The electrically buzzed atmosphere of Final Fridays returned Friday following its discontinuation in 2023 to include more staff and faculty at Friends & Co. 

C.C. Wharram, event founder and director of humanities center, and the Final Fridays committee consisting of Samantha Tableriou, Alan Pocaro, Don Holly and Suzie Park hosted the event free of charge thanks to Friends & Co. inviting Final Fridays to use the venue. 

“It’s a really great event, easy to say, ‘yes’ to,” said Friends & Co. owner Mike Gherardini. 

Final Fridays is an event held on the final Friday of each month and is open to staff, faculty and administration at Eastern Illinois University featuring three presenters who talk about whatever topic of their choosing, usually related to something they’re passionate about or currently researching. 

This gathering also serves as a “wonderful community event that brings together folks from across campus to share their research and enjoy each other’s company,” said EIU president Jay Gatrell who was in attendance. 

The event opened with a parody of “The Twilight Zone” before Larry Cox Jr., the first presenter and assistant professor of musical theatre and performance, took the stage. 

During his presentation, Cox talked about the difference between active listening and the art of listening by letting people to “empty their buckets” by offering a space for people to listen to others’ opinions. 

The second presentation saw Mark Hudson, director of housing and dining, take the stage to give a spooky presentation during this haunting month. 

Hudson discussed the history of Pemberton Hall and how it is the second longest standing building on campus before shifting to retell the story of the Pemberton ghost. 

The Pemberton ghost is said to be an entity that roams the halls of Pemberton at night and is the spirt of a resident who was killed by a janitor or the spirit of residential hall counselor Mary Hawkins according to Hudson. 

Following Hudson’s chilling story, Brian Keith, the new dean of library services, was brought on stage for a new segment to Final Fridays called Know Your Administrator. 

During this segment, Wharram asked Keith random questions for those in attendance to get to know him better. These questions ranged from what the best breakfast was to what relaxing beverage Keith would most likely drink. 

Associate professor of art foundations and printmaking Pocaro, the final presenter, took the stage following Keith to talk about the evolution of art from painting to photography to the modern day of what he calls “AI slop.” 

Pocaro also showed his distain for AI saying, “AI is the visual equivalent of a nuclear weapon.” 

As the presenters are on stage talking about their topics, a clock is counting down in the background that gives each presenter 10 minutes to speak. 

If a presenter narrowly finishes within the time limit, “the whole place comes down,” according to Wharram. 

For example, Pocaro didn’t finish his entire presentation within the time limit but was able to continue as the crowd of staff, faculty and administration cheered and encouraged him to continue. 

After the presenters were all finished, Wharram returned to the stage with a smile to encourage everyone to stick around and hang out, as he believes the true intent of Final Fridays is to bring the university together. 

Final Fridays is set to return again in January 2025. 

Luke Brewer can be reached at 581-2812 or at lsbrewer@eiu.edu.