Liberal Arts to recognize Distinguished Alumnus among its many upcoming events

The School of Liberal Arts is keeping busy this semester and working hard to offer "something for everyone," including the school's Distinguished Alumnus award, being bestowed this year upon Foster Dickson.

Dickson will receive the award and give a talk on Tuesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. on the 10th floor of the Library Tower. He earned his bachelor's degree in English from AUM in 1996 and the Master of Liberal Arts from AUM in 2008. He has authored three published books and was a co-recipient of the inaugural Lillian E. Smith Foundation’s Writer-in-Service Residency. Dickson teaches creative writing at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery.

"It’s a real honor to be recognized by the faculty who taught me in both my undergraduate and graduate degrees and with whom I have worked on projects here and there," Dickson wrote on his website.

The Distinguished Alumnus presentation is just one of the many events Liberal Arts has on the calendar. You can always visit Liberal Arts Events to see what's happening, but here's a taste of what's coming up to whet your appetite for knowledge (all events are open to the public):

Silhouettes of Courage: Marching To Equality
Monday, April 23, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Goodwyn Hall Gallery

Designed and curated by students in the Department of Fine Arts, the exhibit features photographs from the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Library of Congress. The exhibit highlights the contributions of Rev. Robert S. Graetz, Dr. Gwendolyn M. Patton and Virginia Durr, among others. The exhibit will run through April 27. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Dr. Keri Watson at kwatson9@aum.edu or Dr. Mark Benson at 244-3385.

"a woman like that"
Thursday, April 26, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 112

Filmmaker Ellen Weissbrod will host a question and answer session after a screening of her film "a woman like that." There will also be a reception. Weissbrod merges her own coming of middle-age story with her pursuit of the truths behind the legends of 17th-century female painter Artemisia Gentileschi's provocative work and dramatic life. This unconventional but heartfelt hunt upends typical artist biographies and delivers instead a funny, engaging and altogether different kind of documentary. 'a woman like that' is a freewheeling tribute to an artist whose own bold life and inspiring message leaps across centuries to speak to us all. The enduring power of storytelling in paintings, in films and in our lives is revealed, as the filmmaker learns that who gets to tell the story matters, and that maybe she, too, can be 'a woman like that.' Admission is free. For more information, contact Dr. Keri Watson at kwatson9@aum.edu or Dr. Mark Benson at 244-3385.

AUM Chorus Concert
Tuesday, May 1, 6 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 109

The newly formed AUM Chorus will present a brief program of music in a variety of styles. The group is directed by adjunct instructor of music Damion Womack. Admission is free. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Benson at 244-3385.

April 16, 2012