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For Immediate Release
October 1 , 2007
wesleyan to celebrate state poet's 25th anniversary
LINCOLN, Neb. —For some people, average is just good enough. For others, like Nebraska State Poet William C. Kloefkorn, average is simply a starting point for a tremendous career.
Nebraska Wesleyan University will celebrate Kloefkorn’s success as Nebraska’s State Poet with a 25th anniversary celebration on Friday, October 5. The event, “Kloefkornucopia! Celebrating 25 Years of Our State Poet,” will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Old Main Amphitheatre. It is one of many events planned for inauguration day and Wesleyan Weekend.
The professor emeritus of English taught at Nebraska Wesleyan University from 1962 to 1997; and was bestowed the honor of Nebraska State Poet in 1982.
Along with the Wesleyan community, Kloefkorn looks to his biological family for support and inspiration. His wife of more than 50 years, their four children, and eleven grandchildren play a significant role in his success as a poet, husband, and grandfather.
Not a fan of poetry? Think some poems are too long or complex? Kloefkorn’s insight could steer you in a different direction.
“Poems should not be simplistic, nor should they be sermons,” said Kloefkorn. Poetry is for those who want to use their own minds to find answers.”
In order to reach a large demographic, Kloefkorn speaks with people from every walk of life. He enjoys the older crowd, as they remind him of the comfort and closure writing provides. He also embraces the youngsters because of their enthusiasm, excitement, and honesty.
Although many people, from family to strangers and young to old, influence his writings, the sources don’t stop there. A special type of influence is found in less predominant subjects including sports, trees, and animals.
“I firmly believe readers should seek out what they feel and believe, and I hope my poetry allows that,” he said. “I’d rather have my readers be curious than just follow a heard or popular idea.”
Kloefkorn's unique style of writing has earned him several awards in his career. Along with numerous pieces of poetry, he has also published several books and memoirs.
So what’s on deck for Kloefkorn? After a college teaching career and the title of Nebraska’s state poet, retirement is nowhere in sight. His fans can look forward more writing; he is currently working on multiple poems, along with a children’s book and an additional memoir.
Kloefkornukopia will include poetry reading that overflows with new and original text by Kloefkorn, and some of his former students. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Great Hall. |
