By Katie Willis, Staff writer
Six seniors majoring in creative writing read at their senior reading on April 6 in Lore Degenstein Gallery.
Senior readings are comprised of writing from students’ entire time at Susquehanna and serve to show how each student’s writing has progressed over the years in front of an audience.
Seniors who presented were Alan Codner, Nate Hughart, Alyssa Matte, Jess Ram, Helen Savidge and Taj Wilson. Glen Retief, director of the Writers Institute, opened the reading before Monica Prince, this year and next year’s creative writing fellow, introduced the seniors reading.
Wilson was the first senior to read. In addition to creative writing, Wilson double minoring in philosophy and film studies. Prince noted that Wilson is completing her bachelor’s degree in three years and commented on Wilson’s writing style.
“I love the way [Wilson’s] writing defines her personal experiences, as well as concerns itself with the greater systems that work in our world,” Prince said.
“She stands so tall on this campus,” Prince continued. “I am exceedingly grateful to have taught and known her.”
Wilson read from her memoir, “Self Taught: A Memoir.”
Hughart followed Wilson and was introduced by Retief. “Nate has truly distinguished himself here,” Retief said. “He’s been a committed leader and guided ‘Essay’ over the past two years with intelligence, hard work and solid judgement.”
Hughart read from his work “Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword,” which Retief said “seamlessly interweaves family history, travel memoir, autobiography and political commentary with confidence… I rarely see at the undergraduate level.”
Following Hughart, Matte read a selection of poems.
In addition to creative writing, Matte is also majoring in studio art with a minor in art history. Prince commended Matte’s ability to mix art and writing through her work.
“She knows the true value of inspiration, how it works both ways and how it can appear in the blending of creativity,” Prince said.
“Her work is personal and poignant and constantly reaching for a new space to call her home,” Prince continued.
“Her unapologetic tone offers a flickering light in these tunnels we face as writers and her lines will safely guide you home,” Prince said.
Matte’s work relied on emotion and dealt with topics such as school shootings.
Ram followed Matte and was described by Associate Professor of Creative Writing Catherine Dent as a “fiercely talented leader, a community builder and a visionary.” In addition to creative writing, Ram also is minoring in psychology.
Ram was noted as being widely involved on campus and for her role as president of SU Slam, which works with spoken word poetry.
“Within this club she has cultivated a community of poets and performers that will outlive her tenure on campus,” Prince said. “That kind of influence is what propels her to pursue work in the non-profit sector.”
“I strongly suggest you will look for her next chapbook,” Prince added.
“Jess’ work calls to a place of longing, spiritual practice and hurt,” Prince continued. “She takes the poem, splits it along the sternum to carefully extract its heart and then performs magic inside the ventricles.”
Ram read a collection of four poems that dealt with themes of family and culture.
Codner followed Ram and was noted as a co-founder of Susquehanna’s satirical paper, the Squirrel. Codner also is minoring in studio art in addition to creative writing.
Upon introducing Codner, Retief noted that Codner had a “remarkable talent in a genre that does not lend itself to senior readings,” referencing his work in graphic memoir.
Retief described Codner’s graphic memoir as “effortlessly beautiful” and “evocative” and noted the themes of studying abroad, based on Codner’s experience in Spain.
“Alan shows an instinct for capturing emotionally significant moments,” Retief said.
Codner read an excerpt of his prose memoir, titled “The Big Guns,” which told a humorously detailed narrative centered around an experience with sex toys.
Savidge was the last reader of the night and was introduced by Retief, who noted his experience with Savidge on a GO South Africa trip.
Retief said Savidge later wrote about her experiences abroad for the Susquehanna magazine “Flagship.”
When introducing Savidge, Retief also noted her “thoughtfulness, knowledge and lyrical descriptions.”
Savidge presented part of her memoir the excerpt of which related to her experiences studying abroad in New Zealand.
The Writers Institute’s final senior reading of the academic year will take place on April 23 at 7 p.m. in Lore Degenstein Gallery.
Also upcoming is a reading by Susquehanna alumna Melissa Goodrich on April 13 also hosted by the Writers Institute.