State University of New York at Fredonia English Department

09/04/2026

Wondering what to do Saturday? Head over the Lily Dale to celebrate Marion Skidmore Day. Not sure who she is— don’t let it stop you. Learn, participate in the open mic, enjoy the music, art, free books, and tour of the historic Spiritualist community just a few miles from campus. (This is an updated post from yesterday.)

08/04/2026

More on this summer research and community project. Follow along and get ready for Marion Skidmore Day, on Sept. 5.

08/04/2026

Monty Cooke and Dr. VanDette shared some highlights of Marion Skidmore’s legacy at the recent Chautauqua County History Expo in Mayville. Find out more about Skidmore at an upcoming music and art festival in Lily Dale on Sept 5! Stay tuned for more details!

08/03/2026

Dr. Emily
VanDette and English student Monty Cooke continue to work on a summer research project surrounding suffragist and Lily Dale founder, Marion Skidmore. They have been working alongside Lily Dale's Woman’s Day Committee () and Sacred Grounds Coffee House (), with financial support from SUNY Fredonia’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The project will conclude with a public celebration in honor of what would be Skidmore’s 200th birthday. Stay tuned for more updates!

05/14/2026

Our ENGL 400 Senior Seminar students presented their research at the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference. Check out their podcast: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45KvJHVLqNrkHJKNrh2Mk4?si=yBRB9dMRRemI1uaVstN0bA

04/28/2026

One of your last chances to hear these two amazing, thinkers, teachers, and activists talk about what matters most. Join us Friday from 12-1 in Fenton 127. If you're popping in from elsewhere, please leave your good wishes and greetings here. I'll pass them on. And share with your classmates and others who would like to know.

04/02/2026

Last call.Joy Harjo today at 5:00 pm. Don't have a ticket yet? Don't worry. There are still some available at the door. Don't miss this chance!

“But come here, fear I am alive and you are so afraid
of dying.” — Joy Harjo, Crazy Brave.

There is immense power in reclaiming our voices back. In its rawest form, Crazy Brave touches on ancestry, music, and poetry. Let Joy Harjo’s words of resilience echo within you on April 2nd, 5 p.m. at Rosch Recital Hall, followed by a reception in Marion Art Gallery.

04/01/2026

“When she broke on Earth, the light in her was not broken. We cannot break light, nor can we destroy it.” — Joy Harjo, Catching the Light.

Joy Harjo’s work is illuminating! ✨ Over 50 years as a poet, Joy Harjo shines light on her creative journey and personal experiences as a member of the Muscogee Nation in Catching the Light.

Join us on April 2nd, 5 p.m. at Rosch Recital Hall for a poetry reading, followed by a reception in Marion Art Gallery. There, her portrait and poem are included in B.A. Van Sise’s exhibit, “Children of Grass: A Portrait of American Poetry.” Be sure to catch this radiant event!

This Bicentennial event is made possible by The Williams Distinguished Visiting Professorship and the Mary Louise White Visiting Writers Series.

For more information on where to get your FREE tickets, visit this link here: https://events.fredonia.edu/event/williams-distinguished-visiting-writer-us-poet-laureate-joy-harjo

03/31/2026

Tomorrow is the April Fools Day. But no kidding, it's also the Annual Day of Giving. Can you help us, either by giving yourself or spreading the word within your networks?

Join me and empower future Fredonians by making a gift on Fredonia's Day of Giving!

03/26/2026

“History will always find you, and wrap you in its thousand arms.” — Joy Harjo, An American Sunrise. Joy Harjo reminds us that our past carries the stories of those before us and that memory is power.

Come and listen to the beautiful message behind her poem, “Break My Heart,” along with her other remarkable works on April 2nd, 5 p.m. at Rosch Recital Hall, followed by a reception in Marion Art Gallery. There, her portrait and poem are included in B.A. Van Sise’s exhibit, “Children of Grass: A Portrait of American Poetry.”

This Bicentennial event is sponsored by The Williams Distinguished Visiting Professorship and the Mary Louise White Visiting Writers Series.

For more information on where to get your FREE tickets, visit this link here: https://events.fredonia.edu/event/williams-distinguished-visiting-writer-us-poet-laureate-joy-harjo