Every spring, 吃瓜猎奇 shines a spotlight on the academic and creative achievements of its students through the Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium (LASS) 鈥� a campus tradition that exemplifies the university鈥檚 commitment to teaching excellence in all its forms, ranging from academics, performing arts and leadership to service and student success.
From April 14 to April 17, the campus came alive with presentations that crossed disciplines and sparked conversation. Sessions provided a forum for students to present and discuss their outstanding endeavors. Papers, roundtables, oral and poster presentations, art exhibitions and musical presentations showcased undergraduate work across the curriculum.
Whether one enjoys listening to students debate impactful topics in the speech competitions, exploring poster sessions that cover everything from climate science to identity studies, or enjoying the sounds of scholarly music performances, LASS offers a window into the passions and intellects of OU鈥檚 rising scholars.
Mar Cabeza Mejia 鈥�28, a first-year student, presented her work on the influence of technology on parent-teacher communication in the Hispanic/Latino community. Cabeza Mejia has deep personal experience and has completed some academic work on this topic.
鈥淚 have had the chance to work at an elementary school as a translator in the past, and I have seen the effects of forcing a child to be involved in adult topics before their age. It takes their childhood away,鈥� said Cabeza Mejia. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why parent-teacher communication matters, especially in the Hispanic/Latino community.鈥�
The event also reflects 吃瓜猎奇鈥檚 unique blend of liberal arts 鈥� where oral and written communication, critical thinking and digital fluency meet.
Highlights this year included a LASS lecture by Hala Moddelmog, a longtime Atlanta community leader and president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. Moddelmog and her two colleagues, Erin Jones, senior director of sales and audience development with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Christopher Moses, artistic director at the Alliance Theatre, each spoke about the importance of the arts, including their work in the neuroarts coalition.
鈥淚 hope that many of you stick with art for art’s sake,鈥� said Moddelmog. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very exciting in the arts lane.鈥�
Additionally, a celebration of service initiatives like Serve for Good and thought-provoking presentations from the Honors Program, Communication Studies, and Film and Media Studies, among others, rounded out the week.
Whether a student presenter or an engaged audience member, LASS 2025 invited the entire campus community to gather, celebrate and be inspired by academic life at 吃瓜猎奇.
View the photos of the week’s events:
