Penn State’s Student Programming Association (SPA) hosted actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. for a virtual lecture Friday evening.
Throughout it, Odom discussed everything from his time in the award-winning musical “Hamilton” to his experiences overcoming stage fright.
The actor began by answering questions regarding what sparked his interest in performing. He said that early teachers and adults steered him toward the stage due to extra energy and fearlessness when it came to getting up in front of people.
Odom grew up in Philadelphia and wrote speeches that he delivered in citywide competitions. He credited those writing for helping him learn to stand up and communicate, and develop a point of view.
To conclude a day of virtual events featuring YouTubers and Broadway actors, rapper Swae Lee and singer songwriter Sasha Sloane illuminated audience members’ computer screens with a high-energy concert.
After a âfrictionlessâ transition from being a Vine star to a YouTuber, Cody Ko virtually brought his signature comedy and sarcasm to Penn State and discussed his rise to internet fame.
The Student Programming Association hosted Ko for a virtual Q&A session at 5 p.m. on Friday. The event was part of its all-day takeover âSPA Day,â according to Paulina Rodriguez, SPAâs special events chair.
âF - yeah,â Ko said at the beginning of the event. âCan I say the F-word?â
The event was moderated by Penn State student Michael Jaroh, who Ko said looked like Cameron Dallas and Shawn Mendes. Ko sarcastically said this resemblance is unfortunate. Ko continued to poke fun at Jaroh throughout the event and joked about his huge water bottle.
The University Park Student Fee Board met Friday to hear allocation request presentations from the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG), Graduate and Professional Student Association (GSPA), and Office of Student Activities.
Hibah Akbar, the president of CCSG, kicked the Board’s round of hearings off with a presentation of her organization’s request.
CCSG is an organization made up of student representatives from both the Commonwealth Campuses and University Park that advocates on behalf of the Commonwealth. CCSG works toward streamlining the voices of the Commonwealth Campuses.
Akbar outlined CCSG’s request of $4,096 for the 2021-2022 funding cycle. This request is less than years past because the Board is accepting carry-forward requests, allowing offices to bring any unused funds into the 2021-2022 funding cycle.
Penn State’s Student Programming Association (SPA) will host rapper Swae Lee and comedian Cody Ko on Friday, January 29, as part of its star-studded “SPA Day” celebration.
Ko will host a virtual Q&A at 5 p.m. that night, while Swae Lee will perform at 8:30 p.m. Additionally,
Broadway actor and jazz musician Leslie Odom Jr will host a virtual lecture at 7 p.m. as part of this year’s SPA Day festivities.
Cody Ko is best known for his expansive YouTube channel, which has amassed more than 5 million subscribers. Once deemed by Forbes as “The Most Interesting Man In The World,” he represents one half of the Tiny Meet Gang duo alongside Noel Miller. Together, they’ve produced weekly podcasts, recorded two EPs, and garnered more than 1.5 million Spotify monthly listeners.