If there is anything BW is known for, it’s academic excellence.

While students and faculty spent the entire year working hard within their specific disciplines, all the research and dedication culminates at the end of the semester, when students get to present the projects they’ve been working on at Ovation.

The annual event is a day of excellence and academic celebration for student success for all disciplines on campus.

According to the BW website, Ovation provides an opportunity to showcase student achievement in a variety of ways including, research poster presentations, performance of an original musical composition or a short play, reading an original essay, story or poem, video or PowerPoint presentations or exhibition of art project.

President Bob Helmer said Ovation highlights student successes regarding the hard work students put into their research while faculty, staff and other students observe that work.

“Ovation is a great day on campus. It gives a chance for students to really exhibit the success, the excellence, show off their stuff and celebrate with our students what they’ve accomplished,” said Helmer. “There’s so much to be proud of.”

At the end of Ovation, Helmer said the event “is a chance for [faculty and staff] to say job well done.”

Registration for the event recently opened on Feb. 1 and closes on March 15.

Lynn Hulthen, the Academic Affairs project coordinator, said the event is widely known on campus, with classes recessed for the entire day to encourage students to walk around and listen to presentations.

“It’s a day of celebration of our academics and also a really fun, energizing event with free food and ice cream, a coffee shop in Marting Lounge with music and readings, a soapbox at Lyceum Square and art exhibits,” said Hulthen.

She said there is also a great opportunity to volunteer at the event, where you can get a free t-shirt.

Hulthen said the event has been averaging around 150 projects with more than 250 presenters the past couple of years and she expects no different this year. Ovation is scheduled for Thursday, April 30.

Details on registration, including the registration link can be found on the OVATION Blackboard Organization, and a schedule of the events for the day will be released in March.

Email [email protected] for more information.