Hunter Happenings from the Writing Center

by Lewis Frumkes, Director

As the world comes apart on the outside, politically and economically in the war-ravaged middle-east with hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in other countries and terrorist threats everywhere, we on the civilized inside of Hunter College, at The Writing Center are riding the crest of a new wave of outstanding cultural events. Beginning October 15 with Louis Begley, author of "About Schmidt," and followed October 27^th with Warren Adler, author of "The War of the Roses," we are rolling out spectacular and delightful speakers to enlighten and entertain you and distract you from the martial and strident voices that threaten your inner tranquility. In keeping with our love of poetry we have invited Yusef Komunyakaa the distinguished Pulitzer-prize-winner, who has said "I define poetry as celebration and confrontation. When we witness something, are we responsible for what we witness? That's an on-going existential question," which Komunyakaa will answer on Wednesday November 4^th. Soon after Komunyakaa on November 10^th we will present the ever interesting, erudite and provocative "enfant terrible," of Broadway, our 2016 Writer-In-Residence, writer, critic, John Simon. And finally on December 1^st Richard Lederer, the great wordsmith and reigning king of the recreational language industry who is also an expert on the Presidents, will prepare us for next year's presidential election. Speaking of provocative, Lederer has said "There was once a time where all people believed in God and the church ruled. This time was called the Dark Ages." Please join us at 7PM for all these events in the Faculty Dining Room at Hunter College, there is no charge and there will also be book-signings and complimentary refreshments from Butterfield Market. However you must RSVP since there is limited seating and we honor those who reserve in advance.  If you enjoy the Fall culture program you are truly in for a treat in the Spring, with major writers, such as Nelson DeMille, Lawrence Block, and world-class mathematicians, astrophysicists, and thinkers such as Rebecca Goldstein. Expand your mind and intellect and become part of our circle. I look forward to seeing you.