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United States Poet Laureate Charles Wright was on campus May 27 to receive the second annualCharles E. Burchfield Award. This award was established to honor Charles Burchfield’s legacy and to recognize achievements in the arts and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
It was a pleasure meeting our poet laureate, whose down-to-earth and authentic perspectives made an immediate connection with the Buffalo State community. The author of 24 poetry collections and two books of essays, Wright is concluding his year as the United States poet laureate. He is internationally renowned and has received wide recognition for his work, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1998 for his collection Black Zodiac.
At the Burchfield ceremony, where he received his award, Wright graced the audience with a reading. His poetry was heartfelt, playful at times, and often very touching. This sampling provided audience members with a glimpse into some of his exquisite poetry.
Thanks to the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s leadership, community, and supporters for bringing Charles Wright to our campus. He has promised to return to Buffalo State another time, and I certainly hope he does.