Top 5 academic events for week of March 28

Hello, studiers and academics (who like to get out and mingle). We've got a new treat for you.

Connect2Mason’s Top 5 are our staff's picks for the week's best academic and learning events. Every Monday, C2M will post a new Top 5 which will highlight some of the most interesting, informational and creative academic events going on at campus this week.

We'll likely be at some of them. If you see us, say hi. We're friendly folks.

Monday

Islam Awareness Week: Featuring Imam Siraj Wahaj

WHAT: Imam Siraj Wahaj will be speaking about the primary fundamental belief of Islam, monotheism. Monotheism is the belief of one God being responsible for all life, death and creation. Imam Wahaj isthe Imam of Masjid al-Taqwa, located in Brooklyn,

WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Student Union Building II, Ballroom

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Muslim Student Association (MSA)

EXTRA: All this week the MSA will be sponsoring events to celebrate Islam Awareness Week. Make sure to check out their website for more information on upcoming events.

Johnson & Strachan Speaker Series: Henry Jordan, SVP, Walmart

WHAT: Henry Jordan started off as a part-time associate at Walmart in 1985 and has climbed the ranks to become the current Senior Divisional Vice President in the Eastern Seaboard Division. Jordan has played a role in helping Walmart launch a new grocery store format. He will speak about his role in the company and how he was able to climb the ranks.

WHEN: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel

COST: Free

MORE INFO: School of Management, (703) 993-1880

Wednesday

Student Government Presidential Debate

WHAT: Here is your chance to listen to the current candidates for president and vice president for 2011-2012. The current candidates for president and vice-president are:

Ally Bowers (President) and Jacky Yoo (Vice President)

Victoria Jackson (President) and Derek Deakins (Vice President)

Michael DeMatteo (President) and Michael Lillie (Vice President)

WHEN: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Johnson Center Atrium

COST: Free

MORE INFO: George Mason Student Government

Thursday

GMU Players Studio Series: The Elephant Man

WHAT: According to the Center for the Arts The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. Merrick was horribly deformed and was a freak attraction in traveling side shows until he was admitted for observation at Whitechapel, a London hospital. Merrick is educated and introduced to London society at the hospital.

*This production contains explicit scenes and nudity.

WHEN: 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Harris Theater

COST: $10 for students, faculty and staff, seniors, and groups

MORE INFO: Center for the Arts Box Office, (703) 993-8888

EXTRA: If you miss this showing of The Elephant Man there will also be a chance to watch it through April 10.

Friday

Japanese Poetry Talk with Kimiko Hahn

WHAT: If you enjoy poetry or are just looking to learn more, writer Kimiko Hahn will be talking about Japanese poetry and taking questions from the audience. Hahn has received numerous awards for her work and according to the Academy of American Poets she has written seven collections of poetry.

WHEN: 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Must RSVP by e-mail)

WHERE: Mason Hall, Meese Room

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Graduate Creative Writing Program, (703) 993-1180, writing@gmu.edu