13th Annual Open Books - Open Minds Student Conference Program Schedule

Open Books - Open Minds logo

Inspired by Kristen Radtke’s Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness

Join us on April 10, 2024 for lively discussions, essays, poetry, photography, film, dance and theater performances, and free lunch. 

Alger 110

Check-in: 8:30–8:45 am

Welcome: 8:45–9 am

Session 1: Essays and Poetry, 9–9:50 am

Presenters:
  • Isaiah Dahl, “Loneliness and Throwing an Orange Ball at a Basket”
  • Malena Santia, poetry
  • Davanna Jackley, “Activities to Improve Your Mental Health”
  • Olivia Barone, “Dissecting Loneliness”
Facilitator:
  • Brandon Hawk

Break: 10–10:15 am

Session 2: Disappearing Act, 10:15–11:30 am

Presenters: Film Studies 355: "Transmedia Storytelling"
  • Tai Bacani
  • Amber Walker
  • Roxy Soto
Facilitator:
  • Roz Sibielski

Forman Theater, Nazarian Center

Session 3: Theater and Dance Performances, 12–12:50 pm

Seek You

Choreographed and performed by:

  • Chris DePina
  • Abigail Lawrence
  • Matthew Macy
  • Ella Redding
  • Shawn Simmons
Seek You: A Devised Theater Piece

Written and performed by:

  • Kayla Botelho
  • Steven Cere
  • Gianna DaSilva
  • Korinna Daniels
  • Jasson DeLeon
  • Rebecca DeVivo
  • Jeffrey Gonzalez
  • Terry Johnson Green
  • Matt Macy
  • Emma McKay
  • Izzy McElroy
  • Amaya Moniz
  • Cal Ouellette
  • Caleigh Pearce
  • Nyah Price
  • Abby Saccone
  • Shawn Simmons
  • Sam Wright
Facilitators

Bill Wilson and Angelica Cardente-Vessella

Alger 110

Box Lunch: 1–2 pm

Session 4: Essays and Photography, 2–3:15 pm

Presenters:
  • Samantha Rosa, “My Experience with Female Loneliness”
  • Elizabeth Ferrara, “My Battle Against Loneliness and Gender Expectations”
  • Leo Castaneda-Pineda, “Depictions of Loneliness: A Photo Series”
  • Sofia Morel, “The Impact of American Loneliness: Socialization of Gender, Technology, and Culture”
Facilitator:
  • Janice Okoomian

Break: 3:15–3:30 pm

Session 5: Essays and Poetry, 3:30–4 pm

Presenters:
  • Sparrow Seabury, poetry
  • Marie Sinyan, poetry
  • Nyah Price, “Poetry as Therapeutic Process”
Facilitator:
  • Brandon Hawk

Conclusion: 4–4:30

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Become an OBOM Mentor for Fall 2024!

  • get course credit
  • lead class discussions
  • present at the spring conference

It’s fun – and makes a great resumé item! Interested?

Open Books - Open Minds Committee

  • Brandon Hawk 
  • Janice Okoomian 
  • Anita Duneer, English Department 
  • Patti Nolin, Conferences and Events Office 
  • Sara Reilly, Student Advising Office 
  • Sara Sanfilippo, Adams Library 
  • Judith Stokes, Adams Library 
  • Bill Wilson, Theater Department 
  • Leo Castaneda-Pineda 
  • Sophia diNaro 
  • Matheus Moraes 
  • Nyah Price

Open Books - Open Minds Gives Thanks

  • President Jack Warner 
  • Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carolynn Masters
  • Former Vice President for Administration and Finance Steve Nedder 
  • Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance Sara S. Enright 
  • Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ana Cano-Morales
  • Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Quenby Hughes 
  • Amy Barlow (Adams Library) 
  • Angelica Cardente-Vessella (Music, Theater, and Dance Department) 
  • Andrew Davis (Adams Library) 
  • Dragan Gill (Adams Library) 
  • Assistant Director of College Events and Engagement Patricia Nolin 
  • Coordinator of College Events and Conference Services Katherine Bacon 
  • Bill Wilson (Music, Theater, and Dance Department) 
  • Zubeda Jalalzai (RIC 100 coordinator) 
  • Gita Brown (Office of College Communications and Marketing)
Rhode Island College entrance

Contact OBOM or a Specific Co-Chair

Brandon Hawk Photo

Dr. Brandon Hawk

Associate Professor

Janice Okoomian

Dr. Janice L. Okoomian

Assistant Professor