About The Contemporary Writers Series
In 1997 The Contemporary Writers Series was inaugurated at Aquinas College through the generous funding of alumni Dr. Tony Foster ('73) and Acclaimed Poet Linda Nemec Foster ('72). The series invites well-known authors to perform from their most recent work on campus, or virtually. The purpose is to connect creatives, inspire students through Writing Workshops, and learn from the authors’ literary achievements whether in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or a hybrid form.
The series is two part. An author will present their ideas on Muse and Craft, as well as develop a Writing Prompt which Creative Writing Students will generate work. Then the author will read from and comment on their own collection of work at an evening performance, that is free and open to the public.
In addition to their public readings in the evenings, writers also meet with students for more intimate and informal discussions during the day. Students arrive at these unique sessions filled with questions generated by prior study of the writer’s works in their classes.
Photo Credit: Daniel J. Combs Photography
Picture of AQ Alumnae Linda Nemec Foster ('72) and Dr. Shelli Rottschafer.
Ms. Nemec Foster is the first Grand Rapids Poet Laureate and served in the position from 2003-2005. She is the author of twelve collections of poetry and the founder of CWS. Dr. Rottschafer is a Professor of Spanish and teaches Chicanx and Latinx Literature at Aquinas College. She has been the Director of CWS since Fall 2014.
To learn more about Linda Nemec Foster and her poem, “City of Stone, City of Trees”, which was the premier video screened at REELpoetry Video/Film Festival visit this website.
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Contact Us: cws@aquinas.edu