Whittier College’s visiting writers series, led by Professor of English Language and Literature Tony Barnstone, returns this semester with four events in the Wardman Library Poets’ Corner.
The biannual series invites authors to campus each semester to read their work and meet with students. Now in its 24th year, the program has welcomed distinguished writers like Pulitzer Prize-winner Yusef Komunyakaa, Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, and New York Times best-selling author writer Amy Tan, among others.
This semester’s series will include four events with different focuses, including essays, poets of Los Angeles, and poetry and religion. Seven writers will visit the College, including Los Angeles essayist Steffie Nelson, and accomplished and award-winning poets Douglas Manuel, Jessica Piazza, Mariano Zaro, Jessica Jacobs, Nickole Brown, and Yuyutsu Sharma.
The event will also feature seven Whittier College professors, alumni, and students. Professors of English Michelle Chihara and Joe Donnelly will share original work. Visiting Instructor Scott Creley, student Ariel Horton ’21, and alumni Dennis McGonagle ’93, Shannon Phillips ’05, and Bilal Shaw ’02 will also share their work published in the latest edition of Pratik, an anthology of Los Angeles poets.
Event 1
Michelle Chihara, Joe Donnelly, and Steffie Nelson
Slouching Towards Los Angeles: A reading of essays in tribute to Joan Didion.
Thursday, March 12, 12:30 - 1:30p.m.
Wardman Library, Poets’ Corner
Event 2
Dennis McGonagle, Scott Creley, Ariel Horton, Shannon Phillips and Bilal Shaw
A celebration reading for a special issue of the literary journal, Pratik, which features over 80 Los Angeles poets, including Whittier students and alumni.
Monday, March 23, 12:30 -1:30p.m.
Wardman Library, Poets’ Corner
Event 3
Douglas Manuel, Jessica Piazza and Mariano Zaro
A reading of original contemporary poetry.
Monday, April 13, 12:30 -1:30p.m.
Wardman Library, Poets’ Corner
Event 4
Nickole Brown, Jessica Jacobs and Yuyutsu Sharma
Poetry and Religion: A reading of religious poetry co-sponsored by the Religious Studies department.
Monday, April 20, 12:30 -1:30p.m.
Wardman Library, Poets’ Corner
