The Practical Criticism Midwest (PCM) and Undergraduate English Studies (UES) Conferences, October 13, were attended by over 85 students, faculty, and guests. The graduate students have run PCM in the past, but this year, we added the undergraduate student conference to it, and also opened up the conference to participants outside BSU English. We welcomed students from Ivy Tech, Anderson University, and IPFW. Many undergraduate students told us how exciting this experience was, and some told me that they want to present their work next year.

The best presentation awardees were Kathryn Powell (UES), who presented her creative work, “The Listening Horizon,”

Kathryn Powell

and Abdullah Albalawi (PCM), who presented his research, “Gender Differences in The Speech Act of Thanking in Saudi Arabic.”

Abdullah Albalawi

Hannah Bovino, Doggerel contest winner, presented her poem, “I’m sorry iPhone.”

The keynote speakers featured 4 alumni (Leslie Erlenbaugh, Emily Groch, Ashley Mack-Jackson, Aaron Nicely), who shared their experience finding careers with English degrees. The conference ended with the doggerel contest. This year’s winner was Hannah Bovino, who presented her poem, “I’m sorry iPhone.” The conference overall was a fun and educational experience where students, faculty, and alumni could meet and interact. This year’s conference chair was Angela Tomasello (MA Linguistics Student), who led the graduate student volunteers. Prof. Silas Hansen (Conference Faculty Advisor) and Dr. Megumi Hamada (Assistant Chair of Programs) helped organize the conference.