Photo courtesy of: Ohio University CoLabThe CoLab Series will take place on select Thursdays in Alden Library from noon to 1 p.m. throughout Spring Semester.
Calling all innovators, entrepreneurs and creators: Ohio University’s new CoLab has announced its inaugural lunch and learn series, where expert presenters from OHIO and the Athens area are able to further collaborate with students and the campus community.
The CoLab Series will take place on select Thursdays in Alden Library from noon to 1 p.m. throughout Spring Semester. Each lunch and learn will include complementary pizza and beverages — to aid in creative thinking, of course.
“The main point of the CoLab Series is to spark creativity and inspire students and remind them that they have the ability to create change,” said Matt Thomson, program manager of CoLab.
Thomson shared a message with potential presenters in recent weeks that detailed the goals of CoLab’s first branded programming, including its core desire for University and community members to lead sessions or activities aligned with CoLab’s three main values: Creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Thomson said they are also open to topics aimed at the four main spaces in CoLab: Materialization, ideation, incubation and collaboration.
“We sent this out to identified faculty, staff and community members that the CoLab student team identified as strong partners and good people to have in this series,” Thomson explained. “We have had a great response rate.”
The CoLab series is nearly booked for Spring Semester with more than 14 individuals expressing interest in presenting. Thomson encouraged anyone who is interested in sharing their knowledge to in Fall Semester 2019 to complete an online form.
Thomson said he is looking forward to presenters and students collaborating with one another and sharing campus and community resources.
“I would argue that most students have an idea, or concept, or something that they think they can do but think they can’t do it for some reason,” he noted. “My goal is, by them coming here and hearing these presenters, hearing about the possibilities and getting connected with other students who are interested in the same innovative ideas, that they’ll be paired up and will start working together to accomplish their goal.”
CoLab was designed as a physical hub for many of the student innovation and entrepreneurship activities taking place across campus. The space, located on the third floor of Alden Library, officially opened in late October 2018.
According to Thomson, CoLab is at capacity most days, averaging 500 visitors a day. To meet student needs, CoLab recently announced its extended hours.
For more information about CoLab, email CoLab@ohio.edu or call 740-566-0146.