English at King's University College

Congratulations to Olivia Irons (second from left) for winning the Board of Directors’ Gold Medal in the category of Honours Double Major in the Humanities! Olivia graduated with an Honours Double Major in History and in English Language and Literature.

At King’s Convocation, Liz Akiwenzie, honorary degree recipient, offered graduates a powerful reminder that learning does not end when they cross the stage.

“No matter what piece of paper you leave here with today, there’s still more to learn. It’s called life. Walk through the world with open eyes and experience all the things creation has to offer.

We all know what’s going on out there in the world. It’s up to all of us to walk through it with light and love and respect and kindness.”

Miigwech, Dr. Liz Akiwenzie, for your wisdom, care and the many teachings you have shared with the King’s community.

Congratulations to Professor Emeritus Brian Patton, retiring from King's after 32 years of warmth and wit at the head of the class. Prof. Patton won the King’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Full-Time Faculty) in 2019 and the Copplestone-Csiernik Service Award in 2026. He also chaired our department from 2002-2007. Enjoy your retirement at the end of the month, Brian!

Congratulations to our distinguished King's Scholar graduates, including Ian Topham (left) of the English program.

Award-winning Anishinaabe journalist, author and storyteller Tanya Talaga will join King's for the President's Veritas Lecture, "Can Canada Move Towards Reconciliation?", on Thursday, September 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre.

A member of Fort William First Nation, Tanya has dedicated her career to sharing Indigenous stories and confronting truths about Canada's history and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Through bestselling books including Seven Fallen Feathers, All Our Relations and The Knowing, she challenges audiences to reflect on what reconciliation requires.

Her lecture is part of the Veritas Lecture Series: The Courage of Encounter, which invites our community to listen deeply, engage difficult truths and reflect on our responsibility to one another.

As National Indigenous History Month begins, we invite the King's community to learn from Indigenous voices and perspectives and continue meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation.

Learn more: https://kings.uwo.ca/upcoming-events/veritas-series-tanya-talaga

Delighted to see the edited volume The World of Leonard Cohen, to which Dr. Rae contributed a chapter on "Cohen and Canadian Literature," receive a strong review in The Globe and Mail this week.

The Department of English, French, and Writing was very well represented at the King's celebration of faculty publications yesterday. Congratulations to Professor Emeritas Claudia Clausius on the publication of her edited collection, (Re-)Centring the Weimar Republic (University of Toronto Press). Congratulations to Dr. Emily Pez and Dr. Vidya Natarajan on the release of their textbook, Thinking about Writing, published as Open Educational Resource. Congratulations to Dr. Ian Rae on the publication of his chapter on “Cohen and Canadian Literature” in The World of Leonard Cohen (Cambridge University Press).

You’re Invited!

Join us for an evening at The Rec Room. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks while connecting with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Date: March 27th

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: The Rec Room

This event is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and spend time with the community.

Please RSVP using the link in our bio. We look forward to seeing you there!