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Faculty and staff at 51Ʒ�� are presenting some of the latest and most interesting topics at the event known as Common Hour.  

This year, Melodie Hoff and Ronda Ranalli are in charge of creating and scheduling these events. Melodie Hoff stated , “The Common Hour events are particularly meaningful to schedule because they create a sense of community among faculty, staff, and students. Planning Common Hour events is not stressful because presenters are always eager and excited to participate and share their research, and attendees enjoy the fellowship. The fresh baked pizza and cookies are also a delicious bonus.” 

What is Common Hour? 

Common Hour’s goal is to highlight 51Ʒ��’s professors, faculty, and students who have conducted research in their specific fields of study.  Common Hour events are scheduled each  semester with new speakers presenting their research. Professor Julie Raulli shares her excitement on the upcoming Common Hour in October, “I am excited that several recipients of the Earthwatch Award, myself included, will be able to share their "citizen science" experiences with the Wilson community. I'm also excited that Joan Thuebel, Class of '52, who generously supports this opportunity, and Denise McDowell, Director of Major Gifts, will be present to discuss the history of the Earthwatch Award at Wilson.” 

Truly, Common Hour sessions are not to just share the research, but also to encourage curiosity, questioning, and further research. Dr. Michael Cornelius says that, “Events like these are, in some ways, the purest form of that – an audience listening to a passionate speaker talk on a matter they have been very recently researching, and then asking questions and sharing their own thoughts on the subject as well.” 

When is Common Hour Held? 

 Common Hour is open to the public to come listen and enjoy learning. The next Common Hour dates are October 10th and November 14th. The talks are held on the ground floor of the John Stewart Memorial Library from 11 a.m. till Noon. The faculty senate, Melodie Hoff, Ronda Ranalli, and Dr. Michael Cornelius believe that “knowledge and learning are at the heart of everything we do.” 

Common Hour does just that.  

Why should I attend Common Hour? 

Common Hour strives to encourage further knowledge, learning, and growth.  

Though life may get overwhelming at times and students are constantly on the move here at 51Ʒ��, Common Hours may be just the perfect break to walk away from the busy schedule, listen, and take in new, fascinating ideas and information about our world. Common Hour aims to always remind Wilson faculty, staff, and students that learning, gaining knowledge, and encouraging curiosity is at the heart of growth, spreading ideas, and making impossible dreams become a reality.  

For more information on Common Hour visit /common-hour or our social media pages.  

Written by Morgan Faith for ENG 309 Social Media/Web Content Practicum class