1st Annual MALS Alumni Homecoming Event, May 2012

On Saturday morning, May 5, 2012 the Master of Liberal Arts Program held its first-ever Homecoming Event for faculty, alumni, and current students.  The centerpiece of our event was a panel discussion titled, “Feast, Famine, and Farming:  Perspectives on Food in the Modern World.”  In keeping with the theme of that discussion, we started the morning with a wonderful locally-prepared feast of breakfast foods from La Farm Bakery and organic coffee from Global Village funded in part by the CHASS Advisory enhancement fund.

Dean Braden’s welcoming remarks were followed by a the panel discussion, chaired by MALS Alumna Natalie Hampton (2009), and consisting of three MALS faculty:  Dr. Michael Garval, Dr. Bob Patterson, and Dr. Seth Murray, who each brought different perspectives to our discussion of the way changes in the modern world have affected food production and our relationship to eating.

MALS Director Dr. Michael Garval then presented the MALS Distinguished Alumni Award to Barbara Goodmon, for her work with the A.J. Fletcher Foundation and many other notable accomplishments.

Following the awards presentation, the alumni mingled some more, enjoying the rest of the coffee, reminiscing about the program and speaking with faculty and peers.  Many commented on how the lively and engaging panel discussion was like being transported back into a favorite MALS seminar.