Ask Rainn Wilson
What: Write questions for Rainn Wilson and sit at a replica of Dwight Schrute's desk. We'll select some of the questions to ask Wilson when we meet with him.
When: Monday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: The Scramble Light
Rainn Wilson is well-known for playing the egotistical, beet-farming, survival specialist Dwight Schrute on NBC’s nine-season mockumentary comedy "The Office." But Wilson is more than just a comedic actor; he’s the co-creator of SoulPancake, a community designed to provoke thought and inspiration in any human being.
Wilson is bringing that community idea to Ball State as part of the Excellence in Leadership series. He’ll be presenting his speech, “SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions” at 7:30 p.m. Monday at John R. Emens Auditorium.
Wilson started the SoulPancake YouTube channel and website with friends Devon Gundry and Joshua Homnick. It is now known for its popular videos and characters, Kid President, Highly Evolved Human and Metaphysical Milkshake.
49-year-old Wilson is dedicated to bringing about conversations that are challenging or difficult to our society. In an interview with Oprah, Wilson was asked how the group came up with the idea and what inspired them.
“Let’s try and create a community of people that are sharing work together, that are talking about life’s big questions. That’s what I felt was missing,” Wilson said. “Young people today aren’t talking about it. Not even young people. People in our culture.”
SoulPancake released its first book which shares the name of his speech, “Chew on Life’s Big Questions” in 2010. The book contains essays, questions and illustrations designed to bring the community idea right to you. It volunteers suggestions on how to share it and start the inspiring conversations with friends.
Some of the conversation starters can be uncomfortable, said Wilson in his interview with Oprah, but they’re still important to ask.
The EIL speaker series is all about inspiring students, said Lauren Berger, the assistant director of student life and the faculty member who books EIL speakers.
“…We define leadership that everyone can lead from where they’re at and if you’re not the number one person on that certain subject, you still have the capability to lead from wherever you're at,” said Berger.
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