Get ready to geek out at Maryville College's STEMFest; it's making its triumphant return this Sunday, March 30, from 2-6 p.m. on the campus lawn. According to a release from the college, this family-friendly event is bursting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, and it's the hard work of three graduating students, Reese Bailey, Kaitlin Koster, and Isabella "Izzy" Wright, who are pulling all stops to leave a lasting legacy before capping off their studies.
Dr. Nathan Duncan, an associate professor of chemistry at the college, highlighted the instrumental role these students have played, saying, "Over the past few years, they have demonstrated leadership in helping to get more of our chemistry, biology and biochemistry, and environmental science majors to get involved with the ACS and BBB student groups." Their efforts teamed with the expertise contributed by the Hospitality (and Regional Identity) program and a crash course in event planning and management, have been key to reviving the fest, with the promise of some new features to heighten the experience, including a "STEMFest Passport" for attendees to collect stamps and win prizes.
Originally sidelined by the pandemic. STEMFest has been a historical draw for the Maryville area, attracting up to 1,000 attendees, ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors. It's not just the pie-eating contest or laser tag that brings the crowds—it's the chance to witness Maryville College students turn their passion into action. Koster articulated the event's impact quite succinctly, saying in a Maryville College announcement, "This event offers games and prizes that everyone can enjoy regardless of their age. It promotes STEM in a way that is fun and exciting, and it’s always so rewarding to see people engaging with something so meaningful to us."
Moreover, in portraying the symbiotic nature of their preparation, Duncan acknowledged a serendipitous partnership with Dr. Angela Sebby's Hospitality and Regional Identity program, both utilizing the Maryville College Downtown Center, which spurred collaboration on the event, Duncan shared, "She’s a great colleague, and I’m excited to partner with her on this. It’s going well, we definitely have some great added value to this event thanks to the work of her class, and both her students and my students are learning a lot from this experience"; an endeavor proving as enriching for the college community as it is for the public. The promise of hands-on learning opportunities at Maryville College underscores the college's emphasis on practical experience, engendering highly employable graduates proficient beyond laboratory confines.
STEMFest extends an open invitation to all, featuring a nominal entrance fee of $5, which includes a selection of game tickets—additional tickets can be acquired on-site. And for those dutifully supervising, parents snag a complimentary tote as a bonus for corralling their curious little ones. For those concerned about spring showers, rest assured; a rain date is set for April 6. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, STEMFest awaits to fuel your curiosity and provide a Sunday scholastic escape.
