A new semester has started at Methodist University, and there are many events the local community is welcome to attend and enjoy in the coming months. All of the events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Along with the Museum of the Cape Fear, MU will host the 13th Annual Civil War Quiz Bowl on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium. Anyone can participate and registration will be accepted until 20 spaces are filled.

February starts with Spring Convocation on Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. in Huff Concert Hall, followed by the Miss Methodist University Pageant on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in Huff Concert Hall. On Feb 13, the much anticipated exhibit, Pablo Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics opens in the David McCune International Art Gallery. The exhibit’s opening gala will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. that evening, and the show will run through April 13. The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

At the end of February, writers should plan to attend the 24th Southern Writers Symposium (registration and consultation fees vary) from Feb. 21-22, while the MU Department of Theatre will put on “W.I.P. @ MU: The Production” from Feb. 20-23. The shows will start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Music

Music lovers have a lot to look forward to this semester at Methodist. Friends of Music will present a guitar recital by John Holt Jan. 24 and a flute recital by Sarah Busman March 28. Both recitals start at 7:30 p.m. in Hensdale Chapel. There will also be a faculty music recital Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Hensdale Chapel. MU’s Concert Band and Jazz Monarchs will hold two joint concerts this semester, on Feb. 25 and April 24, both of which will start at 7:30 p.m. in Huff Concert Hall. Later in the semester, there will be performances by the Fayetteville Symphony Youth, the Fayetteville Symphonic Band, the North Carolina Symphony, One Voice gospel choir, the Fayetteville Symphony and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers. Perennial favorite Easter Jam will be back, as well as the Cape Fear New Music Festival, MU’s All-Choirs concert and MU Jazz Festival.

Community Engagement

Methodist University’s Center for Community Engagement has several projects scheduled for the New Year. In collaboration with students from FSU and FTCC, students will participate in a Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 20. On Jan. 25, students will participate in a roadside clean-up. Because of the support from Cumberland Community Foundation and many other community partners, more than 600 students have played an active role in the community by engaging with the professional and volunteer community through service and internship opportunities.

For more information on Methodist University events and programs, please visit methodist.edu or call 910.630.7000.