Pine Manor College

The Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College celebrated its second graduation on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Nine students ranging in age from 26 to 77 and representing seven states —including North Carolina, New Jersey, Washington, Maine, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Arkansas and New York— received their diplomas: poets Danielle DeTiberus and Emily Van Duyne; fiction writers Richard Anderson, Christina Irace, and Liza Kollman; creative nonfiction writers Faye Snider and Bob Miller; and young-adult writers Kimberly Mitchell and Maryann Jacob.

Former United States Poet Laureate Donald Hall acted as commencement speaker, bringing his wisdom and humor to a brief address that encouraged graduates to maintain the community established during the MFA program and urging them to keep at the challenging work of being a writer. Class speaker Faye Snider offered some words regarding her experience in the program and her hopes for her fellow graduates going forward, while Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nia Lane Chester applauded the achievements of the program and its students. A reception followed, where more than 75 guests celebrated in honor of the graduates.