University Communications and Marketing
MSU Billings hosts student and faculty poetry readings in honor of National Poetry Month
March 17, 2014
Contacts:
Brent Roberts, MSUB Library, 657-1662
Carmen Price, University Relations, 657-2269
Student reading and opening reception on April 1, faculty reading on April 8, in LA 205, 6:30 p.m.
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Montana State University Billings Library and the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages will host a series of student and faculty poetry readings on the evenings of April 1 and April 8.
“By presenting the original poetry works of our students and faculty, as well as from renowned and emerging poets, the poetry series aims to celebrate poetry and showcase the talents of great MSU Billings poets,” Library Director Brent Roberts said.
The first of a two-part series will feature student poets on April 1. Students will read poems from well-known authors alongside original works. International students will read poetry in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and other languages. A reception will follow the readings.
The faculty poetry reading will be held the following week on Tuesday, April 8. Tami Haaland, professor of English, and Dr. Bernie Quetchenbach, associate professor of English, will read from their published and unpublished works of poetry.
Recently appointed as Montana’s Poet Laureate, Haaland is the author of two books of poetry— Breath in Every Room and When We Wake in the Night. Her work has appeared in many journals and anthologies and has been featured in the Writers’ Almanac and American Life in Poetry.
Quetchenbach teaches courses in American literature, environmental literature, creative writing and composition. His most recent book, The Hermit’s Place, is an illustrated collection of poetry published by Wild Leaf Press. Quetchenbach’s poems, essays, and articles have also appeared in a variety of books, journals and anthologies.
“Because poetry is similar to music in terms of its sounds and rhythms, we hope the audience will find it enjoyable to hear poems in many languages and voices,” Haaland said. “We look forward to celebrating poetry on the MSU Billings campus.”
Free and open to the public, the student and faculty poetry readings will be held April 1 and 8 in the Language Arts building, room 205, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
