Creative Writing and English Alumni Profiles
Kate Slavens
Class of 2007
Kate Slavens attributes UE with giving her the global perspective that has sculpted her life's direction. "College was a time to explore my experiences and enrich what I already had. Studying abroad helped me think more globally and let me know I wanted to spend time exploring the world. My college experiences gave me the independence to join the Peace Corps and shape the next phase."
Slavens knew she wanted a small liberal arts school when she set out to choose a college. UE's study abroad opportunities and getting to know the professors were her deciding factors in coming to UE. "I'm still in contact with [my professors] through e-mail. That's why I chose a small school. I wasn't a face or a number. They knew me and were supportive."
Extracurricular activities also helped shape Slavens' experience. She was involved in Newman Club, the Phi Mu sorority, and Admission Ambassadors. She also served as co-editor of the student-run publication The Evansville Review during her senior year. The Evansville Review publishes well-known authors from all over the world. "This was an amazing experience. I was 22 and writing acceptance letters to Billy Collins!"
Slavens describes her time with the Peace Corps as "a great, great experience," and she feels her background in French and creative writing gave her the skills to communicate effectively in a foreign culture. "Being in the Peace Corps made me realize I wanted to work in a field where I'm helping people." Kate knows she wants to stay in the not-for-profit sector and is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University. She again credits her undergraduate study at UE with providing her with the foundation for her future. "English will come in handy to communicate and write grants."
Ryan Grieco
Class of 2010
Ryan Grieco chose the University of Evansville because of its community atmosphere. "[The University] thrives off of participation. Success is based on people being active." Grieco managed to stay very active during his time on campus. He ran for UE's NCAA Division I cross country team, was a reporter and sports editor for the Crescent, tutored at the Writing Center, participated in the Philosophy Club, and was president of Sigma Tau Delta, the English department's honor society.
While pursuing a BFA in creative writing, Grieco learned the importance of a strong literary background. "It's easy to have the misconception that creative writing is writing intensive, yet I found out it is reading intensive. Writing is important, but it takes a back seat to understanding our predecessors, contemporaries, and peers. It's something we fall back to. Workshops come later. UE focuses on literature first and literature in conjunction with writing later. I could not have found out what I wanted to write about without reading."
Because of his UE experience, Grieco decided graduate school is his next step. He credits his UE professors with helping him make this choice. "I'm very comfortable talking with everyone in the English department and know they will guide me toward the next step. They have such varied experiences. I've applied to MFA programs, and I want to work toward a PhD in literature."
