EUGENE–Eight students about to receive Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Oregon’s renowned Creative Writing Program will present their own writing in three different readings during May and June.

Each of the readings, free and open to the public, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge at Gerlinger Hall, 1468 University St.

The events showcase student thesis projects developed during two years of writing workshops and intensive study of literary tradition. Students will read from either fiction projects or poetry projects.

The first reading, scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, will feature poets Brandy McKenzie and Lora Vahlsing.

The second reading, set for Tuesday, May 29, will feature poet Priscilla Atamian and fiction writers Dylan Nelson and Jennifer Rogers.

The final reading will take place Saturday, June 2, and will feature fiction writer Corrina Wycoff and poets Lindsay Knisely and Brandy Nalani McDougall.

Essayist Debra Gwartney, who is administrative director of the program, has worked with many of the students during their tenure at the university. She encourages both the campus community and the community-at-large to attend the MFA thesis readings.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to experience fresh and exciting creative voices," she says. "These are emerging writers who will go on from here to represent our culture powerfully through their work."

For more information, call the UO Creative Writing Program, (541) 346-0549.

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