University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Writer's Conference Year of the Pennsylvonio Writer sported its usual parade of award winners while offering subtle difference from its predecessors. By bringing in a total of ten successful writers, the conference was bigger than ever before. What started out nine years ago as an event that happened over a Friday night and Saturday morning has evolved into a full weekend affair, with this year's Conference beginning at noon Friday, March 29, and lasting until Sunday, March 31. Friday evening marked an additional chance for nostalgia buffs to take in a screening of the classic film Casablanca, followed by an appearance by its distinguished writer, Julius J. Epstein. Saturday presented black activist-poet, Sonia Sanchez and 1977 Lamont Prize Winner, Gerald Stern, both of whom joined Jack Gilbert to give readings. A panel discussion entitled, Poetry in America, followed on Sunday. JULIUS EPSTEIN DISCUSSES the writing of Casablanca as well as his many other films. ANNIE DILLARD HELPED make the weekend a success, with good communications between the Writers and the participants. JOSEPH BRUCHAC, FOUNDER and Editor of The Greenfield Review moderates a panel discussion on Pennsylvania Literary Magazines. Writers Conference ACTIVITIES

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Having a Dali ince tradition has it that Engineers' Week falls on the same week as St. Patrick Day, the week is brought to a close by the Shamrock Ball. Eating, drinking, and dancing are among the evening's festivities as well as awards presentation for the honors received during the Week. This is a nice and easy way to bring a week full of excitement and competition to an end. JUST RELAXING AND ENJOYING the company of friends is one of the best parts of the evening. THIS COUPLE TAKES a breather while waiting for the activities to continue. A DELICIOUS BUFFET was one of the many highlights of the fulfilling evening. Engineers' Week ACTIVITIES JmJi

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MULTI-AWARD WINNER David Bradley and Toby Olson each present short readings on Saturday afternoon. SONIA SANCHEZ, an Associate Professor at Temple University, gave selected readings from some of her ten books. Saturday night offered the same for the fiction lover, with readings by David Bradley, Toby Olson, and John Wideman, winners of the 1981, 1982 and 1983 PEN Faulkner Awards for Fiction, respectively. As with the poet, a panel discussion was held on Sunday. Rounding out the cast, novelist Peter Beagle and poet Colleen McElroy, who opened the Conference on Friday with readings in the City Council Chambers and conducted a Sunday morning workshop. Friday's readings were followed by a proclamation by the Mayor of Pittsburgh and the Commissioners of Allegheny County in honor of the Year of the Pennsylvania Writer. by Jeffrey Sewald Writers Conference ry ACTIVITIES jLO