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9 free things to do on campus in October

October is full of opportunities to explore campus, including visiting the Carlos Museum to see the “Resonance: Recent Acquisitions in Photography” exhibit on display until Oct. 24. Shown: Kristin Capp (American, b. 1964), “Blue Wall, Heirachabis, Namibia,” 2014, Archival pigment print, Gift of Rajesh B. Patel, 2019.16.6. © Kristin Capp

The full return to campus has meant a resurgence of events, both virtual and in person. Here’s a sampling of free things you can enjoy during October.

1. Spend time at the Carlos Museum

The museum’s renovated Asian Gallery was unveiled in late August, featuring reconfigured space that allows better display of many objects. The “Resonance: Recent Acquisitions in Photography” exhibit explores the act of interpretation through the seemingly opposing themes of isolation and togetherness, loss and shared joy, and fear and courage, among others. Although the works are from several photographers between 1963 and 2015, the exhibit is meant to resonate with the unprecedented realities and profound emotions experienced by many during 2020. “Resonance” is on display until Oct. 24.

 “Each/Other” celebrates the work of Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger, two leading Indigenous contemporary artists whose processes focus on collaborative artmaking. Members of the Emory community contributed to some of the works on display.

Admission to the Carlos Museum is always free for museum members and Emory University faculty, staff and students. 

2. Expand your thinking through engaging speakers

Discussions on multiple thought-provoking topics are scheduled for October, with some offering both in-person and virtual registration options. Learn from weekly speakers during the Race and Difference Colloquium Series hosted by the James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study of Race and Difference on Mondays at 12 p.m.

Candler School of Theology explores Martin Luther’s views on various topics and how they relate to today. Hear “Luther's Appeals to Ethnic Identity and Implications for Social Justice” on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 12 p.m. and “Luther and Islam” on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 12 p.m.

3. Hear from an artist about restitution and redemption

On Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., artist and Emory Arts Fellow Masud Olufani will discuss how the history of racial trauma and the creative ways that marginalized populations have practiced constructive resilience in the face of sustained brutalization have served as a catalyst for his work. His lecture, "Excavation: Mining Memory for Restitution and Redemption," will be held at the Carlos Museum.

4. Brush up on your safety skills

Emory’s annual Campus Safety Fair returns on Thursday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cox Hall bridge. Learn about available safety resources, play games and snag some free giveaways. The event is hosted by the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, Emory Fire Safety, Emory Police Department, Emory EMS and the Environmental Health and Safety Office.

5. Enjoy some tunes — including from student performers

Musical performances are back on campus, including a Cooke Noontime Concert at the Carlos Museum on Friday, Oct. 15, and Jazz on the Green concerts with the Emory jazz ensembles Thursday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m.

The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts will host multiple programs: the Emory University Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m.; Emory Wind Ensemble on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m.; Emory Concert Choir and University Chorus on Friday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.; and Beethoven and a Big Band on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. with the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta.

6. Celebrate Emory’s Homecoming and look to the future

Relive the moments and reimagine the future during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 21-23. Events are back on campus this year, with live concerts, special exhibitions, reunions and more. The entire Emory community — including faculty, staff and students — is invited.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to help kick off 2O36, Emory’s movement to rethink and reshape the future. With an eye on Emory’s bicentennial, 2O36 inspires investment in people for the benefit of people, bringing the Emory community together to build on our mission to serve humanity through knowledge. Join the 2O36 celebration on Friday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Quad will be open for an immersive experience like no other with interactive domes, food, giveaways and more.

7. Sit back and relax with virtual meditation programs

Wednesdays bring several opportunities to take a short break and refocus. Virtual programs include Mid-week Musical Meditation at 12 p.m., Weekly Refresh at 4:30 p.m. and Compassion Meditation Group at 5 p.m.

8. Cheer for the Emory Eagles

On the Oxford campus, catch one of the final fall season tennis matches or watch the cross country and soccer teams compete. The Atlanta campus teams also are competing in fall tennis, soccer, cross country and swimming/diving, as well as women’s volleyball. Find the latest schedules and results (as well as spectator guidelines) on the Oxford College Athletics website and the Emory Eagles website.

9. Enjoy samples as you learn about sustainable food

Emory’s student-led Sustainable Food Fair returns Oct. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. after being rained out Oct. 5. Head to Asbury Circle to sample sustainable foods, learn about sustainable food systems, and more. The fair takes place alongside the Emory Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where you can purchase prepared foods, fresh produce and more from local vendors.


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