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English professor publishes award nominated memoir and serves as keynote speaker

LOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven University English professor Dr. Laurie Cannady recently published a memoir, “Crave: Sojourn of a Hungry Soul,” (Etruscan Press, 2015). The book follows a family’s struggle with poverty, domestic abuse, rape and violence in Cannady’s youth. “Crave” also is a finalist for the Foreword Reviews best book of 2015 in the autobiography/memoir category.

Recently, Cannady has taken part in several programs linked to her book. On March 1-2, in partnership with the Youngstown State University Poetry Center and Etruscan Press, Cannady shared her work with 500 students from Youngstown State University, East High, Early College, the Warren YWCA and the prison program.

Since 2008, The Poetry Center and Etruscan Outreach Program has brought 14 national and international writers and their books to thousands of students and community members in the Valley.

For more information about the outreach program, visit www.etruscanpress.org, or contact Dr. Philip Brady at 330-941-1952 or pbrady@etruscanpress.org.

In addition to her work with The Poetry Center, Cannady’s memoir also was featured at the Virginia Festival of the Book in partnership with The Women’s Initiative annual contest and ceremony held in Charlottesville, Virginia. The 2016 Festival, called, “Challenged into Change: Storytelling as Healing,” was held March 16 at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. More information about the Virginia Book Festival is available at the womensinitiative.org/change.

Additionally, she will give the keynote address at the Tidewater Community College Women’s Empowerment Conference located at their Portsmouth campus. According to the College’s website, “The Women’s Empowerment Symposium is a forum in which women will be inspired to take personal responsibility in owning their story and creating a life according to their purpose. Workshops will address advocacy, leadership, professionalism, balancing career and family, confidence and real world issues.”

Cannady has been part of the English department at LHU since 2005. Along with teaching, she serves as the founding advisor for the poetry club, Lyrically Speaking. Cannady also is the recipient of the 2008 IUP Young Alumni Achiever Award and the 2011 Woman of Distinction Award. For more information about Cannady visit her website at www.lauriejeancannady.com.

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