John Stigall Poetry Contest Winners Read in the Library!

On March 23rd at 4:00 winners of the second annual John Stigall Poetry Contest will read their winning entries at a public gathering in the library.  This event is a memorial tribute to the life of former Chattanooga State English professor and poet John Stigall, and the library is pleased to be able to host the readings.

Congratulations to this year's first, second, and third place prize winners:

1st place winner – Charles Williams - $150

2nd place winner – William M. Brown - $75

3rd place winner – Savannah Mazda - $25

Other students and/or faculty may also want to participate in the seminar. If so, they should contact English professor Deborah Rudd by e-mail (deborah.rudd@chattanoogastate.edu) or phone (697-2459).

We hope you will plan to attend this important event and help us recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our creative students, while remembering a teacher who inspired many.

Students Read Their Work in the Library--April 27 & 29

This week we are delighted to present two entertaining evenings of Mr. Bill Teem's Creative Writing students reading their works. 

Tuesday, April 27, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 29, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

These talented students have worked all semester to learn how to improve their writing talents and find their voices, and they will share with us the poetry, short stories, and essays that are the results of their hard but worthwhile work.  This is your opportunity to hear their voices and appreciate all that goes into creating a memorable work of literature, and you may be among the first to witness an award-winning author-in-the-making!

The readings will take place in the presentation area--the space at the back of the library next to the parking lot and Riverpark. Light refreshments will be served.

 

 

Ryan Tyler and Jordan Scruggs Win Poetry Awards

On February 23rd a celebration of and memorial tribute to the life of former Chattanooga State English professor and poet John Stigall was held in the library.  The program was in recognition of Black History Month, and as a part of that event, the English Department held a poetry writing contest for which first and second prizes were awarded. 

Students who received the awards were:

Ryan Tyler--1st Place award of $150
Jordan Scruggs--2nd place award of $50

Other highlights of the ceremony included an introduction of Mrs. Iris Stigall, Mr. Stigall's widow, who thanked the sponsors and spoke briefly about John's love of teaching and poetry.  Several faculty recalled their fond memories of John and his close relationships with his students, his sense of humor, and his devotion to writing. 

Student Ellis Wiltshire read a selection of Mr. Stigall's poetry.  Other program participants included students Timiney Mott , Melinda Brown, Brandon Ellis, Mikael Rawlings, Jennifer E. Clark, Odis Gaines, Heather VanMetre; and faculty members Debbie Rudd, De'Lara Stephens, Bill Stifler, and Bill Teem.

Following the program, attendees viewed a video commemoration of Mr. Stigall and his writing.

The library owns these copies of Mr. Stigall's poetry:
Subjects for Other Conversations
Broken Mirrors Reflect the World

Enter the Black History Month Poetry Contest

As a tribute and memorial to John Stigall, Associate Professor in English and published poet,  the Commnicator is sponsoring a poetry contest as a part of Black History Month observances. 

All Chattanooga State students are invited to submit original poetry that should focus on the civil rights movement, black poets, and/or the black culture today (two-three pages maximum).

First Prize: $150

and publication in The Phoenix

Second Prize: $50

To enter, submit 3 copies of your original work to one
of these faculty:

• 
  
  Debbie Rudd (H120C)


• 
  
  Pat Kato (H112)


• 
  
  Allison Fetters (H234)

by Friday, February 12, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Award winners will be presented in the Kolwyck Library on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4:00 p.m.