[Source: Phoenix College email]
The Phoenix College Reading department will celebrate all things literary at the inaugural Crossing Borders, Making Connections: Phoenix College International Reading Festival on November 16-17, 2010. The festival was conceived by Cynthia Ortega, residential faculty in the Reading department, who wrote a grant for the project when she was on sabbatical in 2008-2009. Ortega, who has been teaching at Phoenix College for 12 years, believes that it all comes back to stories.
“Stories bring us together. The whole idea of crossing borders literally and figuratively means that we all come from a different place but we make connections through our stories,” said Ortega.
In conjunction with International Education Week Activities on the campus, the Phoenix College International Reading Festival will feature author visits, book signings, a book shop, storytelling, and more.
Students are the festival’s target audience, but community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no charge to attend any of the festival events, all of which take place on the Phoenix College campus at 1202 W. Thomas Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring a book to donate in support of child care centers and student scholarships.
“Reading allows you to learn about people you may not meet, or places that you might not get to visit,” said Ortega, who cites historical fiction as her favorite genre.
For more information about the Phoenix College International Reading Festival, contact Cynthia Ortega at 602.285.7768.
Opening Reception featuring storyteller Fatimah Halim
Tuesday, November 16th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Willo Room
Light refreshments will be served.
Hosted by Phoenix College Alumni Association
Book Shop
Wednesday, November 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sophomore Square
Keynote Speaker Marisel Herrera-Anderson
Wednesday, November 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Bulpitt Auditorium
Marisel Herrera-Anderson is a dynamic speaker, author, and life coach who energizes audiences with empowering messages that draw from her rich cultural heritage and passionate belief in the power of education and faith to transform lives. A New York-born Puerto Rican, educator and servant-leader, she speaks to the bilingual and bicultural realities facing Latina/os. Herrera-Anderson is the author of the memoir Puerto Rican Goldilocks and other creative works. [Taken from the author’s website, www.mariselspeaks.com.]
Book Signing at Book Shop
Wednesday, November 17th, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Sophomore Square
“Do Tell” Storytelling Event
Wednesday, November 17th, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Campus Vista Room (2nd Floor, Fannin Library)
Crossing Borders: Stories That Connect Us
Wednesday, November 17th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Bulpitt Auditorium
Join us for an author panel and book signing featuring Bryan Beach, Hershman John, and Rita Maria Magdaleno. Enjoy Cuban dance performed by Fuego Latino – Revista Musical. Light refreshments will be served.
Downtown Voices Coalition 