Students find Robinson's book inspiring

More than 850 students participated in the Community Reading Project, reading and discussing "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything," by Sir Ken Robinson, in their classes.

The book was used by many faculty members who teach introductory Liberal Studies 100 courses, including affiliate faculty member Maureen Wolverton. Robinson will be on campus this week as part of the Frederik Meijer Lecture Series in partnership with CRP.

Wolverton said her students found The Element inspiring and said it helped them view their lives from a different perspective.

“So many times students come to college because it’s the next step and major in something because it’s supposed to get you a good job,” Wolverton said. “This book opens students up to the endless possibilities that are out there waiting for them if they are willing to look.”

The book, a New York Times best-seller, draws on stories of celebrities, business leaders, athletes and others to illustrate Robinson’s point that when people arrive at “the element,” they feel most inspired and achieve at their highest levels.

Kirsten Bartels, faculty fellow in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, incorporated The Element into her Liberal Studies and Honors classes before it was selected for CRP. Bartels said while the courses covered different subjects for different student populations, the book served both courses well.

“In the Creativity class, the book was used a way to allow students for self-exploration into their passions and reconnect with their creative sides,” she said. “It inspired them to take some risks.”

Bartels said Honors College students who read the book found it helpful when discussing their goals and potential barriers to achieving those goals.

Robinson will give be on campus Wednesday, March 27, for a presentation sponsored by the Frederik Meijer Lecture Series and CRP. “Leading a Culture of Innovation” will begin at 7 p.m. in the Fieldhouse; doors will open at 6 p.m.

RSVP for the event online by clicking here.

Robinson will have a book signing following his presentation. Participants can also preorder his soon-to-be-released book, "Finding Your Element: How To Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life," for $5 off the list price at the event through University Bookstores.