2008 Woodie Awards
ASC holds poetic send-off for Sue Keith
Caitlin Adams
Issue date: 4/22/05 Section: Features
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The Academic Skills Center (ASC) hosted its annual spring poetry reading April 12 in the Gallery of Founders hall. The themed reading celebrated the retirement of ASC director Sue Keith. Students, faculty and staff read works pertaining to the theme of nature while expressing their gratitude to Keith.
Keith came into the evening unaware of the reading's dedication to her. She began the event with the poem "Metamorphoses."
"I really liked the way it connected with seasons and change," said Keith.
English professor and ASC tutor Doug Smith read David Bottom's poem, "Under the Vulture Tree," officially dedicating the evening to Keith. Alternative Learning Specialist Kim Garner then handed Keith a bouquet of flowers.
"Hundreds of people knew it was going to happen," said Garner. "We normally have a poetry reading, so we sort of kept it normal. (Keith) has always done the drinks and brought the tablecloths. And always opened (the readings),, so we just let everything stay static like it always is."
An array of desserts was laid out on the tablecloth. Milk was offered among the refreshments, furthering the evening's sentiment of purity.
"The first thing I couldn't believe was that they pulled it off without my knowing," said Keith. "I don't know how they did it, but they did it. I was dumbfounded, I don't know if I can ever trust them again."
More people read than usual, bringing the total to 25.
"We had kept the list from her because her daughters were reading," said Garner.
"I did notice one of my daughters coming in," said Keith. "And there were a couple of other people who when I realized they were there I thought 'wow, I am really glad they came.'"
"Initially I was sort of uncomfortable with it and I thought 'oh dear, I am going to cry for the next however long,'" said Keith. "I did cry a lot. But, it was wonderful."
The evening continued with tears and an array of 'thank-yous.'
English professor Eleanor Branch prefaced her reading of the poem "Choices" by tearfully saying, "I would like to think I could get through this without crying."
Keith came into the evening unaware of the reading's dedication to her. She began the event with the poem "Metamorphoses."
"I really liked the way it connected with seasons and change," said Keith.
English professor and ASC tutor Doug Smith read David Bottom's poem, "Under the Vulture Tree," officially dedicating the evening to Keith. Alternative Learning Specialist Kim Garner then handed Keith a bouquet of flowers.
"Hundreds of people knew it was going to happen," said Garner. "We normally have a poetry reading, so we sort of kept it normal. (Keith) has always done the drinks and brought the tablecloths. And always opened (the readings),, so we just let everything stay static like it always is."
An array of desserts was laid out on the tablecloth. Milk was offered among the refreshments, furthering the evening's sentiment of purity.
"The first thing I couldn't believe was that they pulled it off without my knowing," said Keith. "I don't know how they did it, but they did it. I was dumbfounded, I don't know if I can ever trust them again."
More people read than usual, bringing the total to 25.
"We had kept the list from her because her daughters were reading," said Garner.
"I did notice one of my daughters coming in," said Keith. "And there were a couple of other people who when I realized they were there I thought 'wow, I am really glad they came.'"
"Initially I was sort of uncomfortable with it and I thought 'oh dear, I am going to cry for the next however long,'" said Keith. "I did cry a lot. But, it was wonderful."
The evening continued with tears and an array of 'thank-yous.'
English professor Eleanor Branch prefaced her reading of the poem "Choices" by tearfully saying, "I would like to think I could get through this without crying."
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