On October 22, 2024, Sigma Tau Delta hosted the Author Talk Event, showcasing the talents of acclaimed writers Jesse Lee Kercheval and Silvia Guerra. Jesse Lee Kercheval, an author and translator, captivated the audience with insights into the creative process, shedding light on the challenges of translating literature and the artistry involved in capturing a writer’s unique voice in a different language. Meanwhile, Silvia Guerra, a poet and translator from Uruguay, shared her insights on the intersection of culture and language in her work. She emphasized the vital role of linguistic diversity in enriching literary spaces.
The event buzzed with excitement as students and literary lovers engaged in discussions, diving into the complexities of writing and publishing. Both speakers conveyed the essential role of literary translation in connecting cultures and bringing a wealth of diverse narratives to audiences far and wide. By creating events like the Author Talk, Sigma Tau Delta fostered a welcoming community that celebrates a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives in the literary realm.
Attendees gathered in the 1965 room, eager to absorb the wisdom shared by these literary luminaries. This event was just one of the many ways Sigma Tau Delta celebrates and promotes the arts and literature. Many participants left feeling inspired, and the afternoon exemplified our campus’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant literary community. By engaging with such esteemed authors and translators, students enjoyed an opportunity to broaden their understanding of storytelling, language, and cultural expression.
Discussions with Sigma Tau Delta Officers and Faculty Advisor Dr. Paul Belanger
Dr. Paul Belanger is the founder of the UW-Green Bay chapter of Sigma Tau Delta and an English professor. Regarding the Author Talk event, Belanger said, “I think we need to further stress the value of these events as not just learning and networking opportunities but also a way to ensure audiences for all creative endeavors, including our own.” Belanger added, “Having two people on stage creates a more dynamic presence, so I would like to have students interview future guests before opening to audience questions.”
Regarding how the Author Talk event aligns with the mission and goals of Sigma Tau Delta, Belanger said, “These events undoubtedly advance our mission to encourage worthwhile reading, promote the mastery of written expression, and foster a spirit of literary fellowship. As that spirit of fellowship grows, so too will our own creative works, works that will now have a community of readers waiting in the wings.”
Belanger had insights on memorable moments that stood out to him as an audience member and leading figure in the organization. Belanger said, “In talking about the shifting perspectives in her poems, Sylvia elicited a murmur of enlightenment when she explained that there is no single consciousness in her poems because everything, from the yellow leaf to the fog rolling across the quad, has a perspective. To capture a moment in a poem is thus to inhabit each of these perspectives simultaneously. I was also captivated by the rich history of Uruguayan women poets, often working without fame or fortune, but persisting because it’s in their blood, their lineage—literal and metaphorical—to write.”
“Finally, and this is no doubt a reduction, but I was struck by the fact that Uruguay appears to be a land where philosophy is taught in the schools, poets fill the streets, and the army cares for the parks. Coupled with the rhythms of Sylvia’s poems, I wanted to grab my passport and catch a plane that very night,” Belanger said.
The reach of this event cannot be overstated. When asked about the main goal of the Author Talk, Belanger said, “Beyond the fact that Jesse and Sylvia are both authors worth reading, thinking about, and celebrating in their own right, this event was also meant to connect UWGB’s literary community to the global literary community.”
