Honors thesis scholar and magna cum laude graduate Meryem Kugzruk pauses for a phtograph during the commencement ceremony May 8, 2016, at the Carlson Center. Kugzruk received an undergraduate degree in English. UAF Photo by JR Ancheta

Welcome to 'English Department Gems'

 

Celebrate the literary achievements and scholarly excellence of our faculty, students, and alumni. From notable publications and awards to groundbreaking research and creative writing successes, stay connected with the latest news and inspiring stories from the world of English.

 

sidebar menu toggle button English Gems

  • Mary Knight. Photo courtesy of Knight

    Compromise in Craft

    April 21, 2025

    Writer Mary Knight explores creativity, compromise, and the craft of writing shaped by a life lived off the expected literary path.

  • Joseph Holt. UAF Photo

    Print, Pedagogy, and Publication

    April 19, 2025

    Joe Holt receives People's Endowment to support Ice Box, UAF's student-run literary journal, now celebrating its 21st print edition.

  • Jamie Bear dressed in a toga with a golden laurel wreath on his head

    Outstanding and Unforgettable

    April 18, 2025

    Meet CLA's 2024-2025 Outstanding Students, recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and impact across UAF and their departments.

  • Empty photo frames on a blue wall. A window in the center opens up to an oil painting of a sunrise in Fairbanks

    MFA Third Year Reading

    April 17, 2025

    An evening of original fiction, nonfiction and poetry by UAF English MFA students celebrating their work and voices as emerging AV狼论坛n writers.

  • Collage of Fulbright panel speakers Carol Gray, Tyler Kirk, Ca rolyn Kremers, Mary Beth Leigh and Dogacan Ozturk

    Bridges Across Borders: Fulbright Voices at UAF

    April 09, 2025

    UAF Fulbright Scholars share their experiences teaching, researching, and living abroad in Russia, Canada, Thailand, and the U.S.

  • Annie Wenstrup. Photo courtesy of Wenstrup

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Annie Wenstrup

    April 05, 2025

    Annie Wenstrup's debut poetry collection navigates personal history and unresolved colonial violence through poetic storytelling.

  • Japanese language student Paradise Porter poses with Nook at the 2024 URSA RCA Day

    Fueling the Future

    March 31, 2025

    Thanks to your generosity, CLA raised a record-breaking $22,470 from 69 donors on AV狼论坛 Day! Your support fuels student success--thank you!

  • Zeke Shomler. Photo courtesy of Shomler

    Poetry, Process, and Pushcart Glory

    March 31, 2025

    UAF's Zeke Shomler had a standout year with Pushcart nominations and major publications. Explore his poetic journey, process, and what's next.

  • Brook McClurg and Joy Castro

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Permafrost Book Prize

    March 29, 2025

    Celebrate Brook McClurg's award-winning work with juror Joy Castro in an inspiring evening of nonfiction brilliance.

  • MFA student Manny Melendez reads his poem at the 2024 Solstice Poetry Cycle in the Salisbury Theatre, Jan. 30, 2025. (UAF photo by Leif Van Cise)

    One new thing has started; other traditions upheld

    March 23, 2025

    For 50 years, UAF's Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series has brought celebrated authors to Fairbanks, inspiring students and shaping the literary community.

  • CLA Music Donor, Catherine Madsen, has her photo taken outside of the Davis Concert Hall before the start of the Circumpolar Music Series. UAF Photo by Leif Van Cise

    AV狼论坛 Voice to the Arctic

    March 21, 2025

    A donor's deep connection to UAF inspired the Circumpolar Music Series, celebrating Arctic music and culture. See how giving can make a lasting impact.

  • Woman in a dress underwater with her arm extended upward. Image Credit: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

    Breaking Boundaries

    March 15, 2025

    Join Emma Allen for her MA thesis defense on supernatural women in Arthurian literature, March 21, 4 PM, UAF Gruening 401 & Zoom.

  • Artists and crew in the 2022 Svalbard residency. Photo by Daryl Farmer

    Sailing into the Sublime

    March 09, 2025

    UAF professor Daryl Farmer reflects on his Arctic residency, the creative impact of Svalbard鈥檚 landscapes, and the poetry inspired by his time at sea.

  • MFA candidate Fidelis Feeley reimagines love and relationships through bold storytelling and unconventional narratives.

    Sing a Song for Flaco & Other Love Sorries

    March 08, 2025

    MFA candidate Fidelis Feeley reimagines love and relationships through bold storytelling and unconventional narratives.

  • Black and white photo of a person with their finger to their lips in a

    An Accumulation of Silences and Other Essays

    March 07, 2025

    MFA candidate Rachel McKinley explores themes of girlhood, motherhood, and self-discovery through autobiographical essays.

  • Abstract cosmic graphic of a person walking through a door on a brightly colored planet in space

    Universe, baby and Other Weirdness

    March 06, 2025

    Join us for N贸ra McIntyre's MFA thesis defense of Universe, baby and other Weirdness, a surreal mix of fiction, poetry, and hybrid storytelling.

  • John Morgan and Claire-Elise Baalke

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: John Morgan and Claire-Elise Baalke

    March 04, 2025

    John Morgan reads from The Nancy Poems, with Claire-Elise Baalke opening. A night of poetry on love, landscape, and the cosmos. Free & open to the public!

  • Jericho Williams. UAF Photo by Leif Van Cise

    Brewing Community: Tea Time Expands

    March 03, 2025

    Jericho Williams expands UAF's Tea Time initiative with the People's Endowment, bringing virtual access to foster community and literary engagement.

  • Spray painted black crown graphic

    A Menagerie of Losers

    February 22, 2025

    Join as Tim Ott delves into his collection of short stories and memoir, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience.

  • Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of AV狼论坛

    Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of AV狼论坛

    February 20, 2025

    Join EGO at the UAF Pub for 'Frost & Nip: Voice(s) of AV狼论坛' on Feb 28! A creative reading celebrating the unique spirit of AV狼论坛n life and voices.

  • A winter storm covers the Fairbanks campus with snow on the winter solstice eve day in 2017. UAF Photo.

    Circumpolar Music Series: Winter Chamber Concert

    February 14, 2025

    Join the Circumpolar Music Series for a winter chamber concert featuring works by Talbot, Adams, Burtner, and poetry by the UAF English Department.

  • Rachel Blume. Photo curtesy of Blume

    Polished to Perfection: Blume's 'Spit-Shine' Earns Recognition

    February 13, 2025

    UAF MFA candidate Rachel Blume's Spit-Shine reaches AWP Intro Awards finals. Read about her journey, thesis defense, and the creative writing program.

  • UAF Department of English alumni Zack Medlin, Sean Enfield and H. Warren

    Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series: Alumni Reading

    February 07, 2025

    Sean Enfield, Zack Medlin, and H. Warren share captivating prose and poetry, showcasing the literary talent of UAF graduates.

  • Two pairs of legs. Photo by Manuel Melendez

    boyelegy

    February 05, 2025

    MFA candidate Manny Melendez defends boyelegy, a poetic exploration of language, memory, and desire. Attend in person or online!

  • Abstract blue art by Kathy Kitts

    Spinning Blue Empties

    February 05, 2025

    Kathy Kitts defends her MFA thesis Spinning Blue Empties, a sci-fi novel about omniscience, divinity, and sacrifice. Attend in person or via Zoom!