January 23, 2014

Remembering William Stafford

Media outlets from Oregon Public Broadcasting to Publisher’s Weekly reflect on the legacy of the renowned poet and Lewis & Clark professor.

William Stafford (1914–93) achieved international acclaim as the author of dozens of volumes of poetry, winner of a National Book Award, consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress, and Oregon Poet Laureate. He also taught at Lewis & Clark for 30 years. And, thanks to the Stafford family, we hold his literary archives.

In this centennial year, a range of media outlets are asking Stafford’s fellow writers and friends to share how they were—and continue to be—influenced by the poet, educator, and pacifist. Among those reflecting on his legacy are Stafford’s son, Kim, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Education and Counseling and the director of the Northwest Writing Institute, and Associate Professor of English Mary Szybist, the winner of the 2013 National Book Award in poetry.

Here are some highlights from the recent Stafford coverage:

Lewis & Clark is presenting a number of events and exhibits looking back on Stafford’s career. A symposium originally scheduled for February 7-8, now set for March 15—“You Must Revise Your Life”—Stafford at 100, a Celebration and Reassessment—will include panels, discussions, poetry readings, and self guided exhibit tours. A Centennial Celebration was held at Portland’s Newmark Theatre on February 7.

An exhibit at the Aubrey R. Watzek Library features a selection of photographs, manuscripts, books, and artifacts from the archives, and is open now through December 2014.

Stafford Centennial Department of English Admissions