The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest. It is designed to restore reading to American communities by bringing the transformative power of literature into the lives of citizens and promoting the joy of sharing a good book. The major aim is to broaden understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves.
Martha Lipowski, Interim Library Director, introduced the citywide Big Read program to the audience.
Ali Arfan, Gateway student, talked about his experience at Gateway Community College.
Babu Ram Khatiwada, Gateway nursing student, shared his stories with the audience.
Basant Shaheen, Gateway student, shared her international dentistry program processing with the audience.
Asha Rani, Gateway staff of Educational Technology Department, shared her academic and working experience with the audience.
Tom Griggs, Director of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, showed the audience a festive Big Read hat.
Mary Ellen Cody, the Dean of Development and Community Partnerships at Gateway, expressed her appreciation to all the support.
From left to right: Tom Griggs, Babu Ram Khatiwada, Ali Arfan, Basant Shaheen, Asha Rani, Chad Herzog, Martha Lipowski.