by Lauren Bailey
President, Alpha Delta Zeta chapter
California State University, Fullerton
Cal State Fullerton held a Far Western regional event this fall under the theme of “Popular Culture and the Written Word.” This event spanned 2 days, with 47 presenters from 8 different campuses at varying academic levels, ranging from undergraduate to graduate, and even faculty. From its very inception this conference was interdisciplinary, allowing members from nearly a dozen different fields to present, as well as spotlighting Brande Jackson and Amy Coplan, two keynote speakers from the American Studies and Philosophy departments.
Attendees of the conference thoroughly enjoyed the event. CSU Fullerton Sigma Tau Delta member Nicky Rehnberg, who presented on the Feminism panel, remarked that “The atmosphere of new ideas being expressed and shared among very diversely-minded intellects. . .was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for all the hard work you did!” The English Department’s chair, Lana Dalley, noted “It was a very relaxed, stimulating, and unintimidating environment—a refreshing academic experience!” Another student presenter stated that his previous conceptions of an academic conference—daunting, formal to a fault, and uncomfortable—were completely changed by his experience, and that he cannot wait to present again.
The conference coordinators worked to achieve a welcoming atmosphere by encouraging all participants to gather together at a friendly group lunch where attendees from all participating universities and academic levels ate and conversed together.
