The UML Literary Society hosted a poetry reading on November 30^th. The crowd of more than fifty people met in the Tap Room at the Lowell Brewery.

“The night was a huge success,” said Elys Rodriguez, president of the Literary Society. “The turn-out was great and the poetry was even better.  Hopefully this is something that we can repeat every semester.”

Headlining the night were UML teachers Gigi Thibodeau and Hillary Holladay.  Both are long time poetry teachers and have been widely published. An unintentional theme of childhood memories, both real and imagined wove itself through the poets’ readings.

UML students Jim Connolly and Rich Ferrell followed the teacher poets.  The Humanities students presented contrasting styles and topics. Up beat thoughts of escalators shark teeth were weighted by thoughts on the war in Iraq.

Next the crowd was treated to the beautiful voice of Kate Hanson and the humor of Matt Studivan. Hanson is a recent UML alum and cofounder of the Renovation Journal, which focuses on and encourages new artistic attitudes in the Lowell community. Her poem on running away was discussed later as one of the finest of the night. Studivan, co-originator of the OutLet, gave a performance highlighted by a supine poem with a jacket pillow.

An open microphone followed with several UML students and alum reading poetry of their own or favorite authors.  The event was paid for by the Alumni Association and sponsored by the letters E and J, and the number 3.

The Literary Society is accepting works of poetry and prose as well as photographs and artwork for The Offering, their yearly journal. Works can be delivered to the English department office by December 17^th. For more information please contact either nathan_lamar@uml.edu or julie_nash@uml.edu.