College to host day-long celebration of literature and language

St. Scholastica invites the community to participate in its annual Rose Warner Reading Series event on Friday, Feb. 4. Natasha Trethewey, renowned writer and 19th Poet Laureate of the United States, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.

“The Rose Warner Reading Series has a long tradition at St. Scholastica, attracting both established and up-and-coming literary creatives,” said Dr. Kevin Quarmby, Rose Warner Professor of English and event coordinator. “For our students, the series offers a chance to learn from and communicate with people whose voices matter at a time when division and discord unfortunately prevail.”

But the event also has a profound impact on the broader community, representing an opportunity to celebrate discourse and empowerment.

“Regardless of your major or graduate studies, your faculty or staff role, or your involvement as an alum, the Series demonstrates not only that everyone deserves to be heard, but also how everyone can be heard if they apply the same dedication and commitment to their work as the speakers who share their stories with us.”

During the daytime sessions, local students and educators will spend time with the Northland Writers of Distinction, a community of writers in the Great Lakes region, sharing stories and considering issues raised by Trethewey’s talk. The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. on the Duluth Campus. Learn more about the event and register.

During the evening, Trethewey will read from and discuss her latest book, Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir. She will also be available to sign books after her presentation. This free event begins at 6 p.m. on the Duluth Campus’ Mitchell Auditorium. Learn more.

“We hope the Duluth and Superior communities can join together in celebrating the presence on campus of a great US creative voice for the twenty-first century, and whose writing can justifiably be described as quintessentially classic American literature at its best.”