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GCU Celebrates National Poetry Month with Fourth Annual Dose of Poetry

Dose of Poetry event

April is National Poetry Month, and that means it’s time for Dose of Poetry at Georgian Court University. The poetry series is celebrating its fourth year with events all around campus.

Creator and alumni Christine Marie Attardo ’11, had the idea for Dose of Poetry in 2015 while working at GCU’s Sister Mary Joseph Cunningham Library. It was her goal to combine approachable poetry discussions with creative writing exercises, while making it a fun experience for everyone. Ms. Attardo welcomes all lovers of poetry, “whether you write it, read it, research it, or just like to sit back and listen.”

With the support of faculty members Paul Cappucci, Ph.D., professor of English and director of the General Education program, and Pamela Rader, Ph.D., professor of English, her dream became a reality. The three have collaborated on all things Dose since its origin. Ms. Attardo continues to feel grateful for the support of the entire Department of English, where she was once a student.

“Christine has cultivated an inviting space to celebrate poetry on campus,” says Dr. Cappucci. “The welcoming atmosphere that she generates through each ‘Dose’ encourages students, staff, and faculty to explore their creativity and share their work with a supportive audience. These Dose of Poetry events showcase an energizing, creative spirit within our GCU community.”

“When April comes around, I associate it with ‘Dose,’ renewal, and collaboration because Christine has established the spirit of collaboration for writing prompts and for sharing poetry,” adds Dr. Rader. “And when we participate in ‘Dose,’ I think we participate in dialogue with and inspire creativity in one another.”

From William Carlos Williams to Mary Oliver, Dose of Poetry has covered a plethora of areas and continues to expand its horizons.

Here’s the April 2019 lineup:

Thursday, April 4

“Embodied Poetry: Dancing Lines and Thinking Bodies” with Visiting Poet Kirsten Kaschock
Presented by Kristen Park Wedlock
6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Mansion

Thursday, April 11

“Tea Leaves in the Garden: An Exploration of Japanese Poetry”
Presented by Michael Gross, Ph.D. & Christine Marie Attardo
6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Sister Mary Joseph Cunningham Library

Wednesday, April 25

“The Art of Walking: Poetry in Motion at Georgian Court”
Presented by Pamela Rader, Ph.D. & Paul Cappucci, Ph.D.
6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Mansion

All Dose of Poetry events are hosted by Christine Marie Attardo and sponsored by the Department of English. For more information, please contact Ms. Attardo at cattardo@georgian.edu.

Aerial view of GCU.

About Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a leading regional university that provides a transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition. Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. The university has a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women.

As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, GCU is known for expanding possibility for more than 1,900 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 35+ undergraduate majors and 10+ graduate programs. The GCU Lions compete in 16 NCAA Division II sports in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). In 2020, GCU was named a Best Value College by Money.com and a Best Bang for the Buck (Northeast) by Washington Monthly. High student retention and graduation rates make GCU a Top Performer on Social Mobility on U.S. News & World Reports rankings.

The main campus is in Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, and at other locations, including GCU at Brookdale, and through multiple online degree and certificate programs.

Deposit Deadline Extended to June 1

Georgian Court University has extended the deposit deadline to June 1 in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement concerning delayed data availability from the revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, deposits are also refundable up to June 1. Click here for more information about the deposit extension.