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. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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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  • 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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ

    Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ

    February 20, 2025

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

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

  • Rachel Blume. Photo curtesy of Blume

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

    February 13, 2025

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

  • ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ women’s basketball game.

  • Stack of book behind glass

    Solstice Poetry Cycle

    January 17, 2025

    Experience the Solstice Poetry Cycle in Fairbanks, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ--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. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ'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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 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

    ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’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 ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ'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!

  • Lily H. Tuzroyluke. Image courtesy of Tuzroyluke

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Lily H. Tuzroyluke

    October 23, 2024

    Join the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series on Nov. 8 for a public reading by Lily H. Tuzroyluke at 7 PM in Schaible Auditorium.

  • Leigh Newman. Photo credit: Nina Subin

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Leigh Newman

    October 10, 2024

    Join award-winning author Leigh Newman for a craft talk, reading and Q&A at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Free event!

  • ASÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ 2024 Faculty of the Year Award recipient Kathy Kitts

    2024 ASÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Faculty of the Year

    September 23, 2024

    Congrats to Kathy Kitts, 2024 ASÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Faculty of the Year! Her engaging classes and dedication to student advocacy have earned her top honors.

  • Christine Byl, photo courtesy of the author

    Midnight Visiting Sun Writers: Christine Byl

    September 14, 2024

    Join us for an evening with author Christine Byl as she shares insights from her novel Lookout and her non-fiction Dirt Work. Free & open to the public!

  • Zeke Shomler, image courtesy of Shomler

    Student's Review Breaks into Barrelhouse

    September 08, 2024

    An MA/MFA English student's insightful book review has earned a coveted spot in Barrelhouse, showcasing his literary prowess in this renowned journal.

  • Mieke Eerkens, photo courtesy of the author

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Mieke Eerkens

    September 06, 2024

    Join us for the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, featuring author Mieke Eerkens for an engaging reading and discussion of her acclaimed work.