Call for Alumni News

The English Department has many great alumni. For example, CSU alumnus George Kalamaras was recently selected Poet Laureate of Indiana, alumna Chloe’ Leisure is the Poet Laureate of Fort Collins, alumnus Justin Hocking’s memoir The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld was released February 11th, and alumna Mackenzie Fogelson is the founder and CEO of a successful company, Mack Web Solutions – just to name a few.

When stories about our alumni hit the news or we are emailed an update, we love to share it. Teachers, staff, and fellow alumni are happy to hear how their friends are doing. Current students appreciate examples of previous students making a life, making a difference. Prospective students are encouraged knowing what our program has to offer and where it takes people.

We are hoping to feature more news of CSU English Department alumni making their way in the world. If you are a CSU English Department Alumni, please email Jill.Salahub@Colostate.edu and let her help you share your story.

Reading: Alumnus Justin Hocking

Alumnus Justin Hocking is reading tonight from his new memoir, The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld, at 7:30pm at the Tattered Cover in Denver.

Tomorrow night, Justin reads in Fort Collins as a part of the Crow-Tremblay Alumni Reading Series. This event is free and open to the public, 7:30pm – 8:30pm, at the Colorado State University Center for the Arts.

In an interview from Denver’s Westword, Justin was asked, What advice do you have for budding writers?, and he answered:

Take risks, and don’t be afraid to get lost — some of the best writing arises from uncertainty, from stumbling around in the dark. I don’t advocate for intentional suffering, but the beauty of the writing life is that you can transform traumas and difficulties into art. This profession also requires a special combination of sensitivity to the world and people around you, alongside pretty hardcore grit and perseverance.