The Susan Glaspell Writers & Critics Series is named for the writer and Drake graduate (1899) Susan Glaspell (1876-1948). Glaspell was a well-known and highly regarded playwright, novelist, and short story writer. She won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play,Alison’sHouse, in 1931.
The SGWC has previously hosted MacArthur Genius Grant Recipients Ocean Vuong, Kiese Laymon, George Saunders and Alison Bechdel, among many other accomplished writers and critics including Marcie Rendon, Amy Reed, Carolyn Finney, Alexia Arthurs and Devoney Looser.
The English Department’s Writers & Critics Series has been active for many decades, and thanks to the generosity of alumna Dean Schroll, The Susan Glaspell Writers and Critics Series continues thrive. The series gives Drake students the chance to interact in meaningful and critical ways with writers and critics both in the classroom and outside of it. Additionally, the main reading and lecture events are always free and open to the public.