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Heard on Campus: Linda Patterson Miller at Penn State Laureate Jubilee
"We're honored to have gathered here all the laureates to-date and also the laureate-to-be, Chris Staley. We take special pride in Penn State's commitment to the laureate program and to its recognition that the arts and humanities matter. We come here today to celebrate artistic collaboration and the great art that such collaboration generates. Art that reveals to us, ourselves and renders life true." -- Linda Patterson Miller, 2011-12 Penn State laureate, professor of English at Penn State Abington and master of ceremonies of the first-ever Penn State Laureate Jubilee held April 24 on Penn State's University Park campus. The public event featured past, present and future Penn State laureates, who came together to celebrate the University's commitment to the arts and humanities. Laureates in attendance were Kim Cook, 2008-09; Anthony T. Leach, 2009-10; Robin G. Becker, 2010-11; Miller, and the newly named 2012-13 laureate, Christopher Parks Staley. For more information about each laureate and the Penn State laureate program, visit http://laureate.psu.edu/. (more)
Literary Landings: 'Come Celebrate Artistic Collaboration'
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities, specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear periodically during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. In her entry "Come Celebrate Artistic Collaboration" Miller enthusiastically invites the college community to the first-ever Penn State Laureate Jubilee on April 24. (more)
Laureate to speak at Penn State Hershey Medical Center April 25
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington will present "Hemingway and Medicine, Diagnosing Texts both Physically and Emotionally," at noon on Wednesday, April 25 in room C2860 (BMR Anesthesia Library)at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. This event is hosted by the Department of Humanities and the Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine. (more)
Penn State Laureate Jubilee April 24 celebrates the arts, humanities
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-2012 Penn State laureate, invites students, faculty, staff and community members to the Penn State Laureate Jubilee, a public event featuring past, present and future Penn State laureates in celebration of the University's commitment to the arts and humanities. The first-ever event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the University Park campus. An opening reception with light refreshments begins at 3 p.m. in the center's Frizzell Room. The program follows at 4 p.m. in Worship Hall. (more)
Ceramic artist Christopher Staley named 2012-13 Penn State laureate
Christopher P. Staley, distinguished professor of art in the College of Arts and Architecture, has been named Penn State laureate for 2012-13, succeeding Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington. During his upcoming laureate year, Staley -- the fifth University faculty member to hold this prestigious title -- plans to develop a series of talks and presentations on "Art and Life: Where They Intersect," drawing from his 30 years of experience as a ceramic artist and educator. He begins his Penn State laureate duties in July 2012. (more)
Laureate embraces busy speaking schedule during spring semester
Penn State laureate Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, will be speaking at three Penn State campuses -- Berks, Brandywine and Abington -- during the last week of March. (more)
Literary Landings: 'Hemingway's early letters challenge myths'
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities, specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear periodically during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State's communications platforms. In her entry "Hemingway's Early Letters Challenge Shop-Worn Myths," Miller reflects on Hemingway's "epistolary art," during the early years of his writing career. (more)
Penn State laureate to speak at Hazleton campus March 14
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, will present "Searching for the Lost Generation," at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, in 115 Evelyn Graham Academic Building at Penn State Hazleton. The event, sponsored by the Faculty Lecture Committee, is free and open to the public. (more)
Laureate shares knowledge, insights with audiences across Pennsylvania
As the 2011-12 Penn State Laureate, Linda Miller has been crisscrossing the Commonwealth sharing her enthusiasm for the humanities with a wide variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff and friends of Penn State campuses. In her travels, Miller, a professor of English at Penn State Abington, shares her knowledge of and passion for American writers and artists of the early 20th century. (more)
Jan. 20 Forum Speaker Series event moved to Penn Stater
This week's Penn State Forum has been moved from the Nittany Lion Inn to the President's Hall at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. The event, to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, will feature Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington and the 2011-12 Penn State Laureate. The title of her talk will be "Searching for the Lost Generation." (more)
Literary Landings: 'The Diary is Not Dead'
