William Jewell College students will showcase various research projects at the 8th annual David Nelson Duke Undergraduate Colloquium April 24, 2009. Poster presentations will be on display in the atrium of the Yates-Gill College Union and 46 Jewell students will present the findings of research projects spanning the intellectual spectrum, from cellular biology to educational classroom theory.

"Celebrating the Life of the Mind: A Day of Undergraduate Scholarship and Creativity" involves students presenting scholarly research projects to faculty, staff and the community at large through oral presentations, performing and visual arts, public speaking and readings of creative writing. The day-long colloquium allows students from all academic disciplines to receive recognition for their unique ideas and studies.

The colloquium honors long-time faculty member Dr. David Nelson Duke, a professor of religion who passed away in 2000. During the luncheon, colleagues will speak on Dr. Duke's passion for lifelong learning. "The day really honors those students who went above and beyond what an undergraduate student would normally do," says Jeanine Haistings, a co-coordinator of the event. To participate, students must submit proposals and be approved by a faculty committee.

William Jewell College is committed to bringing together talented students and gifted faculty mentors within a vibrant community sparked by a rigorous and intentional liberal arts curriculum. A full range of personal and professional development experiences are presented by the selective national liberal arts college's location within the Kansas City metroplex of 1.5 million.

####