Albert A. Dunn Day of Poetry and Prose slated for April 7

It is nearly 11 years since Dr. Albert A. Dunn, a beloved member of the Fredonia Department of English, passed away. A gifted teacher, he shared his passion for the literature he loved with his students and changed many lives in positive ways in the doing.

His legacy has been celebrated for the past nine years on campus at a ritual of spring known as the “Day of Poetry and Prose.” This year’s event, the 10th, will be held on Saturday, April 7, from noon until 4:30 p.m. in Fenton Hall Room 105.

Envisioned as a one-time event, the day has evolved to include community members, alumni, former students, as well as faculty — emeriti and current — who love poetry and love to read aloud. April is National Poetry Month, another reason that organizers noted to celebrate the written word. Light refreshments will be served. Listening is free and as this is a special 10th year celebration, the usual reading fee has been waived. Proposed readings are being accepted at the Department of English through April 2.

Anyone wishing to read a poem or prose piece in memory or honor of a favorite teacher is encouraged to do so. Linda Dunn remembers her husband often speaking of a professor at Notre Dame University who inspired him. “I know there are colleagues of my husband who touched lives as well. Poetry is personal and universal, a beautiful way to reflect.”

A scholarship endowment, the Albert A. Dunn Memorial Scholarship, was established in 2009 with the Fredonia College Foundation for English and English dual major students. Donations to the scholarship are being accepted year-round at the foundation, or online.