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities; specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear periodically during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. In her entry "The Diary is Not Dead." Miller reflects on her various encounters with audiences, including one poignant interaction with an audience member who struggled with his own moral dilemma regarding diaries. In video link http://bit.ly/AgtlEW see Miller discuss how Americans have fanatically attempted to tell their own stories during America's 400 years of diary keeping. (more)
Laureate's 2012 speaking schedule begins in Lewistown, State College
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington will be speaking at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Penn State Learning Center in Lewistown. Miller's presentation "Hemingway in Letters, Literature and Life" will be offered in conjunction with the Learning Center's community lecture series, "Lobby Lectures." The public is invited. To register, call 717-248-9618. Then at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 20 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel on the University Park campus, Miller will deliver a talk titled "Searching for the Lost Generation" as part of the Penn State Forum Speaker Series. This event is open to the public and the charge is $18 per ticket. To register and for more information go online to: http://pennstateforum.psu.edu. Miller will continue her travels and speaking engagements in the eastern part of Pennsylvania during the spring. Stay tuned for schedule updates. (more)
Penn State Laureate to appear at Penn State Worthington Scranton
Penn State Laureate Linda Patterson Miller will present "In Search of the Lost Generation; or, Why the Humanities Matter" at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. in Penn State Worthington Scranton's Cafeteria Conference Room in the Study Learning Center. Miller is a professor of English at Penn State Abington, where she has taught American Literature since 1984. She is a recipient of the Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004) and publishes in all areas of American studies, specializing in early 20th-century American literature and art. (more)
Literary Landings: 'In the Chapel of Art' reveals love of Hemingway
ABINGTON, Pa -- Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities; specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear periodically during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. "In the Chapel of Art" Miller reflects on an encounter with three Hemingway aficionados and addresses a question she is often asked: "Why Hemingway?" In video link http://bit.ly/nVOzuO see Miller as she provides some background for understanding the transformative power of Hemingway's art. (more)
Laureate enlightens Pennsylvania audiences on 'The Lost Generation'
Penn State laureate Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, will continue her journeys throughout the Pennsylvania Commonwealth during the weeks ahead. Miller will be speaking at Penn State Harrisburg on Oct. 12 and at the Penn State Mont Alto campus on Oct. 13, where she will lecture on "Searching for the Lost Generation." This talk, open to the public, will be begin at 2 p.m. in the Mont Alto Library. At noon on Oct. 17, Miller will hold a public forum at Penn State York campus. Her presentation on the "Lost Generation and Why the Arts Matter" will be held in the Lee R. Glatfelter Library, in the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center. Follow Miller's travelogue "Literary Landings," online at http://laureate.psu.edu/Linda_Miller where her latest entry draws upon her recent experiences at Penn State Altoona and addresses a question she is often asked: "Why Hemingway?" (more)
Penn State Laureate speaks at DuBois
Linda Patterson Miller, Penn State laureate for 2011-12, spoke at Penn State DuBois on Sept. 13. Miller, a professor of English at Penn State Abington, is the fourth person to hold the title. (more)
Penn State laureate to share her view on the 'lost generation'
For Penn State Laureate Linda Patterson Miller, the phrase "home is where the heart is" rings true. Miller will visit Penn State Fayette, The Eberly campus, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to discuss how members of America's so-called "Lost Generation" of the 1920s searched for home as a physical place and a place in the heart. This free event is open to the public and will be held at 12:15 p.m. in Swimmer Hall in the Williams Building on campus. (more)
Public invited to free presentation by Penn State Laureate
Friday, September 09, 2011The public is invited to attend a free presentation titled "Ernest Hemingway in Letters, Literature and Life" by Penn State Laureate Linda Patterson Miller, 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, in room 16, of the Penn State Beaver Student Union Building. Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, is the first Penn State laureate from humanities, the first to be named from a Penn State campus other than University Park, and the fourth person to hold the title. The Penn State laureate is a full-time faculty member in the humanities or fine arts who is assigned half-time for one academic year to bring an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic, and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. For information about Miller or her work, contact the Beaver Office of Academic Affairs at djm5@psu.edu or 724-773-3571, or visit http://laureate.psu.edu/Linda_Miller. (more)
