Highlights from Footnotes
Welcome
... to the archive of Highlights from our Footnotes newsletter. Our highlights include alumni, current students, and faculty of the Department of English. We also will share exceptional department news in this section. Read the stories that makes our department thrive!
Spotlight
MFC Feeley: Willa Cather Resident Writer
Last October, I spent two weeks in Willa Cather’s beautifully restored home (a) as a resident writer along with another novelist, a poet, a memorist, and a historian (b). We shared wine, jigsaw puzzles, and writing while devouring Willa’s racier stories, such as Coming, Aphrodite!, and a freezer full of runzas—a local dish midway between pierogi and calzone (c). As if that wasn’t enough, the Willa Cather Center gave us keys to several writing spaces, my favorite was the historic train station (d).
Last spring, I was about to graduate from UAF’s MFA program and had begun outlining a novel that traverses the United States. I was applying for residencies to bolster my sense of place, but I didn’t know about The Willa Cather Residency until my cohort member Rachel McKinley suggested I apply. That way, I could visit her when she began her new job in Nebraska! It started as a lark, but the more I looked into it, the more I wanted to go.
I love place-based writing, and bristle when authors get settings wrong. As a grad student, I read Tom Comitta’s bizarrely fascinating The Nature Book (Coffee House Press, 2023), a plotless collage of landscapes culled from various authors. While it was fun to recognise Willa Cather’s prairie or a familiar mountain just by the description, the hackneyed portrayal of a beach enraged me. In protest, I wrote a real beach. The resulting story, “Overcast,” opened my writing sample for the Willa Cather Residency and appears in this year’s San Francisco Writers Conference Anthology. Having little experience with the Midwest, I promised the judges that if selected I’d study their prairie, roll in its grass, and taste its dirt. Happily, they invited me to do so!
Affectionately dubbed the “Cather Crazies” by locals, the folks at the Cather Center have made Red Cloud a literary destination. In addition to the residency, they host a conference, tours, multiple seminars, readings, and are involved in the local schools. There are now more historical buildings with landmark status dedicated to Willa Cather than to any other American writer. Only the poet and I had specifically come for the landscape, but we all went to the prairie, the graveyard, and on every Cather outing the center arranged for us, including a Halloween inspired “Cather After Dark” tour focusing on murder and ghosts. It was a productive, inspiring time. Our residency concluded with a public reading. We were encouraged to share something written in Red Cloud. I stopped outlining and started drafting. The consequent scene, set on the open prairie, opens my current applications.
for the Willa Cather Residency are open for the month of April; all you need is a strong writing sample and a good reason to be there. I recommend applying for fellowships and residencies before you think you qualify. For one thing, you might be wrong: Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism are everywhere, and you are not competing against paragons, but other writers (i.e. your peers). For another: your application skills will improve with practice. Finally, you’ll discover, as I did, connections you didn’t suspect.
Don’t be sad when I tell you that Rachel and I didn’t manage a visit after all. We’ll both attend The Sancho Panza Writers Workshop in Dublin, Ireland this summer with a few other UAF grad students and graduates. One of us will give you an update.
BIO
MFC Feeley lives in AVŔÇÂŰĚł. She has an MFA in fiction from the University of AVŔÇÂŰĚł Fairbanks. She was a resident writer at The National Willa Cather Center, a Fellow at the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, and is a board member of 49 Writers. Feeley wrote a series of ten stories inspired by the Bill of Rights for Ghost Parachute and has published in Best Micro-Fictions, SmokeLong, Jellyfish Review, Pulp Literature, and others. More at
The Highlight Reel
Welcome the archive of highlights from the Footnotes e-newsletter.
