By: Sam Mitchell
April 17, 2026
Monday, April 13, 2026, was a night full of literary genius and poetic power as alum Dave Crowley and select Thiel College students read original works of poetry. The event took place in the Langenheim Memorial Library from 7PM until 8PM. The event began with librarian Michelene Orteza introducing the event. Then, Crowley spoke about the importance of poetry and personal stories with his poetic experiences, “I was sixty-seven years old when I wrote my very first poem. And I haven’t stopped since. I’m about to be seventy-four in about a week.” Crowley proceeded to read the first poem he wrote. The poem followed a strict format and wielded an air of emotional tenderness amongst the audience.
After Crowley finished the poem, students from Dr. Hall’s courses shared their poetic prowess. The first student speaker was Summer Stitt, whose poem “Who is Patience” was inspired by sitting at a red light. Next, student and maintenance worker Dylan Foster read his poem titled “Other.” Allison Cannon read her ekphrastic response to Anne Bradstreet’s poem “Before the Birth of One of Her Children” and Cannon’s poem was titled “Before the Death of His Only Wife.” Student and The Phoenix editor, Alexa Beck, read three poems, “A Mate for Life,” “Scripted Thinkers,” and “I am just a dog,” all of which were profound and well-written. Afterwards, Sam Mitchell read “God-Given Free Will Captures and Liberates Us.” Dr. Hall read a poem by Mavaree Stanley, “Far Too Fast to Hold.” The Thielensian writer, Emmett Gill, read a poem dedicated to his partner and the poem was titled, “Meeting by Chance.” The final student reader was Maddy Triskett with the poem “Where My Mind Travels.”
The poetry reading event came to a close after Crowley shared two more poems from his books titled Solid as an Oak, yet like a Willow, Weeping and Lanterns. Both poetry books were generously donated to the library by Crowley, which are also available on Amazon. Michelene Orteza recommended aspiring writers to read a lot. It helps to see examples of what is already written. Dr. Hall of Thiel College shared her thoughts about the event as well, “I liked to see them be proud of their works. I liked to see that expression on their faces when they light up and people clap for them.”
The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and alum. The event was a success to many people including the Crowleys, Thiel College’s Orteza and Dr. Hall, and the students who read.
Once again, Thiel College brought together staff members, faculty, students, alumni and made strangers into friends with the power of poetry.