Literary Landings: 'Literary Encounters' reveals Hemingway's influence
ABINGTON, Pa. -- Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities; specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear periodically during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Below and in the video link http://bit.ly/nVOzuO, Miller discusses how encounters with art can change lives, as it did for Miller when she first read Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" (1929). (more)
Laureate to explore Ernest Hemingway's art during first campus visits
Penn State Laureate Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, will begin her journeys into western Pennsylvania, serving as a "laureate-in-residence" as she interacts with the campus communities at Penn State DuBois (Sept. 13); Penn State Erie, The Behrend College (Sept. 14); Penn State Shenango (Sept. 15); and Penn State Beaver (Sept. 16). Miller will be participating in individual classes and symposiums along with engaging larger audiences in public forums at these locations. "I invite anyone in these geographical areas to join with us for these public presentation as we variously explore the art of American diary-keeping, the lives and art of the 1920s Lost Generation, and the art of Ernest Hemingway as discovered in his letters and early prose," said Miller. Check in with Miller's travels and follow her literary dialogue, "Literary Landings," at http://laureate.psu.edu/Linda_Miller online. Today, Miller discusses how encounters with art can change lives, as it did for Miller when she first read Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" (1929). To watch a short video of Miller as she provides some background for understanding the transformative power of Hemingway's art, go to http://bit.ly/nVOzuO online. (more)
Literary Landings: 'Coming Home' begins laureate's monthly travelogue
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington, is sharing her thoughts and observations of her laureate experience as she journeys across the Commonwealth aiming to engage people in the beauty of the humanities; specifically early 20th-century American literature and art. "Literary Landings" is a travelogue scheduled to appear during the fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. In the first entry titled "Coming Home," read about Miller's Pennsylvania roots and join her on her "personal and public quest for self and home." (more)
Penn State Laureate Linda Miller begins official duties, travelogue
Newly minted Penn State Laureate Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, officially started her laureate duties last month. She will be traveling throughout Pennsylvania talking about her professional area of expertise, America's Lost Generation of the 1920s. Her first excursion will be to the northwest region of the commonwealth, with stops at Penn State's DuBois, Erie, Shenango and Beaver campuses. To learn more about Miller and stay up-to-date with her travels and literary talks throughout the state check out her travelogue, "Literary Landings," at http://laureate.psu.edu/Linda_Miller online. To watch a short video of Miller speaking about her journey of literary research that she aims to share with audiences this year, go to http://goo.gl/rtYpB online. (more)
Penn State laureate shares research's 'exciting process of discovery'
Linda Patterson Miller, the 2011-12 Penn State laureate and professor of English at Penn State Abington discusses the "seductive journey of research" in the video link http://goo.gl/rtYpB. "Doing research with primary documents is an exciting process of discovery when the researcher's open to the unexpected," said Miller. Watch the video and learn how Miller discovered an interesting batch of letters to F. Scott Fitzgerald during her initial research of "America's Lost Generation." (more)
Abington English professor named 2011-12 Penn State laureate
Linda Patterson Miller, professor of English at Penn State Abington, has been named the Penn State laureate for 2011-12. The Penn State laureate is a full-time faculty member in the humanities or fine arts who is assigned half-time for one academic year to bring an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. Miller is the fourth person to hold the title and the first to be named from a Penn State campus other than University Park. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Reasons' considers past innocence
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the final installment of Becker's laureate posts and videos, "The Reasons" explores a place from the speaker's past and considers the innocence of her former self. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Understory' reflects exotic travel memories
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. Below and in the video link of "Understory," Becker reflects surprising sensory memories from a trip within the poem's pacing and language. (more)
Penn State Laureate to read poetry on University Park campus April 20
Robin Becker, liberal arts research professor in the department of English and this year's Penn State Laureate, will give a poetry reading as part of the Mary E. Rolling Reading Series at 7:30 p.m. on April 20, in the Foster Auditorium of Paterno Library. The reading is free and open to the public. (more)
Penn State Fayette to host Penn State laureate April 18
