The inaugural event hoped to bring poetry and spoken word into the mainstream
A poetry slam was held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 on Cougar Walk to promote the Writing Center. The event found students, faculty and staff reading original poems and poems from their favorite authors in front of their peers and colleagues. Everybody that performed was entered to win an Amazon gift card. While the Writing Center held sign-ups before the event, most of the readings came from people impulsively deciding to perform. Along with promoting the Writing Center’s services, the staff hoped this event would show students the benefits of using poetry and spoken word as a form of expression.
The writing center staff (from left to right), Allie Frazier; staff writing coach, Jeremy Byrum; graduate writing coach, Lauren Solis; resource coordinator, and Ashli Lomeli; undergraduate writing coach. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
Previous signees as well as walk-ups found themselves performing in front of a large crowd on Cougar Walk. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
People that signed up to read a poem during the event were also signed up to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to read poetry on cougar walk in order to promote the writing center. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
The poet tree, where students could pick up Christmas ornaments featuring poetry on the inside. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
Senior Jeremiah Peck reading a poem during the event. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan
Raffle winner Michael Luso and assistant director of the writing center, Deborah Escalante. Courtesy of Jonah Minnihan