Honors thesis scholar and magna cum laude graduate Meryem Kugzruk pauses for a phtograph during the commencement ceremony May 8, 2016, at the Carlson Center. Kugzruk received an undergraduate degree in English. ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Photo by JR Ancheta

Welcome to 'English Department Gems'

 

Celebrate the literary achievements and scholarly excellence of our faculty, students, and alumni. From notable publications and awards to groundbreaking research and creative writing successes, stay connected with the latest news and inspiring stories from the world of English.

 

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  • Artists and crew in the 2022 Svalbard residency. Photo by Daryl Farmer

    Sailing into the Sublime

    March 09, 2025

    ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ professor Daryl Farmer reflects on his Arctic residency, the creative impact of Svalbard’s landscapes, and the poetry inspired by his time at sea.

  • MFA candidate Fidelis Feeley reimagines love and relationships through bold storytelling and unconventional narratives.

    Sing a Song for Flaco & Other Love Sorries

    March 08, 2025

    MFA candidate Fidelis Feeley reimagines love and relationships through bold storytelling and unconventional narratives.

  • Black and white photo of a person with their finger to their lips in a

    An Accumulation of Silences and Other Essays

    March 07, 2025

    MFA candidate Rachel McKinley explores themes of girlhood, motherhood, and self-discovery through autobiographical essays.

  • Abstract cosmic graphic of a person walking through a door on a brightly colored planet in space

    Universe, baby and Other Weirdness

    March 06, 2025

    Join us for Nóra McIntyre's MFA thesis defense of Universe, baby and other Weirdness, a surreal mix of fiction, poetry, and hybrid storytelling.

  • John Morgan and Claire-Elise Baalke

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: John Morgan and Claire-Elise Baalke

    March 04, 2025

    John Morgan reads from The Nancy Poems, with Claire-Elise Baalke opening. A night of poetry on love, landscape, and the cosmos. Free & open to the public!

  • Jericho Williams. ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Photo by Leif Van Cise

    Brewing Community: Tea Time Expands

    March 03, 2025

    Jericho Williams expands ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ's Tea Time initiative with the People's Endowment, bringing virtual access to foster community and literary engagement.

  • Spray painted black crown graphic

    A Menagerie of Losers

    February 22, 2025

    Join as Tim Ott delves into his collection of short stories and memoir, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience.

  • Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ

    Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ

    February 20, 2025

    Join EGO at the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Pub for 'Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ' on Feb 28! A creative reading celebrating the unique spirit of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵn life and voices.

  • A winter storm covers the Fairbanks campus with snow on the winter solstice eve day in 2017. ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Photo.

    Circumpolar Music Series: Winter Chamber Concert

    February 14, 2025

    Join the Circumpolar Music Series for a winter chamber concert featuring works by Talbot, Adams, Burtner, and poetry by the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ English Department.

  • Rachel Blume. Photo curtesy of Blume

    Polished to Perfection: Blume's 'Spit-Shine' Earns Recognition

    February 13, 2025

    ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ MFA candidate Rachel Blume's Spit-Shine reaches AWP Intro Awards finals. Read about her journey, thesis defense, and the creative writing program.

  • ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Department of English alumni Zack Medlin, Sean Enfield and H. Warren

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Alumni Reading

    February 07, 2025

    Sean Enfield, Zack Medlin, and H. Warren share captivating prose and poetry, showcasing the literary talent of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ graduates.

  • Two pairs of legs. Photo by Manuel Melendez

    boyelegy

    February 05, 2025

    MFA candidate Manny Melendez defends boyelegy, a poetic exploration of language, memory, and desire. Attend in person or online!

  • Abstract blue art by Kathy Kitts

    Spinning Blue Empties

    February 05, 2025

    Kathy Kitts defends her MFA thesis Spinning Blue Empties, a sci-fi novel about omniscience, divinity, and sacrifice. Attend in person or via Zoom!

  • Daryl Farmer. ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Photo by Sarah Manriquez

    Bicycles, Books, and Beyond: The Art of Storytelling

    February 04, 2025

    Join Daryl Farmer for a craft talk on writing, creativity, and storytelling as part of EGO's "A Concert of Ideas."

  • Manny Melendez. Photo courtesy of Melendez

    Student Spotlight: Manny Melendez

    January 21, 2025

    Manny Melendez, MFA candidate, CLA Warrior of the Month, excels in leadership, creativity, and academics. Honored Jan. 30 at the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ women’s basketball game.

  • Stack of book behind glass

    Solstice Poetry Cycle

    January 17, 2025

    Experience the Solstice Poetry Cycle in Fairbanks, ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ--a night of pure poetry with local voices sharing single poems. No frills, just verse.

  • Graduate student Nora McIntyre presents her 3-Minute Thesis; Universe Babay, A Cosmic Tragedy on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the Schaible Auditorium. Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) celebrates the exciting research and scholarship conducted by graduate students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the competition allows students to share their work with a broad audience. 3MT promotes students’ academic and professional communication skills. ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Photo by Marina Santos

    Three Minutes, One Big Idea

    January 14, 2025

    Showcasing grad research in 3 minutes! Compete for cash prizes and sharpen communication skills at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ's Three-Minute Thesis competition.

  • Political strategist Donna Brazile and political commentator and journalist Kurt Bardella on the stage during the 2024 Rancho Mirage Writers Festival. Photo credit: Jennifer Yount Photography.

    Where Writers Meet: Rancho Mirage Writers Festival

    December 15, 2024

    Four CLA representatives are heading to the sold-out Rancho Mirage Writers Festival, thanks to a generous donor. A transformative experience awaits!

  • It's Time to Talk About Process: A Multi-Genre Panel event by 49 Writers

    It's Time to Talk about Process: A Multi-Genre Panel

    November 19, 2024

    49 Writers presents: It's Time to Talk About Process, a Zoom panel exploring creative routines, overcoming blocks, and finding joy in writing.

  • Boats at a dock in Kodiak, AK. Photo courtesy of Tori McDermott.

    Kodiak Ideation Studio Session

    November 14, 2024

    ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ’s Kodiak Ideation Studio united interdisciplinary teams with Kodiak’s mariculture industry to explore real-world solutions in kelp farming and beyond.

  • 2024-2025 URSA Student Belonging and Community Award recipient Naomi King poses with a tea cup. Photo courtesy of King.

    Tea Time

    November 07, 2024

    Sarah Stanley and Naomi King awarded URSA's Student Belonging and Community Award for "Tea Time," a project fostering community in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ's English department.

  • Colorful and abstract faces. Created in Imagen

    (un) Fringe Transgressions

    November 07, 2024

    Celebrate queer and fringe voices at EGO's "(un) Fringe Transgressions" reading on Nov. 15, 6-9 pm, BP Design Theater, with readings and community connection.

  • Permafrost Issue 45.2 (Winter 2024) cover art

    Announcing Permafrost Issue 45.2

    October 29, 2024

    Celebrate the release of Permafrost Issue 45.2 with readings, treats, and community at House of the Rising Bun.

  • Gerri Brightwell. Image courtesy of Brightwell.

    Leaving Kansas: Research in Fiction

    October 26, 2024

    Join a free craft talk, Leaving Kansas: Research in Fiction, with MFA faculty Gerri Brightwell. November 1st at 3 p.m.

  • Colorful graphic of a raven landing on branches by Kathryn Reichert

    Dead Writers

    October 25, 2024

    **Cancelled** Join the 33rd Annual Dead Writers Event! Perform as a famous dead author or come spectate. Costumes, readings, & prizes! Register now to perform or attend!