Celebrated Author Jesmyn Ward Inspires the Purchase Community

By Julia Wojcik

Professor Mariel Rodney interviewing Jesmyn Ward on the Humanities Theatre's Stage (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

The Purchase community was on the edge of their seats as Jesmyn Ward stepped onto the stage at the Humanities Theatre. Ward didn't just talk about her books - she brought the world of storytelling to life, filling the venue with inspiration and laughter.

This Thursday Sept.11, the critically acclaimed author came to Purchase to discuss all things writing to students and faculty alike.

Professor Mariel Rodney led the first half of the meeting with a Question-and-Answer (Q&A) Style interview. "It's definitely an inspiration to have her here," Professor Rodney said. "Every year we have been trying to get her to come here; she is a special guest for us as we have been teaching her words for years." 

Ward shared her journey from her early beginnings in literature to becoming an award-winning author recognized across the country. Her heart-warming story inspired and connected with the audience. She also spoke about themes and topics in her books, especially her novels "Sing, Unburied, Sing" and "Salvage the Bones," and how they connect to the present world.

"I'm very interested in the experience that children have when they are made to live and function when adult problems and systems push down on them," Ward explained.

Yet the curious audience was itching to know more, and so the second half of the meeting began with questions asked by the audience themselves.

One lucky participant, senior Sammie Terpening, had the opportunity to personally ask Ward a question during the meeting. "I am immersed in the world she creates," they said. 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' made me cry, it is really beautiful." The questions ranged from general questions about Ward's novels to serious issues and motives in her works. Many asked for words of wisdom and advice from the author, and they expressed that they were truly grateful for it. The same sentiment was shared by other participants, who included current students, staff, alumni, Broadview residents, faculty, and President Michael Steiper. "The brilliance of the author and the deep engagement of students was evident," said Steiper. "Her words about her own processes as a writer were so powerful."

As the meeting ended, participants were still buzzing with new questions and stories of their own they wanted to share. Ward stayed to sign and personalize the participants' books and even answered their burning questions. Some students even admitted they were inspired to start writing right then and there. The line to personally meet Ward was extremely long, and yet Ward still stayed for each and every student.

The line to meet Ward wrapped around to the door of the Humanities Building (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

Ward was amazed by the level of engagement among the participants. "My entire experience here was such a pleasure," Ward commented at the end of the signing. "I had so many wonderful conversations with so many artists and writers; it was a real joy to be here in conversation with them."

Ward personalizing and signing books after the official meeting (Photo by Julia Wojcik)

By the end of the visit, it was clear that Jesmyn Ward had left an everlasting mark. Whether students wanted to write stories, dive into new books, or dream bigger, the message was the same: stories matter—and so do the voices that tell them.