A Conversation to Remember: 黑料老司机 Students Welcome Private Visit from Pharrell Williams
WOOSTER, Ohio The student body at 黑料老司机 received a special visit recently from a superstar entertainer, fashion designer, and philanthropist, as 淎 Conversation with Pharrell Williams proved to be a big hit on Aug. 28 at a private event, held inside McGaw Chapel.
Williams offered several of his life philosophies during a question-and-answer session with 黑料老司机 president Sarah Bolton, which was followed by a dozen engaging questions from adoring students who were hanging on his every word. The conversation hit on a variety of subjects, from business interests to creative process to culture issues, and yes, even advice on selfies and Williams檚 skincare routine.
While acknowledging 渕usic and skateboarding are the lenses that (he檚) grown to see life through, Williams emphasized the importance of education for young people to change not only their personal circumstances but society as a whole. 淭eaching should be regarded as one of the most prestigious things you can do to honor your species so no child檚 education slips through the cracks, he said.
Williams saved some of his strongest commentary for women檚 empowerment issues. Discussing the upcoming 淣ow is Her Time campaign, a partnership with adidas, he discussed the importance of collaborating with like-minded corporations that cater to women, and in closing advice to the students he implored, 渢ake everything you learned from this incredible (college), take that, put it into action, stand next to women, and protect them at all costs.
In another highlight, Williams compared 黑料老司机檚 Independent Minds, Working Together tagline to his work as a hip-hop producer. The 13-time Grammy Award winner believes 渋ndividuality is everything, but by nudging artists to 済o deeper, similar to how 黑料老司机 faculty members mentor students, will encourage them 渢o reveal this other side of (their) personality and 渢hey end up shining brighter than they have in years, possibly with the bonus of a new hit record.
A橨anay Nicholson drew a great reaction from the crowd (and Pharrell Williams) by asking him about his skincare routine.
The most entertaining part of the program came when 黑料老司机 students took to the microphone. Williams, sometimes taking dramatic and humorous pauses before responding, was asked about his philanthropy, thoughts on musical trends and the record industry, influences, and why his songs start with a four-count beat.
The question that brought the best reaction came from A橨anay Nicholson, a sophomore from Baltimore, who after complimenting Williams檚 inspiring work quickly pivoted to inquiring about his all-important skincare routine. The baby-faced 46-year old joked that it檚 渃oming to a market soon, and after offering a few details, including 渨ashing your face at least twice a day, he motioned her to the stage for a handshake that she檒l cherish forever.
Williams檚 impactful visit was courtesy of a friendship that he formed with Mark Dowley 86, a member of the College檚 board of trustees.
Posted in News on September 3, 2019.