Robin Becker, the 2010-2011 Penn State laureate, will conduct a public poetry reading at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 18, at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. This free event is open to the public and will take place in the Cultural Center in the Williams Building. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Riding Lesson' depicts sensory memories
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. Below and in the video link of "Riding Lesson," Becker recalls the sensory memories from a childhood hobby. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Sadness in Spring' mulls dichotomy, briefly
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. Below and in the video link of "Sadness in Spring," Becker ponders the condition of melancholy during the season of renewal. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Late Words' takes on shameful family secret
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Late Words for My Sister," Becker addresses an old, shameful family secret. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Plum Tree' ponders seasonal change
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "The Plum Tree," Becker composed another poem using wavelike lines to help illustrate the cyclical nature of seasonal change. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Island of Daily Life' recalls summer's joys
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Island of Daily Life," Becker composed wavelike lines to help illustrate the relaxed rhythm of summer leisure time. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Haircut on Via Di Mezzo' airs 'open secret'
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Haircut on Via Di Mezzo," Becker directs a point to the speaker's partner, noting that a status they hadn't addressed publicly wasn't actually a secret to others. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Venetian' imagery foreshadows failing couple
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Venetian," Becker uses unsettling imagery from a vacation scene to foreshadow an unraveling relationship. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'In Praise of the Basset Hound'
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "In Praise of the Basset Hound," Becker honors an "unlovely" canine as only an admirer could. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Shopping' ponders retail therapy
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Shopping," Becker pokes fun at a cliched pastime of wounded hearts. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Prairie Dogs' imagery hints at hate crime
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Prairie Dogs," Becker uses imagery depicting an injured, immobilized animal to allude to the incident of a tortured, murdered college student. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Children's Concert' eyes cruelty, regret
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "The Children's Concert," Becker uses a cruel joke perpetrated during childhood to reflect on an adult's regrets. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Death of the Owl' an exercise in grief
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Death of the Owl," Becker uses language and symbolism to help her come to terms with an accident and her grief from it. (more)
Heard on Campus: Penn State Laureate Robin Becker at the Forum
"I have no real answers other than education and exposure. The only thing we can do is provide our young people with the opportunity to hear and enjoy things other than sound bites and video games. I think if we take the time to sit and read a book, our children and our students will see us, and we can model for them a kind of literary citizenship that includes taking the time, because reading poetry does take time. So does reading a short story, so does reading a novel." -- 2010-2011 Penn State Laureate Robin Becker, on how to influence younger generations to slow down and appreciate the words of a poet. Becker, a nationally acclaimed poet who also is a professor of English and women's studies in the College of the Liberal Arts, spoke Friday (Jan. 14) at the Penn State Forum, held at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Port-au-Prince, 1960' changes a child's view
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "Port-au-Prince, 1960," Becker recounts a pivotal moment in her childhood that made her aware of issues surrounding race and economic standing. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Star Show' recalls a time of innocent awe
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The Poet's Perspective" is a weekly poetry video series scheduled to appear during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "The Star Show," Becker recalls through a child's eyes a celestial voyage. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Wood Lot' honors a conscientious subject
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the text video links of "The Wood Lot," Becker paints a word-portrait of a companionable subject. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: Two poems observe rescued animals
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. Below and in the video link of two poems read together, "Rescue Parable" and "Rescue Riddle," Becker offers a glimpse into the lives of two rescued pets. (more)
Penn State laureate shares her work at Penn State York
