Ron Dye and Istvan Csicsery-Ronay entertain
the audience with two musical pieces on Wednesday.
LEXY BURTON / THE DEPAUW
The Kelly Series Faculty Reading began Wednesady night with a dedication to the recently deceased Professor Rick Hillis.
Professor Joseph Heithaus read Professor Rick Hillis’ original poem, “Accidental Bird Murder,” and dedicated the reading to Hilis.
Other professors of the English Department followed, sharing their latest work to conclude the Fall 2014 James and Marilou Kelly Writer Series. The series was established in 1998 with gifts from Marilou Morrell Kelly, ‘55.
According to DePauw University’s website, Kelly was an avid reader and lover of books. She had a well known bookstore in St. Charles, Illinois. Kelly was known for connecting with many authors and persuading them to do readings for the St. Charles community.
The event started at 7:30 p.m., and the Peeler Auditorium filled up quickly with students and staff.
“I came because my professor, Greg Schwipps, and advisor, Chris White, both were reading,” said senior English writing major Madison Brinker.
Throughout the evening, each reading promoted a unique style and sent different messages to the audience.
“I really liked hearing a good variety of essays and writings,” Brinker said.
Senior English writing major Connor Tomasko agreed.
“I love hearing the individual voices of writing professors at DePauw,” she said. “We have a fantastic English department, and it's so interesting listening to their writing styles and subjects.”
Following Heithaus, Professor Ron Dye and Istvan Csicsery-Ronay entertained the audience with two musical pieces.
“[There is] a tie for my favorite readings,” sophomore Jen Norehad said. “I really enjoyed the songs written by Ron Dye and Istvan Csicsery-Ronay, as well as the last reading by Gregory Schwipps.”
Towards the middle of the event, Professor Peter Graham captivated the audience with his emotional essay that exposed his wife’s diagnosis of breast cancer and his desire for the power of healing.
“Peter Graham’s was probably my favorite,” Brinker said, “but I also like Schwipps reading, but I have heard it in class.”
Filling the auditorium with laughter, Greg Schwipps ended the event with a very comical piece.
His story was about the Ring Sing Pep Rally a few years ago. It connected his experiences as a student at DePauw, especially his affiliation with Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, to his professional career. Many students easily related with his story.
“I have to say that my favorite reading was when Professor Schwipps read his piece about Ring Sing,” Tomasko said. “It was hilarious and lifted the impending finals-week-gloom that has affected everyone.”