By Amy Enderle

Thirty-five Columbia College students presented academic work on Thursday, April 10, during Communitas, a new event featuring student research and student voices.

From its Latin roots, Communitas refers to a community where all people are welcome and equal; a conversational forum that encompasses the spirit of community.

“Communitas reflects the communicative purpose of Columbia College’s mission for student success, critical thinking and research,” said Dr. Karly Poyner-Smith, assistant professor of Communication Studies and the event’s organizer. “Not only does this event allow students to present their work in a professional and academic setting, it also opens the door to the community and allows for a community of thinkers to come together to discuss cultural and contemporary issues. As an event, each person in the room plays a role in learning, discussing and reflecting on such phenomena.”

Dorsey Hall became a buzzing conference site housing 10 separate panels and discussion groups throughout the day. Students, as well as parents, faculty and even members of the community at large were among the 140-plus in attendance. Session topics ranged from Art in Nature & Propaganda to Gender Differences & Inequalities in Athletics and so much more.

“This event brought us to campus,” said Corrina McClee, a Columbia resident. “We learned about Communitas from a student who attended a Columbia community partnership discussion group, and they extended the invitation. Wherever I can find people gathered that welcome a variety of voices and focus on community, I’m interested. Today has been great. It’s the first time we’ve been on campus; the first time we’ve seen how beautiful Columbia College is. This is a special place; we’ll be back.”

Communitas was one of seven different events held during the School of Arts & Sciences Showcase Week, an emerging tradition at Columbia College that included the Schiffman Lecture in Religious Studies, the annual Science Symposium, a student art exhibition and reception, CC in 3, and musical theatre and opera performances.

“The School of Arts & Sciences Showcase Week embodies our educational philosophy of connecting classroom learning with real-world application,” said Dr. Jennifer Jewell, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. “Communitas, in particular, celebrates the diverse voices and perspectives that make our college community so vibrant. When students present their work to the broader community, they develop skills that will serve them throughout their professional lives.”

“This was actually really fun,” commented student panelists Emma Redden and Emily Nunan after their history paper presentations. Although the idea of a conference presentation in front of faculty, administrators, community members and peers can be intimidating, these two standout students summarized their Communitas participation as a “positive experience” and “a good step toward the future.”

Mark your calendars: The tentative date for Communitas 2026 is Wednesday, April 8. In the Spring 2026 semester, Communitas will be held in conjunction with the annual Science Symposium for a full day of student-centered presentations, panels, ideas and celebration of academic achievement.

Communitas 2025 Sessions

African American Literature: Perspectives on Nella Larsen’s Passing

Student panelists:
• Ryan Harvey
• Adam Maher
• Madeleine Shylanski

Art in Nature and Propaganda

Student presenters:
• Bella Dablemont, Symbols as We Knew Them: Misappropriated Symbols of the Occult: Exploration of Esoteric Symbols and their Co-Opted Life as Propaganda
• Mandy Szydlowski, Botanical Bindings: Exploration of Botanical and Handcrafted Designs on Ceramic Vessels
• Haley Quertermous, Lost Homes: An Exploration of the Effects of California Wildfires through the Medium of Woodburning

Debating for the Greater Purpose of Controversy: An Example of a Karl Popper Debate

Student panelists:
• Megan Allen
• Nathan Carroll
• Hayden Kramer
• Trent Luebbert
• Robson Malunga

Gender, Death, Film, and History

Student presenters:
• Emma Redden, Women and Gender in American History: Radium Girls
• Emily Nunan, Death and Death Investigations: History of Death with an Emphasis on Women
• Kenneth Miller, The Neorealism Italian Film Movement and How it Changed the Movie Industry

Gender Differences and Inequalities in Athletics

Student panelists:
• Ava Shepard
• Kenedi Canty
• Macie Vincent

Humans of Columbia, MO: Communicating Relationships, Self, and Culture

Student panelists:
• Nick Hunkins
• Ben Lane
• Adam Maher
• Alba Vigo Massotti

The Argumentation of Pop Culture, North America, and Hip Hop: Analyzing Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Performance as Argumentative Text

Student panelists:
• Cody Longoria
• Luca Stevens
• Alba Vigo Massotti
• Millie Williamson