Words to Stir the Soul

Readings from the American West

The CU-Boulder Center of the American West celebrated the rich literary heritage of the region Sept. 5 with its 10th annual “Words to Stir the Soul: Readings from the American West” at 7:00 p.m. in Old Main Chapel.

The popular program featured about a dozen well-known community members and CU-Boulder faculty who read selections from their favorite Western-inspired literature for up to five minutes each.

This year’s readers included Ben Sherman, president of the Western American Indian Chamber; Sue Deans, vice president and editor of the Daily Camera; and Todd Gleeson, Dean of the CU-Boulder College of Arts and Sciences.

“The Internet may have transformed communication, but people still love being read to,” said History Professor Patricia Limerick, Faculty Chair of the Center of the American West, who emceed the event in addition to reading a selection. “Hearing the voices of people we value read aloud is as enchanting to adults as it is to children. This is also a fine occasion for remembering that the literary renaissance of the American West has been going on for decades and shows no sign of slowing down.”

A reception followed in the CU Heritage Center.