West Virginia University alumni who have fond memories of discussing the literature, plays and structure that have made English great can now continue to do so at a yearly event.

The first English Gathering, or reunion, will be held March 5 for alumni and friends of the WVU Department of English.

“I am very excited about this event because it is the first time we have held a celebration for our alumni, retired faculty, and supporters,” said Donald Hall, chair of the WVU Department of English. “We strive hard to stay in contact with our many friends, but this gives us an opportunity to thank them face-to-face for their friendship and loyalty.”

A highlight of the gathering will be a presentation by Dr. Bill French, professor emeritus, who was a longtime teacher of Shakespeare’s plays. Dr. French’s talk on “Julius Caesar” will coincide with the College of Creative Arts’ current production of the play.

The gathering will be held in Colson Hall, the new home for the Department of English. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. on March 5 with the opportunity for participants to meet department faculty who are involved in special projects to give them a sense of what’s currently happening in the department.

Information on the Appalachian Prison Book project, the London Theatre Tour, and study abroad opportunities will be available that day. The Center for Literary Computing will be open as well as the Writing Center. At the Writing Center, graduate students will talk about their experiences teaching writing to freshmen and sophomores.

The gathering will also include information on professional writing and editing, Native American studies, and the upcoming Summer Seminar in Appalachian Folk and Fairy Tales. WVU Press will also have a display.

The department’s creative writers will perform at 2:15 p.m., and Dr. French’s talk will begin at 3 p.m. in 130 Colson Hall, followed by a reception to conclude the afternoon. All are welcome to the gathering, especially former students of Dr. French.

To R.S.V.P., please contact Marsha Bissett at Marsha.Bissett@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-9699. Also, those interested can visit http://english.wvu.edu and link to the Facebook page.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Rebecca Herod, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
304-293-7405, ext. 5251, Rebecca.Herod@mail.wvu.edu

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