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10 things to do at Emory in September
students walking on campus

September is the perfect time to explore activities around Emory, including visiting the Emory Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods and more.

— Emory Photo/Video

The fall semester may have just begun, but events around Emory are in full swing. As you settle into campus and get back into a semester routine, make time to enjoy the variety of activities this month.


1. Cheer on the Emory Eagles.

Pull out your gold and blue to ring in September with your favorite sports teams.

The fall athletics season starts off with the Gold Rush tailgate on Friday, Sept. 1, and Saturday, Sept. 2, starting at 6 p.m. On Sept. 1, tailgate in the WoodPec Loading Dock before catching the volleyball team versus Centre College in the WoodPec Arena. And at 7:30 p.m., the women’s soccer team goes up against Piedmont College at 7:30 p.m. The first 100 Emory students at each event will receive free Gold Rush t-shirts.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, the men’s soccer team plays Washington & Lee University at 5 p.m. The first 100 Emory students will receive free Gold Rush t-shirts and the first 50 students will receive free Chick-fil-A sandwiches.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Emory women’s soccer will host a double header on Saturday, Sept. 9, with pizza for the first 100 students and a chance to win a gift card.

Plus, catch both the Emory women’s soccer and volleyball teams on Friday, Sept. 15, starting at 6 p.m. Be one of the first 100 in the door for an Emory fanny pack.

Emory Athletics events are always free, so bring family and friends to cheer the Eagles to victory.


2. Stock your pantry with locally grown goods.

Interested in a more sustainable lifestyle? Want to support local farmers and artisans? Or simply looking for some delicious food? You’ll find it all at the Emory Farmers Market. Stop by McDonough Plaza on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26) to grab fresh, seasonal products, including bread, produce, honey, coffee, baked goods and so much more. Check out Emory’s Campus Life website for a complete list of vendors and items.


3. Get the scoop on AI and its impact.

AI (artificial intelligence) has taken the world by storm. Conversations abound regarding its use and how it can — or should — be integrated into our society. Join a panel of health care experts to discuss the intersection of AI and equity in health care at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta. Admission is free but advance registration is required.

The following week, broaden your understanding of AI during a conversation with Joe Sutherland, director of the Emory Center for AI Learning, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Convocation Hall, Room 208. Sutherland will discuss AI and associated potential opportunities and challenges. Registration is required, but Emory staff and students can attend for free after presenting their Emory ID at check-in.

Community members at the Oxford campus can also join in on the AI conversation with Zheng Liu, vice president of international research and director of the Center for Pacific Basin Studies at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. The discussion will be centered on how technological developments affect employment, productivity and the broader macroeconomy.


4. Join a book discussion on international topics.

Expand your reading list to global proportions with book discussions across campus this month.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, join professor emeritus of foreign affairs at the University of Virginia Brantly Womack to discuss his new book “Recentering Pacific Asia: Regional China and World Order.” This discussion, held at 5:30 p.m. in the Emory Student Center Multipurpose Room 6, is part of an ongoing series from The Carter Center, so check back for additional sessions in the future. While the event is free and open to the public, online registration is encouraged.

Then, on Tuesday, Sept. 19, in the Hunter Atrium of Gambrell Hall, a panel will convene to discuss Emory Law faculty member Deepa Das Acevado’s book “The Battle for Sabarimala: Religion, Law, and Gender in Contemporary India.” Panelists include experts from a variety of disciplines across Emory. The event begins at 4:15 p.m. and is free and open to the public.


5. Get lost in the tunes of Bach, bluegrass and more.

You probably never expected to see Bach’s name alongside the bluegrass genre. But at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, Grammy-winning musician Mark O’Connor is bringing a mixed-genre program to Emory. Alongside Maggie O’Connor and Vega Quartet members Jessica Wu and Emily Smith, O’Connor will bring a variety show guaranteed to interest the Emory community. No tickets are required for this event at the Emerson Concert Hall in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.

For a cultural performance on the Oxford campus, visit Williams Hall for a performance by the Akshara Music Ensemble, showcasing Indian classical music at the intersection of traditional and contemporary. This event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. If Bach and bluegrass are a bit too slow for you, catch Equal Creatures at the Oxford campus on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. The quintet is bringing their eclectic emo music to the Greer Forum.


6. Learn about sustainable transportation options at Emory.

Worried about contributing to emissions through your transportation around campus? Learn more about the clean transportation options on Emory’s campus during the Sustainable Transportation Fair. From bikes to walking paths to buses, learn how to lower your carbon footprint while taking advantage of sustainable transportation options. Visit Asbury Circle and Cox Hall Bridge 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, to discover more.  


7. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an award-winning author and illustrator.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Friday, Sept. 15. Begin a month of cultural celebration with Raúl the Third, creator of the bilingual “¡Vamos!” series, on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Carlos Museum. During “¡Vamos! to the Carlos!” you can browse through the new exhibit “You Belong Here” that spotlights Latinx photography, enjoy Helados Mexican ice cream, and create 3-D characters from the “¡Vamos!” series alongside Raúl. This program, in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, is free and open to all community members. Snacks and supplies are available on a first come, first served basis.


8. Enjoy a night at the theatre with familiar characters.

Ever wonder what happened after Wendy left Neverland? See the continuation of her story in “Lost Girl,” a coming-of-age play that explores the importance of friendship and identity in growing up. “Lost Girl” runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts Theater Lab. Admission is free for Emory students, and tickets are $15 for other attendees.


9. Beautify your yard and provide pollinator habitats with native plants.

The beginning of fall is the perfect time to spruce up your place and provide environmental benefits to the wildlife living around you. Browse the diverse selection of plants at the Oxford College Farm (406 Emory Street) on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 9 a.m. during their fall native plant sale, which is open to the public. Invest in native perennial plants now — planting them during the fall will ensure they emerge again in the spring and helps provide habitats for native birds and pollinators.


10. Build your business toolkit by learning from an industry expert.

Need some guidance for how to create human-centered design in your business? Let award-winning event strategist, experience designer and thought leader Robyn Duda help guide your way. Duda, who has worked with Coca-Cola, Spotify, Visa, IBM and other companies, will share insights on how to apply experience-based theory to businesses to create engaging experiences for audiences. Join her Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. at The Hatchery. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.


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