Volume 78, Issue 4 Smithfield, RI October 8, 2010 Dr. Maya Angelou Tom Chandler to read original shares stories, poetry at Library of Congress inspiration By Meagan Vuolo sity, and then Staff Writer continued to teach at RISD for at PPAC On October 19, 2010, Pro- 12 years. fessor Tom Chandler will read Tom Chan- a selection of his poetry at the dler started Library of Congress. He was teaching at By Meagan Vuolo invited to this event, known Staff Writer Bryant Univer- as the “Rhode Island Sam- sity in 1998. He "How maddening it was to pler,” by the current poet lau- was the first full- have been born in a co7on reate of Rhode Island, Lisa time creative field with aspirations of Starr. The invitation was ex- writer hired, grandeur." tended a few months ago, and which is most - Dr. Maya Angelou, I Know when asked about how he re- likely the result Why the Caged Bird Sings, acted, Chandler casually re- of the increased Chapter 30 sponded, “It was pleasant emphasis placed news.” on a well- I Know Why the Caged Chandler is not sure what rounded educa- Bird Sings by Dr. Maya An- exactly he will read at the Li- tion, focusing gelou was one of the first nov- brary of Congress, despite the not only on els I read as a high school quickly approaching date of business, but lib- junior. Reading it was quite the event. To most people, this eral arts as well. an experience; I laughed, seems like a risky idea, but Now Chan- cried, clenched my fists with Chandler assures us that “I’ve dler not only anger and pondered over the been doing this for over 20 teaches, but he is deep thoughts being con- years now and I find it best in charge of the veyed by the author through rather than prepare for a Bryant Literary the book. reading, just be in the mo- Review (BLR), Though I’m different from ment for a reading and you’ll which was es- the author in many ways, I be fine.” Chandler has pub- tablished in could easily empathize with lished over 200 poems, which 2000. The BLR is her (which was odd, because are compiled into 5 books. He released each that rarely happens to me). is in the process of having a spring, with its Tom Chandler, Professor of Literary and Cultural Studies So, when I heard that the sixth book published and con- twel6h issue in Courtesy of Tom Chandlerf Bryant Student Arts and tinues to write today. progress now. While it appears that of insight to provide to the of poetry than the norm. He Speaker Series (SASS) team Chandler greatly appreciates world about writing. In order proudly asserted, “It’s my job; was organizing a trip to Prov- Chandler was handed a very the opportunity to be a part of successful life, not everything to make others understand it’s my calling.” idence to hear Dr. Maya An- this successful literary jour- the intensity of this career, he While he may “fall in love gelou speak, I dropped by the he did came easily. No one in nal, which he ensures is due his family was inclined to stated, “It’s a daily sweaty with a different poet every Bryant Center to collect my to the hard working staff and thing. You look at what week,”Chandler strives to cre- ticket the very same day. write, so when he started the support of Bryant Univer- writing poetry at age 6, it was you’ve done at the end of the ate his own identity through The event was held at the sity. The BLR is considered an day and sometimes it’s good poetry. He is careful not to Providence Performing Arts entirely self-motivated. Chan- elite literary journal on cam- dler did not a7end college im- and sometimes it’s garbage.” model his own writing a6er Center (PPAC) on Thursday, pus, accepting only 2-3% of A crucial point that Chandler another’s. But even Chandler September 30 at 7pm. We ar- mediately a6er graduating submissions from across the high school. makes is that writing is all can’t say what his unique rived and se7led down well country! about improving one’s work. style of writing entails, for he before the starting time. At First he dabbled in the field Chandler enjoys teaching of music, playing in a band He explained, “There’s no is certain that style isn’t as im- 7pm, a series of speeches poetry writing and advanced such thing as a one dra6 won- portant as most people be- began, most of them about and recording an album. By poetry writing, encouraging age 30 this lifestyle started der, unless you’re a genius. lieve. fighting against sexual abuse young writers to pursue their The art of writing is in rewrit- His writing philosophy is, inflicted on