Orlando's FREE College-Sponsored Events- March 2013

No scan-trons or tests required.

Few of us remember that another benefit of being surrounded by higher ed institutions is the free programming that every school builds for the community. Having spent a few more years in higher ed than my degrees warrant (judgement-free zone), allow me to guide you through the many free events that only students get to hear about:

University of Central Florida

Residing near the 2nd largest college in the States has its benefits! The college is able to pull in speakers, artists, and events that we locals would otherwise have to pay to attend.

'Banning Landmines' Free Forum

Check out UCF's events calendar for daily, weekly, and monthly events. Here are just a few FREE gems this week (locations vary):

• Disparities in Women's Health Care Roundtable Discussion, Wed, March 20, 1:00-2:00pm
• Calling All Animal Lovers: Disney Guest Speaker- Dr. Jackie Ogden, Wed, March 20, 6:30-7:30pm
• Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jody Williams Banning Landmines: Disarmament, Citizen Diplomacy and Human Security, Thurs, March 21st, 3:00-4:30pm
• Collide Contemporary Music Concert, Thurs, March 21st 8:00-9:30pm
• The Guitar Series at UCF: Johannes Moller, Classical Guitar, Fri, March 22, 7:30-8:30pm

Our Pick

The UCF Global Perspectives Office

This office is where I've seen Nobel Peace Prize laureates, former Presidents and world leaders, fantastic global activists, authors, journalists, etc. It's worth stalking students for a parking spot to catch one of these speakers. Get on their newsletter for upcoming events.

Rollins College

On the smaller side, Rollins College is the educational anchor of beautiful Winter Park. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and history (Rollins is the oldest recognized college in Florida), wealthy donors, and a sizable endowment. For our purposes, this means guest speakers (um, Maya Angelou! Robert F. Kennedy, Jr!! Jane Goodall!!!) and free events with food.

Head over to the Rollins calendar of events for free events sprinkled throughout the student events. Here are a small sampling of FREE highlights coming up in the calendar:

• Eddie Huang '04 Reading of "Fresh Off the Boat", Tues, March 19th, 7:00pm
• Coming Home: Americans and Those Who Have Served in Their Wars, Wed, March 20th, 7:00-8:30pm
• Net Impact speaker event with John Rife, social entrepreneur and founder of East End Market, Thurs, March 21st, 6:00-8:00pm
• Alumni Weekend Music Events, Sat-Sun, March 23rd-24th, multiple events. Not just for alumni!
• Fox Day, annual free-day with activities, and a huge BBQ picnic on the large lawn. Open to the community! The date is a surprise, but check out the 24 hour, streaming Fox Day Cam for all of the excitement (and the occasional student flash mob).

Our Pick

Winter Park Institute

The institute organizes public lectures and readings, symposiums, seminars, master classes, interviews, and special-interest sessions -- all for the community at large. They were responsible for bringing Jane Goodall last year just as Disney's Chimpanzee was coming out.

Valencia College

Valencia Brazilian Film Festival
Last Year's Poster (2013 TBA)

Valencia has multiple campuses and that means multiple places to catch free events.

Another great events calendar to keep bookmarked. Here are a small sampling of FREE events coming up in the calendar:

• Spring Symphonic / Jazz Concert, Tues, April 2nd, 7:30 pm
• Voices of Valencia Concert, community chorus event, Thurs, April 4th, 7:30 pm
• Valencia Brazilian Film Festival, April 4th-12th. Article about last year's festival (which was beyond awesome and beyond free).

Seminole State College

• Vanguard: Faculty Recital, Tues, March 19th, 7:30-9:00pm; Erik Ettinger, piano; Daniel Johnson, percussion
• Tuesday Voices Poetry Reading Series, Tues, March 26th, 7:00pm. Open mic poetry reading.
• Instrumental Concert: Symphonic Band, Jazz Ambassadors, JazzCombo, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Tues, April 9th, 7:30pm
• Encore! Concert Series
• Seminole State College's Fine Arts Gallery