November 18, 2008
Yolanda Blanco, Nicaraguan Poet and Singer
Featured
Epsilon Kappa, the St. John’s University Chapter of Sigma Delta
Pi, the National Hispanic Honor Society, presents guest speaker,
poet and singer Yolanda Blanco at its fifteenth issue
celebration of Entre Rascacielos on November 25 at 6:30 p.m. at
Council Hall on the Queens Campus.
Blanco, winner of many awards including the 2005 National Poetry
Award Written by Women. She is a native Nicaraguan known for her
poetry as well as for her interpretation of works by other poets.
Author of several anthologies, including: Así cuando la lluvia,
Cerámica Sol, Penqueo en Nicaragua, Aposentos and De lo
urbano y lo sagrado, she is also recognized for her CD
Nonantzin, in which she turns poetry into music.
During the course of the evening, Dr. Marie-Lise Gazarian,
Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Spanish at St. John’s
University, will launch the fifteenth issue of Entre
Rascacielos, the Chapter’s literary journal since 2001. The
journal stands as a forum and incentive for creative writing for
both the St. John’s students and the Hispanic community.
Under the direction of Dr. Gazarian, Moderator of Epsilon Kappa
and Vice President for the Northeast of Sigma Delta Pi, the
National Hispanic Honor Society, and Mónica Sánchez, an alumna and
former President of the Chapter, the journal has brought together
some of the most outstanding voices from St. John’s University,
both alumni and present members. The book jackets have been
designed by Katerina Damskiy, a talented St. John’s alumna in
graphic design.
Some of the students, alumni, and friends of St. John’s, whose
works are included in the journal, will read selections of their
poetry. Other students and alumni will also share their talent,
with music, song and dance. The event is free and open to the
public. Food and beverages will be served.
Media inquiries can be directed to Dominic Scianna, Assistant
Vice President for Media Relations, at 718-990-6185 or at sciannad@stjohns.edu.
Information regarding the event or chapter activities can contact
Dr. Marie-Lise Gazarian at (718) 990-5209 or Vivian Vescovacci at
(718) 990-6314.