The first Authors Celebration honors Radford University’s recently published writers
Writing for publication can be challenging even under optimal circumstances, to say nothing of attempting research and composition across an evolving international crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, between 2020 and last year, at least 66 writers with direct ties to Radford University – faculty, staff members, administrators and others – have published scholarly or creative work.
These writings have appeared as books, articles in academic journals, volumes of poetry, themed chapters, musical compositions and more, and they dealt with subjects that ranged from biographical entries for an online dictionary of women’s suffrage to tibial torsion in the feet during walking; from present-day political advertising to sexual harassment; and from the Civil War letters of a member of the 102nd United States Colored Infantry to pseudo-archaeology in American comic books.
On March 27, all the figures responsible for those works were invited to the university’s first Authors Celebration at McConnell Library, held in the Andrew W. Ross Student Art Gallery.
About three dozen of the creators turned out during the two-hour event, which allowed them to meet, mingle, discuss their work, trade ideas and enjoy an afternoon of ample refreshments.
Interim Dean of Libraries Laura Jacobsen took a moment to thank those who attended and those who published work over the past three years.
“I wanted to officially congratulate all of our authors. You all are amazing, and it’s so impressive to have such great colleagues working so hard,” she told the group. “We’re here to celebrate you and your accomplishments today.”
Jacobsen also expressed gratitude to the library staff for organizing and facilitating the event and for arranging a table display of dozens of the authors’ works, which are now part of the library’s collection.
“If we don’t already have your work, we will be getting copies,” she said.
To see the authors recognized and view a list and expanded descriptions of their works, visit the Radford University Authors Celebration online slideshow.
Over the past three years, more than 65 of the university’s authors have published work. A new event was held at McConnell Library on March 27 to bring them together for an afternoon and to recognize their accomplishments. The library offers many of the works and presented them with a display near the entrance of the Andrew W. Ross Student Art Gallery.