Clark celebrates graduating seniors with virtual Academic Spree Day

Each spring, Clark University undergraduates have an opportunity to present their research and creative work during Academic Spree Day. With campus closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clark community has come together to shift this important tradition to an online format, highlighting the work of graduating seniors with a virtual Academic Spree Day program.

Now in its 30th year, Academic Spree Day celebrates student work produced under the mentorship of the University’s distinguished faculty. Typically held in the Higgins University Center, the event features posters, oral presentations, and panel discussions. This year, Clark is showcasing 39 posters and four presentations by graduating seniors in an online program at clarku.edu/virtual-academic-spree-day.

All other undergraduates have been encouraged to present their work in person next semester during Fall Fest.

“We believe in the importance of sharing our work even in the most difficult of times, such as the one we are experiencing now,” says Associate Provost and Dean of the College Betsy Huang. “We commend the hard work and resiliency of our students, faculty, and staff all coming together to keep Academic Spree Day alive in a new and virtual format.”

The student work being showcased covers a wide range of topics — from studio art presentations to psychological research — and showcases the experiential learning that’s fundamental to Clark’s curriculum and culture.

“As unfortunate as the circumstances are, by going virtual this year, we may be able to add this online component to the event moving forward in an effort to make the event as accessible as possible to the community at large,” adds Staff Coordinator Kerri Stearns of the Psychology Department.

While the majority of posters and presentations will be available to the general public, some research is restricted and only viewable to the Clark community via an organizational login.

The virtual program, sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College, was made possible with the help of several key members of the campus community, including Michael Krikonis of Information Technology Services; Carol D’Onofrio and Ashley Hadley of the Office of Marketing and Communications; Kelly Boulay of the Psychology Department; and Kim Fisher of the Office of the Associate Provost and Dean of the College, among others.

“We want to say a very special ‘thank you’ to all of the students and faculty members who participated in this event,” Stearns says. “Our students have worked so hard, and we couldn’t have done this without them.”