Robin Becker, Penn State laureate for 2010-11 and professor of English and women's studies at the University, read a number of her poems, shared her thoughts about them, and talked about how she decided to become a poet during a visit to Penn State York on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Becker read to a group of students, faculty and staff in the campus' Lee R. Glatfelter Library. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Old Florida' reveals generational anxieties
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the text and video of "Old Florida," an adult child of distant elderly parents in danger recalls the angst of helplessness against nature's threats and their stubborn insistence in waiting out the storm. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Kouros' records experiences during travel
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the text and the video link of "Kouros," Becker offers a response to her encounters and experiences while traveling in Greece. (more)
Penn State's poet laureate to visit York campus Nov. 9
Robin Becker, Penn State's poet laureate for 2010-11, will visit Penn State York on Tuesday, Nov. 9, and give a poetry reading in the Lee R. Glatfelter Library at the campus. The poetry reading is set for noon and is free and open to the public. In addition to her role as poet laureate at the University, Becker is professor of English and women's studies in the College of the Liberal Arts and a nationally acclaimed poet. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'OK, Tucker' contends with a favored pet
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the text and video of "OK, Tucker," Becker offers a humorous take on relationships, where the speaker tries to gain the approval of a romantic partner's dog. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: Penn State laureate on fitting in, choices
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the text and video link of "The Poconos," Becker correlates a woman's lessons in compromises with Native Americans' forced relocation. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Roast Chicken' considers loneliness
"The Poet's Perspective," a poetry video series by the 2010-11 Penn State Laureate Robin Becker, is scheduled to appear weekly during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "The Roast Chicken," Becker examines the condition of loneliness. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Round Barn' examines architectural story
"The Poet's Perspective," a poetry video series by the 2010-11 Penn State Laureate Robin Becker, is scheduled to appear weekly during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters on Penn State Live and in Penn State Newswires. Prior to each poem, Becker offers her thoughts about what inspired her to write the piece, then poses a question to consider. In the text and video link of "The Round Barn," Becker ponders the history of the structure and the lives of those who inhabited it. (more)
Penn State laureate begins statewide tour at Beaver campus
Friday, October 01, 2010On Tuesday, Sept. 28, Penn State Laureate Robin Becker visited Penn State Beaver as the first stop on her statewide tour of 12 Penn State campuses. Becker, professor of English and women's studies in the College of the Liberal Arts and a nationally acclaimed, award-winning poet, is the first Penn State laureate to make a tour of University campuses. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Repair' examines effects following Sept. 11
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In this week's poem, "Repair," Becker examines the process of picking up the pieces after Sept. 11. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The Lover of Fruit Trees' portrays a friend
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the linked text and video of Becker reading of "The Lover of Fruit Trees," she depicts a person she admires. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: Video of 'Living in the Barn'
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In the poem's text and video of "Living in the Barn," she offers reflections about how our dwellings can reflect who we are. (more)
Public invited to attend poetry reading by Penn State laureate
The public is invited to attend a poetry reading and book signing by Robin Becker, Penn State laureate, at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28 in the Penn State Beaver Student Union Building. A reception will be held following the poetry reading. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: Time travel and 'The Problem of Magnification'
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In "The Problem of Magnification," the poet considers an occasion of role-reversal when a student of science became the teacher. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'The New Egypt' is laureate's second video
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "The New Egypt" is second in a weekly video series occurring during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Solar' begins laureate's weekly video series
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies at the University, is sharing several of her poems via video during the 2010-11 academic year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. "Solar" is the first in a weekly video series occurring during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. (more)
Penn State laureate brings poetry to campuses in 2010-2011
