Students, faculty, and staff were invited to join a poetry reading with California Poet Laureate and Stan State alumnus Lee Herrick. The event was hosted by Stan State’s Penumbra Literary Journal, a fundraising event for the Warrior Food Pantry.

The April 25 event attracted a diverse group of people looking forward to Herrick taking the podium and showing off some of his latest and past work. His poems covered many topics, including love, loss, and acceptance. Lee, a central valley native, talked about his own life.

Born in South Korea, Herrick was adopted as an infant by a family in Modesto. Presently, he’s a professor at Fresno City College and the University of Nevada Reno.

Herrick says his time at Stan State made a massive impact on him and he credits english professor, Dr. Mark Thompson, with being someone that changed the trajectory of his life, and said he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for him.

The poetry event was a memorable experience for attendees like Stan State english professor, Jarred White, who said Herrick’s poem about his daughter was really touching. 

“You could feel his internal love,” he said. “It made me tear up to pinpoint that emotion is a skill.” 

His imagery and heartfelt words seemed to resonate with listeners, who were left with sincere appreciation for participating in the event. Herrick talked about his personal journey, all his struggles and triumphs, and his attachment to his roots which is evident throughout his body of work.

“Poetry can uplift and inspire, it can draw attention to the things we need to change, and it can remind us of joy and give us hope,” said Herrick. “I think it can do so much for so many people and I think there is poetry in everyone.”

He concluded the session with a Q & A, where attendees were encouraged to participate.

This yearly poetry event is in preparation for Stan State’s Penumbra Book Launch.

“We hope to continue to offer this event in the future,” says Kimberly Bean (junior, English)