Source: Karin Westman, 785-532-2190, westmank@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Monday, April 4, 2011

FROM POLITICS TO POETRY: FORMER STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT PRESENTING HIS LITERARY WORK APRIL 15

MANHATTAN -- While a student at Kansas State University, Ed Skoog gained fame as the 1993-1994 student body president.

Now Skoog is gaining acclaim for his literary talents. An accomplished poet, Skoog will present a reading of his works at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, in the Little Theater at the K-State Student Union. The reading is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by the department of English as part of its biannual Alumni Connections event, http://www.k-state.edu/english/alumni/connections11.html.

Skoog, a Topeka native, wrote his poetry collection "Mister Skylight" in 2009, which was published by Copper Canyon Press. His poems have been featured in many magazines, including Poetry, American Poetry Review, Ploughshares, Threepenny Review and The Paris Review.

"Ed was an English major at K-State and his poetry combines an interest in the metaphoric power of language and the importance of relationships and community," said Elizabeth Dodd, university distinguished professor of English and director of the creative writing program. "It's a special event to have him return to campus to read from his highly acclaimed book, 'Mister Skylight.'"

Skoog was the recipient of the Lyric Poetry Award from the Poetry Society of America and the Marble Faun Award from the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society. He also was the Jennie McKean Moore Writer-in-Washington fellow at George Washington University in 2009-2010.

More information about Skoog's presentation is available by contacting the department of English at english@k-state.edu or 785-532-2190.