SpotlightMFC Feeley: Willa Cather Resident WriterLast October, I spent two weeks in Willa Cather’s beautifully restored home (a) as a resident writer along with another novelist, a poet, a memorist, and a historian (b). We shared wine, jigsaw puzzles, and writing while devouring Willa’s racier stories, such as Coming, Aphrodite!, and a freezer full of runzas—a local dish midway between pierogi and calzone (c). As if that wasn’t enough, the Willa Cather Center gave us keys to several writing spaces, my favorite was the historic train station (d). Last spring, I was about to graduate from UAF’s MFA program and had begun outlining a novel that traverses the United States. I was applying for residencies to bolster my sense of place, but I didn’t know about The Willa Cather Residency until my cohort member Rachel McKinley suggested I apply. That way, I could visit her when she began her new job in Nebraska! It started as a lark, but the more I looked into it, the more I wanted to go. I love place-based writing, and bristle when authors get settings wrong. As a grad student, I read Tom Comitta’s bizarrely fascinating The Nature Book (Coffee House Press, 2023), a plotless collage of landscapes culled from various authors. While it was fun to recognise Willa Cather’s prairie or a familiar mountain just by the description, the hackneyed portrayal of a beach enraged me. In protest, I wrote a real beach. The resulting story, “Overcast,” opened my writing sample for the Willa Cather Residency and appears in this year’s San Francisco Writers Conference Anthology. Having little experience with the Midwest, I promised the judges that if selected I’d study their prairie, roll in its grass, and taste its dirt. Happily, they invited me to do so! Affectionately dubbed the “Cather Crazies” by locals, the folks at the Cather Center have made Red Cloud a literary destination. In addition to the residency, they host a conference, tours, multiple seminars, readings, and are involved in the local schools. There are now more historical buildings with landmark status dedicated to Willa Cather than to any other American writer. Only the poet and I had specifically come for the landscape, but we all went to the prairie, the graveyard, and on every Cather outing the center arranged for us, including a Halloween inspired “Cather After Dark” tour focusing on murder and ghosts. It was a productive, inspiring time. Our residency concluded with a public reading. We were encouraged to share something written in Red Cloud. I stopped outlining and started drafting. The consequent scene, set on the open prairie, opens my current applications. for the Willa Cather Residency are open for the month of April; all you need is a strong writing sample and a good reason to be there. I recommend applying for fellowships and residencies before you think you qualify. For one thing, you might be wrong: Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism are everywhere, and you are not competing against paragons, but other writers (i.e. your peers). For another: your application skills will improve with practice. Finally, you’ll discover, as I did, connections you didn’t suspect. Don’t be sad when I tell you that Rachel and I didn’t manage a visit after all. We’ll both attend The Sancho Panza Writers Workshop in Dublin, Ireland this summer with a few other UAF grad students and graduates. One of us will give you an update. BIO MFC Feeley lives in AVŔÇÂŰĚł. She has an MFA in fiction from the University of AVŔÇÂŰĚł Fairbanks. She was a resident writer at The National Willa Cather Center, a Fellow at the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing, and is a board member of 49 Writers. Feeley wrote a series of ten stories inspired by the Bill of Rights for Ghost Parachute and has published in Best Micro-Fictions, SmokeLong, Jellyfish Review, Pulp Literature, and others. More at
Student Spotlight: Margaret Thomas
I’m a non-traditional, part-time student, and was officially enrolled as a bachelor’s student in the Fall of 2020 (fun times). Working full-time during Covid and doing all my classes online meant that, for at least the first half of my degree, I didn’t know anybody. I can't remember the names of most of the professors I had; and it wasn’t until years later, when I was finally on campus, that I realized I had been taking classes with the same students that whole time. In these recent, on-campus years, my most inspiring professors have been Dr. Brightwell and Dr. Williams. Dr. Brightwell helped me to realize my skill in creative writing, and Dr. Williams (though he probably doesn’t realize this), made me realize that I am much more into American Lit than I am British Lit. Which is a hard realization for an English major, since all the canon seems to be British and there’s this pressure and expectation that you, as an English major, must enjoy it. That’s simply not true though, and even with books that aren’t my favorite, I prefer the writing style of American Lit so much more. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s wrong to passionately dislike Jane Eyre. I’m serious. In addition to my realizations about my literary preferences this year, Dr. Brightwell shared with one of my creative writing groups in 2024 an opportunity to submit to Scribendi, a national Honors magazine. Surprisingly, I was one of 33 submissions out of 500+ that were accepted and published in their 2025 edition. It is my first publication outside of UAF’s IceBox. It’s a big enough literary journal that they have a release party every year at the Western Regional Honors Conference (WRHC), and they invited me to Denver to speak about my piece. I ended up attending almost the entire conference, and it was a fantastic experience. I got to watch students from all over the country come and share their Capstone projects. I watched presentations on Zines, DnD as a teaching tool in the K12 class room, how stranger-danger scare tactics put women at a higher risk of abuse from close friends and family; and at the end of it all, I got to listen to other Scribendi authors talk about their pieces. 
