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Diana M. Wayand
dwayand@neo.rr.com
Hello Everyone,
Guided gently into taking poetry classes at Kent State University as a senior guest in 2004 by my friend Anna French, I was softly introduced to Wick Poetry Center and all the wonderful people who collectively develop, administer, and act as guardian angels for this nourishing program.
I subsequently applied for and was accepted as a student in NEOMFA.
This year I serve proudly on the 25th Anniversary committee. I say proudly because all the members of the committee and the key people in charge, are all warm, gracious, and want only what’s best for current students and our extended community of poets and writers, all this while keeping in mind the inclusion of the larger community of Kent citizens, and the close circle of poets who live, meet and keep poetry alive and relevant in Kent, Ohio.
So many memories to keep dear in the years I’ve been a part of Wick. Here are just two in a whole trunkful: Djelloul Marbrook, the first book winner for 2007, as I sat in his workshop I was entranced not only by the stories of his most improbable life but his remarkable intellect that never got in the way of our conversations, and Eleanor Wilner who took me from tears, to laughter and back again. Oh, I should mention our most colorful and entertaining visiting poet, Eintou Pearl Springer. And oh, I just thought of two more, but in the interest of brevity I better not.
I cannot end this without mentioning Maj Ragin and Katherine Blackbird, two professors I had the privilege of being in the presence of when it mattered the most. They know their impact on my life and I am ever grateful for their friendship and unconditional acceptance.
Thank you Robert and Walter Wick for giving to KSU this continuing opportunity to encourage and inspire the Poet, and to fan the living flames of this ancient and consoling art of words.
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