Monday, August 09, 2010Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies, will be traveling across Pennsylvania during the following year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. She is scheduled to visit several Penn State campuses during the fall 2010 semester. She also will participate in the Penn State Forum Speaker Series in January 2011. Please revisit this page for updates of appearance dates and locations. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Listening to Bach on Rt. 89' an ode to summer
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies, will be sharing several of her poems during the following year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. In this previously unpublished poem, "Listening to Bach on Rt. 89," Becker offers a brief ode to summer. (more)
Leach reflects on choral career, year as 2009-10 Penn State laureate
As he concludes his year as the 2009-10 Penn State laureate and passes the title officially to poet Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies; Anthony Leach, associate professor of music/music education in the College of Arts and Architecture, examines the past year and his greater musical history at Penn State, which began 24 years ago. (more)
The Poet's Perspective: 'Man of the Year' depicts a complex father
Robin Becker, the 2010-11 Penn State laureate and professor of English and women's studies, will be sharing her poems during the following year, aiming to engage people "in the deep pleasures of poetry -- language crafted and shaped from words, the 'ordinary' material we all use every day," to explore how and why poems move us. She begins with a poem titled "Man of the Year," a piece that depicts the complexity of the speaker's father. Becker uses imagery from the legend of Robin Hood to help tell the subject's life story. (more)
Laureate describes Essence of Joy and its 'Gift in Song'
As his year as 2009-2010 Penn State laureate winds down, Anthony Leach, associate professor of music/music education in the College of Arts and Architecture, shares the story of his Penn State choir Essence of Joy, how it came to be and what it and its singers have contributed to the choral community locally, regionally and around the world. (more)
Poet Robin Becker named 2010-11 Penn State laureate
Robin Becker, professor of English and women's studies in the College of the Liberal Arts and a nationally acclaimed poet, has been named the 2010-11 Penn State laureate. Becker is the third Penn State laureate, a full-time University faculty member in the humanities or fine arts who is assigned half-time for one academic year to bring an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. (more)
Penn State laureate poses the question: Who sings?
In his latest article Anthony Leach, the 2009-10 Penn State laureate and associate professor of music/music education in the College of Arts and Architecture, examines the notion of singing by posing questions: who sings, why, when, what and how? (more)
Laureate reflects on history of Penn State's choral community
Before Penn State football had a coach, choral singing was alive and well at our University. Anthony Leach, the 2009-10 Penn State laureate, takes a few moments to recall some of the significant contributions that choirs from Penn State have made over many decades as well as current service to the University Park campus and beyond. (more)
Video: Penn State laureate discusses music's life-enhancing potential
Anthony Leach, the 2009-2010 Penn State laureate and associate professor of music and music education, understands music's potential to influence and enhance the lives of others, and he sees firsthand the unifying power of music on both performers and audiences. In a short video he describes a bit of his musical philosophy by reflecting on the role music has played in his life since childhood. (more)
Penn State laureate notes music's role in Black History Month
Anthony Leach, the 2009-10 Penn State laureate, offers his musical perspective on Black History Month, as many organizations and communities across America join together to celebrate the works and accomplishments of blacks across generations, industries and sensibilities. (more)
Songs of King's era: 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round'
In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, Anthony Leach, the 2009-10 Penn State laureate, offers his thoughts on the significance of songs of the Civil Rights Movement. (more)
MLK Commemoration wants community to 'Be the Change'
Penn State will mark the 25th anniversary of its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration with a Day of Service and Evening Celebration with a keynote address by author, editor and former presidential assistant Keith Boykin, as well as several exhibits, performances, film screenings and panel discussions through the rest of the month. The theme for this year's commemoration is "Dream the Change, Lead the Change, Be the Change," and is illustrated in the poster design by senior graphic design student Lauren Barry. (more)
Penn State laureate, choir sing in January for King holiday, Kwanzaa
Essence of Joy, under the direction of 2009-10 Penn State Laureate Anthony Leach, will present several events in January at the University Park campus in celebration of African-American musical traditions and the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. In addition, the choir will travel to Penn State Schuylkill for two days of workshops and performances. (more)
