Hearing a Reading from Worcester's Appointed Poet of Merit: Oliver de la Paz

The College of the Holy Cross's Working Writers Series continues to be a vibrant platform for literary engagement, welcoming esteemed authors and poets to share their experiences and works with the community.

On September 18, the series kicked off in Rehm Library with professors Leah Hager Cohen and Oliver de la Paz, who captivated the audience with their readings. Since then, the series has hosted five events, featuring the likes of J.D Scrimgeour, W. Ralph Eubanks, Francisco Cantú, and Oliver de la Paz himself.

On November 11, Adrian Matejka delivered a poetry reading as the last speaker of this semester's Working Writer Series. Oliver de la Paz, a current professor at Holy Cross, orated eight poems, six of which were from his most recent work, The Diaspora Sonnets. This poignant collection delves into his familial experiences and upbringing, and was long-listed for the National Book Award and won the New England Book Award for Poetry in 2023.

The series' next event, however, is yet to be announced. In the meantime, the series continues to offer invaluable opportunities for individuals to learn more about a writer's work and hear from them directly.

On February 2, the Prior Performing Arts Center hosted another event, featuring readings by Xu Xi and Leila Philip. Xu Xi's book, Monkey in Residence, and Leila Philip's book, Beaverland, were read during this event. In addition to the literary readings, the English department took students on a tour of the Prior Performing Arts Center.

Oliver de la Paz, apart from being an acclaimed author, also teaches classes such as Poetry and Poetics and Introduction to Creative Writing at Holy Cross. His dedication to nurturing young talent is evident in his teaching, as he not only discusses the creative process but also delves into the technical aspects of poetry.

The Working Writers Series is more than just a series of readings; it's a chance for the College of the Holy Cross community to engage with some of the most talented writers of our time. Whether it's hearing about the creative process, learning about a new book, or gaining insights into a writer's life, the Working Writers Series offers something for everyone.

In 2023, Oliver de la Paz was appointed as the Poet Laureate of Worcester, further solidifying his position as a key figure in the literary community. With his appointment, the College of the Holy Cross and the city of Worcester can look forward to more literary events and inspiring moments in the future.