MC Literary Corps and ‘Impressions’ present Dr. Seuss’ birthday party, entertain community through literature

On March 1, MC Literacy Corps and the “Impressions” staff teamed up to host a birthday
party for Theodore Geisel, who is better known as Dr. Seuss. The party took place from 4-5
p.m. at the Samuel Tyndale Wilson Center for Campus Ministry (CCM) at Maryville College.
Children, adults and students were all invited to attend the celebration of children’s literature.

Attendees were greeted by costumed college students from the two organizations, and were
given time to explore the CCM. The building had been filled with Seuss books, games and
puzzles. Children darted to and fro with parents and event workers in assistance.

In time, everyone was gathered around for a reading of “Green Eggs and Ham,” one of
Seuss’s most famous books.

“Who likes green eggs and ham?” said the volunteer reader, dressed up as one of the Things
from “The Cat in the Hat.” She was met with a loud response of child voices saying, “I do!”
Some children grew restless as the story proceeded, but sitting towards the front was a large
group completely focused children, thumb in mouth as the story proceeded.

“I really like seeing all the kids in the community come in and have a great time,” said
Miranda Clower, a senior religion major and member of Literary Corps. “I love the color,
rhymes and universality of the feel-good message his books have in them. They can be
applicable to both children and adults.”

Clower said that she joined the organization as a way for her to get involved in the community
and help others, while helping to raise awareness of literacy issues. Clower said that this was
what celebrating Seuss’s birthday was all about.

“We just hang out and help the kids enjoy some good children’s literature,” said Kegan Rinard,
a junior writing/communications major and one of costumed workers of “Impressions.” “Every
single one of Dr. Seuss’s books is something I knew by heart.”

Rinard said that he was able to remember having Seuss read to him by his grandparents when
he was a child. He said that his favorite Seuss book is “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?”
“It’s a fantastical world of creativity to explore as a child,” Rinard said.

Amelia Brumbaugh, a freshman double major in environmental studies and economics and
member of Literacy Corps, said that she enjoyed the opportunity to help the community, as well
as see faculty member enjoy Seuss’s literature.

“[Dr. Seuss] is something everyone enjoys, no matter how old you get, the jokes and
everything are always entertaining,” Brumbaugh said. “It’s interesting to see faculty outside of
class with their families and children.”

Dr. Bogart, president of MC, was also in attendance.

“I look forward to this event every year,” Bogart said. “I love how the college can connect to
the community.”

The event closed with children singing “Happy Birthday” to Seuss, and cupcakes being
distributed to all the participants.

“It was definitely a success,” Brumbaugh said.