Classics Day VI: a day worthy of the gods
Mia Martino - Features Editor
On Saturday September 30th, 2023, Monmouth College held its sixth annual Classics Day event, a day full of education and celebration of Greek and Roman antiquity, and other world cultures. Classics Day is directed and organized by Professor Robert Holschuh-Simmons, Monmouth’s resident Classics Professor. Professor Simmons, along with his Classics Day Leadership class, put on an amazing event worthy of the likes of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo. The event began at noon with a Greek-inspired meal provided by Aramark. The first one-hundred organizers, contributors, and guests were lucky enough to get a taste of the Mediterranean food, including an authentic Greek salad, souvlaki, and baklava. The festivities then began at 1pm with an introduction from the band and Professor Simmons, where he opened Classics Day to the public. With over 50 tables and stations set up throughout the quad, there was a new learning opportunity with every step. Contributors included multiple of Professor Simmons’ classics classes, such as the Sports in Greece and Rome class that demonstrated ancient Olympic sports such as akon (javelin), and diskos (discus). There were also alumni contributions such as Todd Fowler ‘23 and his presentation about studying abroad in Italy, and Satyr Keeling’s ‘23 contribution to education on Greek vase forms. Other departments got in on the fun too, with contributions from Professor Anne Mamary and the Classical and Medieval Philosophy class. “There was a lot of cooperation from around town, as well,” said Jeff Schnetzler, a student in the Classics Day Leadership class who helped with the organization of the event. “We worked with companies like MC Sports and lots of alumni who came back to present.”
Although Classics Day is hosted by Professor Simmons and Monmouth College, other colleges and universities made the trip to visit and present as well. Whether it be by donating money or resources, or providing academic insight to students, many other institutions were involved in the production of Classics Day. “We had professors from the University of Illinois,” said Megan Dailey, another Classics Day Leadership student, “such as Dr. Dan Leon, who brought his own papyrus and demonstrated how he's been trying to recreate ancient papyrus methods.” Dr. Leon and his papyrus was one among many demonstrations of ancient technology during the event.