I just finished a two-hour long open house in the Department of Writing Studies (where I work at UMD). Thanks to the faculty like me who attended — it’s nice to talk to each other when there is not an agenda hanging, like the sword of Damocles, over our head.

Thanks, too, to Kellie at Fuse Duluth. Kellie spoke to faculty in professional writing and journalism about Fuse’s important mentor program. We need more Duluth professionals to serve as mentors to the up and coming via the Fuse Duluth College Connection. I know, I have a batch of a dozen writing students who would love a local mentor. Kellie did a great job connecting with faculty from four programs at the university (including our colleagues in Foreign Languages, who would also appreciate the College Connection!). Thank you for your time, your energy and your resources — The Chamber of Commerce is lucky to have you.

Speaking of Fuse, Thanks also to Mike Malone of FUSE and of Swim Creative, who will talk to the Writing Students Club on April 18th at 4pm. He’ll be joined by the Ennyman, Ed Newman of AmSoil — as well as a talented creative writer in his own right. Join us if you’d like.

There is a vibrant community of professionals in Duluth. I’d love to brainstorm more ways to connect my students to these folks and these communities. Do you have any ideas?