DOBSON — Visitors to Surry Community College Wednesday during “SWEAT Day” would not have encountered crowds of perspiring students, but an event stressing academics, employment readiness, cultural diversity and even some fun.

To a curious person, the intent of the special day became clear soon enough when a student government representative pointed out that SWEAT, for purposes of Wednesday’s observance, actually stands for “Student Workforce Education and Academic Training.”

And while “SWEAT Day’s” various activities seemingly had little relevance to each other, including a performance by the South Sea Dancers, a career fair and informative lectures by visiting college officials, they all shared a common purpose, an SCC official said.

“The whole thing was to have some learning and academic training, along with some entertainment,” explained Tony Searcy, director of student activities at Surry Community College. “Students need a break every now and then.”

Although Wednesday marked the first “SWEAT Day” at SCC, it actually is an annual event that evolved from what used to be known as “Student Appreciation Day.”

However, the school’s administration wanted to make sure the period of appreciation also was a productive time for learning, according to Lisa Freeman, a Student Government Association officer.

What resulted was a mixture of learning and enjoyment aimed at making students more prepared for the work world, Searcy said.

One of the topics highlighted Wednesday was cultural diversity, which Searcy said can be important in a career.

Robert Keys, the president of Rockingham Community College, talked to students in the SCC auditorium about the trend among employers in seeking applicants with leadership abilities. That can come from simply being diverse, Keys said, knowing how to deal with individuals of different backgrounds.

In conjunction with Keys’ presentation, students then got a chance to see cultural diversity firsthand through a group of exhibits assembled on the patio of a college restaurant, the Knight’s Grill. Booths set up around the patio highlighted the cultures of China, Italy, Hawaii, Cajuns and other groups and countries.

Meanwhile, the South Sea Dancers demonstrated traditional Hawaiian, Samoan and other steps nearby.

Earlier, Karen Yerby of the N.C. Community College system office, also had offered a presentation on “Soft Skills and the Workforce,” which highlighted the traits job-seekers need in addition to what they learn in the classroom.

Being successful in the workplace also involves “soft skills” such as a firm handshake, dressing appropriately and handling adversity in a positive way, Yerby said.

Searcy said other activities Wednesday provided treats to students as they were being exposed to the diversity, employment and academic portions of the event. These included free food and T-shirts at the Knight’s Grill and an opportunity to make their own “American Pop Star” music videos.

“We’re just happy that it went off well,” Searcy said in discussing how the goals of “SWEAT Day” apparently were met.

“And everybody loves it when you have free food.”

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.