Appalachian Lifelong Learners
offers class on poet laureates

Morgantown, WV, May 3, 2006:  Mary Ann Samyn, assistant professor of English in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, is leading a course for senior citizens on recent U.S. poet laureates as part of the Appalachian Lifelong Learners (ALL) program.

The five-week course features one introductory session on poetry and the rest of the sessions are devoted to various poets. Each week, a different Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student leads the discussion on the poet laureates from the years 1993 to the present.

MFA students leading the sessions are Kristin Abraham, Connie Banta, Molly Brodak, Amanda Cobb, Elissa Hoffman, Ben Stein, and Meg Thompson. Also participating is Beth Staley, a graduate of the MFA program and current Ph.D. student.

“My aim is for the ALL members to have a good time, learn a thing or two about contemporary poetry and perhaps share their own favorite poems from any era,” said Samyn.

The Appalachian Lifelong Learners at WVU’s Center on Aging is a membership organization open to anyone aged 50 or older. Its goal is to provide intellectually stimulating classes and discussions along with opportunities for social and recreational activities for its members. Most classes are held at the Mountaineer Mall classroom. Dues are $65 for members and include an unlimited number of courses.

For more information, please contact Samyn at 304-293-3107 ext. 33453, or at MaryAnn.Samyn@mail.wvu.edu.

W-V-U