“A fortunate accident” is how Professor Rhonda Pettit, of English and Women’s Studies, describes what brought nationally recognized poet Gary Gildner to Raymond Walters. Gildner, who books all of his own readings, was planning a trip to Thomas Moore College for a reading when a friend of professor Pettit suggested that he contact her to see if RWC would be interested in having him read here. He made the call and the reading was scheduled for October 2.
In preparation for Gildner’s arrival professor Pettit had her classes read his poetry and develop questions to ask during an interview prior to the reading. Additionally Pettit and some of her students attended a lunch for Gildner, where they were given the opportunity to learn more about the poet and his work. The poetry reading and all the events surrounding were a co production of the RWC English dept and the George Elliston Poetry Foundation, which is a source of funding at the Clifton campus. With the event being publicized at both RWC and Clifton campus the event was well attended by students of both campuses, professor Pettit estimates over 70 people were at the reading.
Gary Gildner read several pieces of work, from his earliest to his most recent including some not yet published so the audience got a good sampling of old and new. Some of the poetry he read included Collecting Cowpies, First Practice, Letter to a Substitute Teacher among others. After the reading he held a short question and answer session and a book sale and signing.
So what are people saying about Gary Gildner? Student Margo Ross said “I particularly enjoyed the background which he gave prior to reading each poem which provided valuable insight and sometimes a new understanding of the poem,” her favorite piece was “The Substitute Teacher.” Professor Pettit calls him “the consummate story teller” who “seamlessly moved from anecdote to poem.”
If you missed the reading don’t worry! The interview and reading were video taped and will soon be available in the library. Pettit is also working on a television production about Gildner and his work, which will include segments of those video taped recordings as well as background information on the poet. This will air on RWC TV station once it is operational (planned for Spring 2004) and will be the first in a series of poetry programming just in time for National poetry month in April.
You can also find Gary Gildner’s newest book “My Grandfather’s Book” for sale at the RWC Bookstore in Muntz Hall.
Thursday, July 3, 2025