To Whom It May Concern,

WIU Professor Barbara Lawhorn held the semesterly “Poetry, Pizza, Pop & Prose” Reading Room event on Friday 30th August 2024.

This was the first Reading Room of the semester and the turnout was extremely high! It was a joy to see returning students and faculty, and an honor to meet the new English students among them. Both the faculty and students participated and shared literary works they have created as well as works from their favored authors.

From the faculty, Professor Barbara Lawhorn, Professor Anthony Vaughn, Dr. Alisha White, and Dr. Merrill Cole were among those who shared. Students Hannah Herron, Mattie Rose, Ajayla Ries-Ennells, and Cora Wolford bravely shared their written and favored words.

Some of the works shared were: “Oh Glory of Life” by student Hannah Herron, “No Second Troy” by poet William Butler Yeats, “Mercy” by poet Ruby Francisco, and “Laugh, Lines and Wrinkles” by poet Rupi Kaur

It was an absolute pleasure to hear the variations of poetry and prose offered up by those in attendance. It is clear that through a shared love for the written word, our campus is gifted with a close-knit community of respect and mutual admiration. As this community meets again throughout the academic year, I hope its numbers only grow. Know that I’d love to see you there. I’ll be waiting—look for the room in red.

Best,

Room 025 (Student Lounge)