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The University of Maine at Fort Kent's seventh annual Scholars' Symposium will take place on Tuesday, April 26 on the UMFK campus. The theme of this year's event is “Coloring Outside the Lines.”

The day will kick-off with a welcome from UMFK President Dr. John N. Short at 8:15 a.m. in Fox Auditorium, which will be followed by keynote speaker Candy Palmater, Canadian comedienne and activist, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

From student council president in a small rural high school, to valedictorian of her law school class, to a Master's in Education, and a national TV show, Candy Palmater's life experiences are at once unique and universal. Her varied career has included public service at both the federal and provincial levels.

Candy Palmater will, through words of guidance and personal stories, share her passionate perspective on inclusive leadership in education and change that will impact you, not only professionally, but personally as well. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be empowered.

At 9:15 a.m., we will hear from four groups of students who will speak in Fox Auditorium on the following areas: health and wellness for restaurant workers; moral development; preventing childhood obesity; and multiple intelligences.

Right after the student presentations, you will hear from UMFK faculty members: Dr. Paul Buck; Dave Hobbins; Dr. Peter Nelson; Therese Provenzano; and Dr. Jenny Radsma during the session of “Lightning Talks,” five-minute presentations that will focus on a single topic, example, idea, project, or technique.

Following lunch in Nowland Hall, the symposium will move to the Sports Center from 1 to 2 p.m. for the hugely popular poster and project session, where students display poster presentations of their research or projects, and answer questions about their methodologies and findings.

New this year, the Tournées French Film Festival will feature a coming-of-age romantic drama French film, “Blue is the Warmest Color,” which will be shown in French, with English subtitles. The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the Nadeau Hall conference room and admission is free. Rated NC-17 – Adults only.

UMFK Scholars' Symposium fosters a community of engaged educators, researchers, and life-long learners who value academic excellence, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity. The two days of stimulating presentations and discourse focuses on issues relevant to the region and to the institution's mission, which commits to experiential learning, responsible citizenship, and environmental stewardship in its Franco-American, rural setting.

For further information on the Symposium, please contact Dr. Peter Nelson, symposium coordinator, at peter.nelson@maine.edu