Second City Works, the professional services arm of the world-renowned Second City comedy theater (think Tina Fey, Jordan Peele, Steve Carell, and Keegan-Michael Key) will be at IUP on April 9 and 10 for a keynote presentation and workshops designed to address the issues of diversity and inclusion.
The keynote presentation is set for April 9 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex's Toretti Auditorium. Three-hour interactive workshops will be held April 9 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and April 10 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., both in the great room of the Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement (Elkin Hall).
All programs are free and open to the community, but preregistration is requested for the workshops, which are limited to 50 persons.
“This program is a very unique approach to the topics of diversity and inclusion,” Stephanie Taylor-Davis, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and chair of the Second City Works planning committee, said.
“It will be interactive and very real, and based on issues that IUP faculty, staff, and students have identified as being important to the university community. You won't see this program anywhere else—it's been developed especially for IUP, and the performers coming here are top-tier comedic talent whom have years of experience helping audiences to be inspired and entertained.”
More details will be announced later this month, but all are encouraged to save the date and time for the keynote address. All employees are encouraged to attend with supervisor approval. Employees will not be required to enter leave to attend the keynote event.
Taylor-Davis noted that this program, while appropriate for all members of the university community, is an important tool for helping to prepare students to work and live in a diverse world.
“Employers tell us that they want graduates who have those soft skills related to the ability to communicate and to work with all different types of people,” she said. “This program offers an opportunity to develop and to practice those skills through the improvisational nature of this program.”
Financial support for the program is provided by the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Center for Teaching Excellence, Women's and Gender Studies, the IUP Free Speech Project, and the Cook Honors College. Additional financial support is appreciated and can be made by contacting the Center for Teaching Excellence.