Michaelson, Briner & Kildahl Literary Symposium

The annual Michaelson, Briner & Kildahl Literary Symposium celebrating the humanities is presented by the Harry and Polly Slife Professorship in Humanities. Thanks to a leadership gift from alumni Steven and Jane Noah and Dale and Judy Goeke, the annual event brings an author, poet or other literary figure to campus to engage students, faculty, staff and the broader community in activities to stimulate critical thought.

This year’s MBK Symposium will feature Martín Espada, winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Poetry. “Floaters,” the collection that won the award, includes “Letter to My Father,” “Flan,” “Jumping Off the Mystic Tobin Bridge,” and the titular poem. Espada frquently calls attention to the basic humanity of his subjects, including immigrants and the citizens of Puerto Rico.

Espada will read a selection of his work and sign books afterward. Racoon River Press will sell copies of “Floaters,” while the North American Review will sell copies of its recent issue featuring Espada. Espada will also hold a workshop with English and Scholars Program students earlier in the day.

This Michaelson, Briner & Kildahl Literary Symposium is presented by the Slife Professorship in Humanities with generous support from Steve and Jane Noah; the Wartburg Scholars Program; the Saemann Chair in Global Communities; the Regents Chair in Ethics; the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies; and other donors to the MBK Endowment. Contact Dr. Zak Montgomery with questions.