During Homecoming and Family Weekend, Yusef Komunyakka (M.A., ’81) received the William E. Morgan Distinguished Alumni Award for his work as a Pulitzer prize winning poet. Though he was unable to attend the ceremony, University Distinguished Professor Camille Dungy accepted the award on Komunyakaa’s behalf and described his “rhythm of the work.”
Celebrated poet Yusef Komunyakaa (M.A., ’81) has been named this year’s recipient of the William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement Award by the CSU Alumni Association.
Katie Naughton (MFA, ’16) is the author of The Real Ethereal, recently published by Delete Press. Read on to learn about Naughton’s debut poetry collection, creative practice, and more.
From his early days at Colorado State University to his pivotal role in revitalizing Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Norman Harris III (B.A., ‘99) has made significant strides in community engagement and cultural preservation. As the Executive Director dedicated to restoring this historic area, Harris is also the driving force behind the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebration, blending his passion for heritage with dynamic event planning. Discover how Harris’ journey has led to profound impacts on both his community and the enduring legacy of Juneteenth.
“My ability to communicate in writing, and in person, and find ways to resonate with a variety of audiences has been pivotal to my work,” said Clark. “From working with a member of the public to working with attorneys and judges who have advanced degrees, my ability to navigate into all of those spaces was critical to getting where I am today.”
Robin Walter, an alum of CSU’s Creative Writing MFA Program, has been selected by poet Victoria Chang as the winner of the 2024 Academy of American Poets First Book Award for her debut collection of poetry, Little Mercy.
MFA alum Caleb Gonzalez is a PhD candidate whose research about first-year writing programs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions got him an invitation to VP Harris’s home.
Founding editor James Stuart (B.A., ’11) discusses the origin story of the literary journal, Twenty Bellows, and why the Denver-based magazine seeks to showcase voices of the modern West.
Making an impact in her community: Meg Prekeryte (’23) shares how a degree in English led to her current role as a grant writer for a nonprofit in the healthcare industry.
As the Colorado State University community settles into fall break, consider completing your autumn reading list with books by our accomplished English faculty and alumni.