Penn State Laureate nominations sought
Thursday, January 07, 2010Nominations are being sought from throughout the University community for the 2010-11 Penn State Laureate position, an opportunity for a full-time faculty member who will be assigned half-time to serve as the University Laureate for one academic year. The laureate can be a poet laureate, humanities laureate, or fine arts laureate. The selected individual will appear regularly at University events at University Park, on the Commonwealth Campuses, and throughout the state at community and state-wide events. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Jan. 25. (more)
Laureate's theme, 'Building Choral Communities,' offers musical unity
Penn State Laureate Anthony Leach offers his thoughts on his selected theme, "Building Choral Communities," and shares background from his journey as a choral music educator. His goal as laureate to build musical communities extends to Penn State students, alumni and employees, as well as Pennsylvania residents and people around the world. (more)
Laureate shares history of Essence of Joy, related choral communities
Anthony Leach, the 2009-2010 Penn State laureate, shares some background on how one of Penn State's premier choral ensembles began, and how its positive impact eventually influenced the creation of two additional choirs -- one for alumni of the original choir, the other for community supporters who wanted to be a part of a similar choral experience -- that demonstrates Leach's theme as laureate, "Building Choral Communities." (more)
Laureate brings Penn State ensembles to Pennsylvania sites in 2010
Wednesday, December 09, 2009Anthony Leach, 2009-2010 Penn State laureate, is scheduled to visit locations across Pennsylvania during the spring 2010 semester. Revisit this link for updated lists of performance dates and locations. (more)
Still Life: Penn State Laureate, School of Music host youth choirs
For the second time this fall, Anthony Leach, the 2009 Penn State Laureate, and faculty and students from the School of Music hosted high school choirs from central Pennsylvania for a day of choral workshops and interaction. A Still Life captured a few brief moments of their visit. (more)
Choirs from six campuses 'Raise the Song!'
Monday, November 23, 2009When the student choirs from six Penn State campuses "raised the song!" recently in Harrisburg, it brought the University closer together for the nearly 200 singers who participated. The two-hour concert at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts featured choirs from Penn State's Harrisburg, Berks, Altoona, Erie, Schuylkill and University Park campuses, with each performing individually before all joined at the conclusion of the event for Mendelssohn's "Verleih uns Frieden" (Grant Us Peace) and the Penn State Alma Mater, from which the "Raise the Song!" concert title was derived. (more)
Video tunes in to musical work of Penn State laureate Anthony T. Leach
Anthony T. Leach, associate professor of music and music education in Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture, has been named the University's second Penn State laureate. He succeeds the inaugural laureate, Kim Cook, professor of music in cello. Penn State's new laureate, a tenor vocalist, pianist and music educator, plans to engage audiences and help them connect to music as part of his yearlong duties to raise awareness of the arts and enrich the public's cultural experience. Featured in this video is "Walk Together Children," a song arranged by Leach in 1998 and performed here by Penn State choir Essence of Joy. (more)
Choral music educator Leach named 2009-10 Penn State laureate
Penn State's new laureate, a tenor vocalist, pianist and music educator, plans to engage audiences and help them connect to music as part of his yearlong duties to raise awareness of the arts and enrich the public's cultural experience. Anthony T. Leach, associate professor of music and music education in Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture, has been named the University's second Penn State laureate. He succeeds the inaugural laureate, Kim Cook, professor of music in cello. (more)
Did You Know? Musical Notes from the Penn State Laureate
Q: When is the time to clap in a concert? A: Many concert goers are confused by the "etiquette" of clapping. You read the program, wondering, "Where are we? Is this Allegro or Moderato?" Then you may just decide, "Oh well, I'll just wait to clap until someone else does." Although tradition has established rules, most musicians are thrilled to hear applause anytime, anywhere, so next time you attend a concert, if you feel excited and moved to clap, please do. For the best cue, watch the musicians. If they begin to stand and bow, then it really is the time to clap. (more)
Penn State's first laureate is Kim Cook
Kim Cook, professor of music in cello in the College of Arts and Architecture, has been named the University's inaugural Penn State Laureate. This distinguished faculty member will bring an enhanced level of social, cultural, artistic and human perspective and awareness to a broad array of audiences. Cook will be assigned half time to serve as the University Laureate for one academic year. The laureate will be a highly visible representative of Penn State who will appear regularly at events University-wide and throughout the Commonwealth at community and statewide events. (more)
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