The language and literature department at Wayne State College put on the annual Poetry on the Rocks event on Oct. 1.
“Our department has a long-standing tradition of hosting Poetry on the Rocks over the last ten years or maybe even longer,” Stephanie Marcellus, a member of the language and literature department, said. This took place by the rocks between Connell Hall and the library.
“The planning process began a few weeks ago,” said Marcellus. Professors and students advertised Poetry on the Rocks by spreading the word and making posters. People all over campus were invited to come to the event. Students and staff were encouraged to read poetry of their own or the work of other poets that they envied. Chad Christensen, an English professor at WSC, said that it was something good for everyone to experience.
Poetry on the Rocks has been an annual tradition at Wayne State College. It always has a successful and positive turnout every year. The language and literature department doesn’t see this traditional event ever going away. The WSC community sees this event as an opportunity to hear others around them read different types of poetry at an exquisite outdoor venue on campus. Marcellus said the department puts on this event every fall at WSC.
Organizers feared weather conditions might ruin the planned event. “It was a little windy, but we were able to make do,” Marcellus said.
“I definitely think we could’ve done a better job at advertising for it,” Christensen said, “It’s something I would like to improve on for when we put it together again.”
Even with the lack of advertising efforts, many members of the campus community came out to show support. “We set up a PA system so that passersby would be able to hear our poetry and stop by to participate,” said Marcellus. To those that didn’t know that Poetry on the Rocks was occurring, they were still able to stop by and participate.
The language and literature department had another successful year of putting on Poetry on the Rocks. Christensen said he would like to possibly organize it again next spring for the ones who couldn’t make it and those who would like to attend again.
There are more events similar to Poetry on the Rocks that people can attend. Posters for these events can be found on campus and spread by students and faculty. “Like every other year, we want people to have a positive experience and appreciation for poetry, all while having fun with it,” Christensen said.
