Left in the crowd was a sense of hope and empowerment. A feeling of connection and togetherness, formed by the study of the humanities. Along with the feeling of change on the horizon, and hope that there are better things to come for the humanities. It created the feeling that what will be done at HEART Fest is a step in the right direction and will give the humanities a bigger spotlight in the future
By: RJ Rood