Lurie Visiting Authors

The Lurie Author-in-Residence Program was established through the generosity of Connie and Robert Lurie in order to attract nationally and internationally known authors to a position officially called "Visiting Artist/Scholar" for a period of one or two semesters (depending upon funds and the availability of the author).

It is a teaching professorship entailing close contact with students and public appearances. The fund is a permanent endowment. Candidates are nominated and selected by a review committee appointed by the English Department Chair with the approval of the Dean. The distinguished visiting artist/scholar carries the title of "Lurie Professor."

The Center for Literary Arts also invites major authors to campus for one-day seminars and large lectures. Recent authors include Salman Rushdie, Dorothy Allison, Gore Vidal and Neil Gaiman . See the Center for Literary Arts Major Author Series for events that involve the Lurie Professor.

	Kim Addonizio in 2013 Teaching Spring Courses ENGL 240, Poetry Writing Workshop From her website's bio: Kim Addonizio has been called “one of our nation’s most provocative and edgy poets.” Her latest books are Lucifer at the Starlite, a finalist for the Poets Prize and the Northern CA Book Award; and Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within, both from W.W. Norton. Her novel-in-verse, Jimmy & Rita, was recently reissued by Stephen F. Austin State University Press. Kalima Press published her Selected Poems in Arabic. Addonizio’s many honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship, two NEA Fellowships, and Pushcart Prizes for both poetry and the essay. Her collection Tell Me was a National Book Award Finalist. Other books include two novels from Simon & Schuster, Little Beauties and My Dreams Out in the Street. Addonizio offers private workshops in Oakland, CA, and online, and often incorporates her love of blues harmonica into her readings.

	Julia Scheeres in 2012

	Daniel Alarcon in 2011

	Tim Cahill in 2010

	Sandra Gilbert in 2009 Teaching Spring Courses TBA Speaking Events (sponsored by the CLA) TBA

	ZZ Packer in 2008 Teaching Spring Courses English 177, 20th C. Fiction English 241, Fiction Writing Workshop Speaking Events (sponsored by the CLA ) Wednesday, February 27, 1 p.m., Conversation, Q&A and Book-signing, SJSU University Room. Wednesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m., Reading , Q&A and Book-signing, SJSU Music Concert Hall. Wednesday, March 5, 3 p.m., A Visit to Mt. Pleasant High School (open to the public)

	James Kelman in 2007

	James D. Houston in 2006

	Ishmael Reed in 2005

	Simon Winchester in 2004

	Molly Giles in 2003

	Al Young in 2002

	Carolyn Kizer in 2001

	Ursula K. le Guin , first Lurie chair in 2000