Elizabethtown College English Department

Situated in the woods behind Elizabethtown College is a small house where students can go to hear professional authors share their work. The Bowers Writers House serves as an extension to Elizabethtown’s academic curriculum, and offers students with the opportunity to meet professionals in all fields of study.

It is the sole mission of the Bowers Writers House “to provide an interdisciplinary space for presentation, performance, expression and study,” said Jesse Waters, the director of the organization. Over the past six and a half years, they have succeeded in reaching this goal, having hosted over 280 events featuring professionals in various fields of research.

Embrace Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Students who enjoy TED Talks for their diverse topics and intriguing information may find that the Writer’s House is just what they need—right in their back yard.

Pre-law major Tiana Ferrante said “[Etown students] benefit by meeting speakers who normally wouldn’t be accessible to college students. For instance, I discussed poetry with Richard Blanco, a poet who performed at President Obama’s second inauguration.”

In terms of offering unique and diverse information to students, this organization really does the job. In fact, Bowers has hosted an event for every department on the Elizabethtown campus. They have also worked with many campus organizations to create co-programs to encompass an even larger span of topics.

English classes occasionally meet at the Bowers House location, and English students from all concentrations have benefited from hearing about the lives of working writers.

For example, in just one month at the Bowers Writers House, the topics of presentation have ranged from a discussion on diversity and culture, to Shakespeare, to the technical process of publishing a book.

Find a New Passion

Professor Waters mentioned that speakers are encouraged to “bring their passion” to their presentation. By speaking about what they individually have a passion for, these guest speakers have the ability to “empower students to find something wonderful about the world of which they may not have been aware.”

Students from every academic discipline are encouraged to attend a Bowers Writers House event. Over the years, students from all backgrounds and majors have found new interests to pursue during their time at Elizabethtown College—that’s what Professor Waters considers “the true liberal arts experience.”

Enjoy a Unique Experience

Ferrante said “Every time I’ve been to the Bowers Writers House, I’ve met someone new. The fact that the events are open to the entire community makes it more likely that students and local people will have the opportunity for interaction and conversation, both of which strengthen any community dynamic.”

In addition to the plethora of knowledge to be gained from published writers, Professor Waters encourages students to attend events at Bowers for several added features. Students who visit Bowers events may enter drawings for free books or enjoy delicious snacks after the presentations. You just might find a chocolate fountain the next time you visit!

Author Bio:

Madi Dodge is a 2017 graduate of Elizabethtown College. In her time at the college, she studied mass communications.  Now she is pursuing a career in the writing field.

Tags: Bowers, careers, professional writing, writing