When Kent State University President Todd Diacon first viewed the “Young Plato” documentary at this year’s Cleveland International Film Festival in March, he immediately knew that he wanted the film to be shown at Kent State.
So, about a month later, as part of the university’s annual commemoration of May 4, 1970, the documentary film was screened on campus and followed by an in-person panel discussion with Neasa Ní Chianáin, director; David Rane, producer; and Kevin McArevey, the documentary’s “star.”
Enter “Elvis”
McArevey’s love of Elvis Presley is included in the film, and as a special treat for his visit to campus, Diacon arranged for Kent State’s own “Elvis” to meet with McArevey and give him a tour of campus.
McArevey and “Elvis” interacted with students, faculty and staff in the University Library and the Kent Student Center before visiting a faculty and staff meeting on the Ballroom Balcony. Attendees welcomed McArevey and he gave a brief speech.
'Young Plato'
The award-winning documentary film tells the story of the Elvis-loving McArevey as headmaster of an all-boys school in post-conflict Belfast, Northern Ireland, and his determination to change the fortunes of an inner-city community plagued by urban decay, sectarian aggression, poverty and drugs.
McArevey encourages the students to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their community and sends his young wards home each day armed with the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers.
