I recently saw a flyer advertizing next summer's poetry conference at West Chester, and I was happy to see that A. E. Stallings has been added to the faculty there, a distinction that is long overdue.

If Alicia is even one-tenth as good in a classroom as she is in this Sphere, her students are in for a wonderful learning experience.

In addition, I note that with Rhina Espaillat and Alicia, the West Chester faculty includes two of my favorite poets writing today. So congratulations to both Rhina and Alicia and to Mike Peich and the other organizers of the West Chester conference, for choosing and being able to attract such accomplished instructors.

I haven't yet seen this flyer, but I wholeheartedly second your sentiments, epigone. Congratulations, Alicia! West Chester is lucky to have her.

Tony

Congratulations, Alicia ... this is a well-deserved & fitting recognition!

...Alex

Excellent! Congratulations Alicia.

epigone

How about posting the information on dates here. My plans last year were foiled, but nothing's going to stop me this year.

I remember thinking two years ago that Alicia should be on the faculty--I'm delighted it's happened.

If I may,

9th Annual West Chester University Poetry Conference

Exploring Form & Narrative

June 4-7th 2003
www.wcupa.edu/_ACADEMICS/Sch_cas/poetry/

Keynote Reader William Jay Smith
Special Guests Anthony Hecht, Daniel Hoffman, Anne Stevenson

Co-Directors Dana Gioia, Michael Peich

Poetry Faculty, Dick Davis, Michael Donoghy, Rhina P. Espaillat, B. H. Fairchild, Dana Gioia, H. l. Hix, Andrew Hudgins, Charles Martin, David Mason, Mary Jo Saalter, A. E. Stallings, Timothy Steele, Diane Thiel, Nancy Williard



[This message has been edited by Tom Jardine (edited December 10, 2002).]

Thanks for your kind words! I was tickled pink to be asked, and am looking forward to going back to West Chester, and seeing friends old and new. It isn't clear what I'm actually teaching yet, but I'll let you all know when I do. I'm thrilled & honored to be on a faculty with the likes of Rhina & Dick.

Alicia

That's so fantastic! I hope I'll be able to attend again. I'm also hoping all the faculty will let us know early when they've learned what their workshops will be called. Congratulations!

Will you still do the Greek workshop?

Terese

[This message has been edited by Terese Coe (edited December 12, 2002).]

Yes! The Greek workshop is definitely on. June 22-July 12th on island of Spetses. This will be the third year. We've been terrifically lucky so far with the quality of participants (very high), and with the wonderfuly evening reading series. Last year, readers included Rachel Hadas (who was also faculty), Edmund Keeley, Diane Thiel, Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke, among others. I'm still putting together the schedule for this summer, which will include many of the above, as well as Annie Finch (whose work has a thread up in Mastery at the moment). More info on the workshop is available at my website, or feel free to PM me.

Sorry for the commercial break, but since you did ask...

I'm a tad late expressing my support for Alicia as a teacher, but because I attended her first workshop on Spetses in Greece, I can attest that she's a superb and challenging teacher, that despite her grace in her comments and criticism, she's a taskmaster. I HIGHLY recommend poets of any skill-level attending her summer retreat. It's instructive, inspiring, and, yes, joyous.

The year I attended, I was the only male in the group. Last year, Alicia was the only female. She deserves some balance this year. Check it out. It's a rich experience.

Bob