On March 13, Oglethorpe University welcomed award-winning writer and former State Poet of New York Willie Perdomo for a reading and book signing — the inaugural event for the Oglethorpe Out Loud poetry series.

Oglethorpe President Kathryn McClymond opened the event with an introduction of alumna Leah Hughes ’88, whose generous gift established the poetry series earlier this year. Organized by the English and Comparative Literature department, Oglethorpe Out Loud will bring esteemed poets to campus to expand Oglethorpe students’ exposure to contemporary creative writers.

Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature Dr. Justin Haynes introduced Mr. Perdomo, who read several selections from his books and took questions from the audience of students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Atlanta community.

Following the reading, Perdomo mingled with attendees and signed copies of his books.

Earlier in the day, Oglethorpe writing students also had the opportunity to meet with Perdomo — both in a class and over lunch — to talk about the craft of writing and to learn directly from the accomplished poet.

View photos below from the first Oglethorpe Out Loud event.