On Mar. 20, Oglethorpe University welcomed author, educator and alumna Aline Mello ’12 back to campus to headline the second installment of the “Oglethorpe Out Loud” live poetry event. Her readings—passionate, introspective and defiant—drew a crowd and created a sense of intimate camaraderie among the attendees.

President Kathryn McClymond opened the event, offering her gratitude to Leah Hughes ’88, whose generous donation established the “Oglethorpe Out Loud” series. Organized each year by the English and Comparative Literature department, this event brings esteemed poets to campus to expand Oglethorpe students’ exposure to contemporary creative writers.

Mello was introduced to the crowd by Senior Lecturer in Core Studies Dr. James Iredell who hosted the author in his class the day before. There, Mello discussed her journey as a writer and offered advice on her craft as a published author.

Mello’s selections at the live reading included pieces from her first published poetry collection “More Salt than Diamond,” a powerful expression of the struggles she experienced as a young Brazilian growing up in the American South. And though her work was colored by an enduring sense of estrangement, she left the audience with a powerful sentiment: “I am here.”

After the reading, Mello mingled with attendees and signed copies of her poetry collection for several excited students who connected deeply with her work.

That sense of connection and inspiration is precisely what makes “Oglethorpe Out Loud” such a powerful event—particularly for students. Whether looking to gain inspiration from an accomplished writer, insight into someone else’s life, or simply to revel in the spoken word for a moment, this important series brings people together under a mutual love for creativity and self-expression.

View photos from this year’s Oglethorpe Out Loud event below.