As the semester comes to an end, the Butler MFA sends off the 2016 graduating class with a small army of support and encouragement. All graduating students were invited to read from their thesis in a celebration of their achievement and hard work.
Two readings showcased the talent of our soon to graduate class of Butler MFAs in fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. Both readings drew a crowd of friends, family, MFA faculty and staff, peers, and alumni.
Readers from the first night included Elisabeth Giffin, Laura Kendall, Thaddeus Harmon, Rachel Sahaidachny, and Lisa Washington. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house. Not only are these five talented writers considered friends to many MFA students, this group of readers included two Booth: a Journal editors and the Butler Bridge Program Assistant- all vital positions at Butler’s MFA program.
Close friends Lisa Renze-Rhodes, Ashley Petry, and David Marsh read on the second Friday. Many alumni returned to give their best wishes to the three veterans of the MFA program. Over the years, the three have become mentors to many younger students.
The love and respect for the 2016 creative writing students overflowed the Efryomson Center for Creative Writing during the annual Grad Readings. As with all MFA events, food and drinks were served and there was plenty of time for visiting and animated story telling.