SFU Department of English

The SFU English eNews is up for June! This is our last edition until September, so be sure to check it out for all the awesome literary events happening over the summer and important announcements.
https://secure.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/archive.aspx?args=ODIzODg2OTI%3d&acc=NzY0Nzc0

We had a wonderful time yesterday celebrating the achievements of our graduates! Many thanks to their family, friends, and our faculty who joined us as our reception afterwards. Please enjoy these photos of this memorable day.

SFU Alumni

Congratulations, SFU English graduands! We are looking forward to seeing you cross the stage this afternoon and hearing about all your success in the future. Please tag us in your photos on Instagram and Twitter -

"Whatever it is you want to do, find a way to do it at SFU," says Gabriel Kitsos.

At SFU English, Gabriel combined his passions for writing and food through the study of rhetoric. During his honours program, he explored how language shapes perception—from the way dishes are described on restaurant menus to how graffiti is understood in society.

With guidance from faculty and family mentors, and hands-on experience writing for The Peak, Gabriel is now preparing to pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University.

Learn more about Gabriel's journey.
https://www.sfu.ca/english/news-events/news/2026/blending-words-and-flavours--gabriel-kitsos-studies-the-power-of.html

SFU Alumni
Simon Fraser University

📖✍️ Love writing and working with youth? Volunteer with us this summer!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support VPL’s Writing & Book Camp from August 10–14.

This unique day camp brings together youth ages 11–17 who love reading and writing with established authors and illustrators. Help create a fun, inspiring space for the next generation of storytellers!

👉 Learn more & apply: https://buff.ly/dlhJ20F

SFU English alumnus Kevin Spenst joins The Educator Experience Podcast to share his journey from student to teacher and poet. In this episode, he also reflects on how poetry can help students express themselves, build confidence, and connect across cultures.
Watch here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd_jTQP6LPY

Tickets are now available for LiterASIAN 2026: Re-Generation!

Check out this year's lineup and get tickets here: https://literasian.com/tickets/

Check out this chapbook workshop led by SFU English alumnus Kevin Spenst!

The first time went so well, we decided to do this again! Join poet for a chapbook-making workshop! ☁️What is a chapbook? Join us and discover the wonder of DIY and small press poetry printing. This workshop will take you through generative writing prompts and teach you the basics of chapbook making, including folds and choosing how to find the best book format for your poetry. It’s a hands-on creative session where you will leave with a poem of your own in chabook form. Will we see you then?

📅 Date: June 24th
📍 Location: Enabling Arts- 104, 343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC, V5N4S3
⏰ Doors Open: 6 PM | start: 6:30 PM
💰 $25 some material included, please bring a pen and notebook | limited spots
🔗save your spot at enablingarts.com/events

SFU English alumnus Sean McGarragle will be hosting a creative writing class Vancouver Public Library next month! Sign up ASAP (only 39 spots available as of now)!

✍️ Calling all emerging and established writers!

Ready to spark your creativity, build your skills, and connect with Vancouver’s vibrant literary community? Join us for our upcoming Creative Writing Classes.

🗓️ Registration opens June 1 at 9 am

• July 15 — Using Tarot in Your Creative Practice (Giselle Vriesen)
• July 22 — Writing the Silly (Sean McGarragle)
• July 23 — Creating Compelling Characters (Loghan Paylor)
• July 25 — Wordplay Your Way to Poetic Prose (Geoffrey Morrison)

✨ Open to all experience levels. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/Xiw8L30
📝 Register June 1: https://buff.ly/0Io81ni