children. Finally, growing tiresome, and that is dreams. His most important when this future poet took the ing.” Sometimes Chandler “The art about it is not just at about 7:30pm, the moment advice to will go back to his previous found in the words. I think all of us had been eagerly initiative those hop- and at- work and modify it over and the art is found in the idea.” waiting for had arrived: Dr. Chandler published over ing to write over until he feels that he has Clearly Chandler values the Maya Angelou appeared on tended the profession- University 200 poems, which are found the perfect way to relay overall content and quality of stage. Personally, I felt a huge ally some- his message to an audience. writing rather than just the gush of feelings flow through of New day is, Hampshire. compiled into 5 books. Despite this positive out- small details. The goal of his myself: excitement, respect, “Don’t wait look, Chandler is still trou- writing is to be understood, appreciation, and so on. Reflecting for inspiration. If you wait for on his first poetry writing bled by the public’s not to confuse the reader or Dr. Angelou spoke about a inspiration you’ll wait for a perception of poetry today. make an audience feel infe- variety of topics, occasionally class, Chandler says “[I very long time.” In order to thought], this is what I want He believes that “Most people rior. However, Chandler referring to incidents in her fine-tune one’s writing abili- don’t know anything about stressed, “At the same time I past. Being a victim of sexual to do. And so I just followed ties, it is necessary to write that. I took all of the creative poetry. They just think it’s this want there to be depth and abuse when she was li7le, she every day, even when there is weird opera or ballet or some- quality to my work.” His obviously felt very strongly writing courses I could.” Fol- seemingly nothing to write lowing his undergraduate ed- thing.” While it’s hard to say writing is all about the bal- about the subject, yet she about. This is a career about how accurate this observation ance between communicating openly spoke about her or- ucation, Chandler went on to passion, drive, and diligence. grad school at Brown Univer- is, it’s clear that Chandler has in a way that is understand- deal: who did it and how he Chandler has a great deal much more respect for the art able, yet not overly simplified; was caught and eventually See ‘Maya Angelou’ on page 2 In this week’s Archway Bus iness - Economy roots for Yankees Spor ts - Red Sox: Good, bad and ugly Opinion - GLBT student tragedies Vari ety - J&T Review: The Social Network page 2 october 8, 2010 Interfaith Center to be named Maya Angelou By Fira Zainal ley are worthy of the nomination Movies include ‘The Mission’ (di- Continued from page 1 Staff Writer from the Board of Trustees. “If it rected by Roland Joffé), ‘Life is was not for them, this college Beautiful’ (directed by Roberto Be- Recently, the Bryant University would be bankrupt and we would nigni) and ‘Invictus’ (directed by Board of Trustees announced that most likely be at Bentley... and re- Clint Eastwood) for each respective the Interfaith Center will be chang- ally... who wants that?” says Mack- date. ing its name in honor of President sey. The ‘Music for the Soul’ program Ronald Machtley and his wife Kati The Interfaith Center is popular which kicked off October 6th saw Machtley. This Friday October 8th and known as one of the most pris- the Atwater-Donelly Trio gracing 2010 at 12:30pm, the Interfaith Cen- tine and beautiful buildings on the Interfaith Center Chapel. Future ter will be known officially as The campus. Designed by the interna- performers include the Amy Raw- Ronald K. and Kati Machtley Inter- tionally-renowned architectural son Trio (November 11th), the faith Center. All Bryant students, firm Gwathmey Siegal & Associ- Bryant Singers (December 11th) and alumni, staff and faculty are invited ates, it was officially opened in Sep- the Bryant Chamber Ensemble to a7end and a reception will fol- tember 2009 and provides the (TBA). low the dedication. University and its visitors a place of Another interesting program this Maya Angelou speaking in 04 (MCT Campus) The dedication comes just in worship, reflection, and gathering. Fall 2010 semester is the ‘Worlds of murdered. She also shared how she had time for the 2010 Homecoming Even though it has been running for Academia and Faith in Dialogue’ stopped speaking for a long time a6er her Weekend at Bryant.