In 2007, the Department of English received an extremely generous gift from anonymous donors to set up a Creative Writing Fund for a period of six years.  The gift allows the department to enhance its course offerings in Creative Writing, to bring an internationally renowned writer to read at the Great Writers series, to bring other distinguished writers for readings and workshops with students, to create greater opportunities for student programming and publishing in creative writing, to integrate creative writing with the study of literature, and to use creative writing as a focal point for community outreach and service learning. 

The Creative Writing Fund has made possible guest appearances by:

2007    Toni Morrison

2008    Sir Salman Rushdie

2008    Louise Gluck

2009    Joan Didion

2009    Billy Collins

2010    Carlos Fuentes

2010    Rita Dove