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. ÐÔÓûÉç 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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  • Japanese language student Paradise Porter poses with Nook at the 2024 URSA RCA Day

    Fueling the Future

    March 31, 2025

    Thanks to your generosity, CLA raised a record-breaking $22,470 from 69 donors on Giving Day! Your support fuels student success--thank you!

  • Zeke Shomler. Photo courtesy of Shomler

    Poetry, Process, and Pushcart Glory

    March 31, 2025

    ÐÔÓûÉç's Zeke Shomler had a standout year with Pushcart nominations and major publications. Explore his poetic journey, process, and what's next.

  • Brook McClurg and Joy Castro

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Permafrost Book Prize

    March 29, 2025

    Celebrate Brook McClurg's award-winning work with juror Joy Castro in an inspiring evening of nonfiction brilliance.

  • MFA student Manny Melendez reads his poem at the 2024 Solstice Poetry Cycle in the Salisbury Theatre, Jan. 30, 2025. (ÐÔÓûÉç photo by Leif Van Cise)

    One new thing has started; other traditions upheld

    March 23, 2025

    For 50 years, ÐÔÓûÉç's Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series has brought celebrated authors to Fairbanks, inspiring students and shaping the literary community.

  • CLA Music Donor, Catherine Madsen, has her photo taken outside of the Davis Concert Hall before the start of the Circumpolar Music Series. ÐÔÓûÉç Photo by Leif Van Cise

    Giving Voice to the Arctic

    March 21, 2025

    A donor's deep connection to ÐÔÓûÉç inspired the Circumpolar Music Series, celebrating Arctic music and culture. See how giving can make a lasting impact.

  • Woman in a dress underwater with her arm extended upward. Image Credit: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

    Breaking Boundaries

    March 15, 2025

    Join Emma Allen for her MA thesis defense on supernatural women in Arthurian literature, March 21, 4 PM, ÐÔÓûÉç Gruening 401 & Zoom.

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

    Sailing into the Sublime

    March 09, 2025

    ÐÔÓûÉç 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. ÐÔÓûÉç Photo by Leif Van Cise

    Brewing Community: Tea Time Expands

    March 03, 2025

    Jericho Williams expands ÐÔÓûÉç'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 Alaska

    Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of Alaska

    February 20, 2025

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

  • A winter storm covers the Fairbanks campus with snow on the winter solstice eve day in 2017. ÐÔÓûÉç 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 ÐÔÓûÉç English Department.

  • Rachel Blume. Photo curtesy of Blume

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

    February 13, 2025

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

  • ÐÔÓûÉç 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 ÐÔÓûÉç 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. ÐÔÓûÉç 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 ÐÔÓûÉç women’s basketball game.

  • Stack of book behind glass

    Solstice Poetry Cycle

    January 17, 2025

    Experience the Solstice Poetry Cycle in Fairbanks, Alaska--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. ÐÔÓûÉç 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 ÐÔÓûÉç'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.