Margaret (bottom left) photographs a model during the Arctic Encounter Symposium fashion show. Along with her studies in English, she is part of the Arctic Leadership Initiative and is minoring in AVŔÇÂŰĚł Native Studies. I was very nervous to get up there and talk about my work, I was one of the only unsponsored students, I was certainly the only one from AVŔÇÂŰĚł – but the Scribendi team was supportive and excited, and they knew me by name when I came in. When I introduced myself, they immediately started gushing about my work and what they loved about it. It was overwhelmingly positive, and completely shocking. It wasn’t until I was there that I realized how big this conference was, or how much time and love was put into the journal. They had clearly read these pieces closely and carefully, and they remembered each one of them. At the end of the day, I walked away far more confident in my writing than I ever was before, and I have carried it with me. If I have one piece of advice for any writer out there: Submit. Submit every chance you get, even if you don’t think your piece is perfect. There are opportunities all around if you just put your name, and yourself, out there. If you’d like to read my Scribendi publication, you can do so here: Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye (1970)reviewed by Jericho Williams Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is one of the most difficult books I’ve read and taught. Morrison thought about her art this way: “Writing is, after all, an act of language, its practice. But first of all it is an effort of the will to discover.” The Bluest Eye attempts to understand how a child’s life can be destroyed, and Morrison offers no easy answers as she interrogates American culture and racism of the early 1940s in Lorain, Ohio. The basis of The Bluest Eye originated from a childhood conversation in which Morrison recalled one of her friends telling her that she had been praying for blue eyes. Morrison felt “violently repelled by what I imagined she might look like if she had her wish,” and she continued thinking about this comment for many years. 
Her experimental and innovative first novel grapples with beauty standards, dominant societal expectations, silencing, and erasure prior to the Civil Rights Movement. Pieced together, the fragmented narrative tells an inflammatory story that is both easy to read and shocking. It is a book about seeing, one that does not look away from what most would rather not witness. There are many reasons The Bluest Eye remains important and should exist in public libraries, but perhaps the most compelling one for me is the reminder that children are not just of their homes, but rather children of societies. By asking hard questions, The Bluest Eye demands that readers consider their cultural values and the trickle-down societal impacts of oppression, poverty, and racism. 
Ruth Behar's Lucky Broken Girlreviewed by Gwen Retterer This is a true story about Ruthie Mizrahi and her family who moved from Cuba to Queens, NY in the 1960's. Escaping the constrictive life they had under Fidel Castro, Ruthie's introduction to the United States includes meeting her neighborhood classmates who are also from different countries, playing hop scotch, and learning English at a public school. Ruthie goes from being an animated and optimistic 10-year-old girl to almost being completely immobile due to an accident. Behar takes the reader into the mind of Ruthie as she journeys through the ups and downs of healing: grappling with hate towards the people that caused the accident, physical dependency on her mom as a caretaker, unexpectedly meeting new mentors, and finding inspirational outlets despite not being able to move. The recommended audience for this book is 10 and up. While the style of the writing certainly embodies that of a 10 year old, the themes coming from Ruthie and all those around her transcend age. The following quotes will give you a snapshot of the themes, as well as a taste of what this book is all about. "We're nobody. We're refugees. We just arrived in this country. What if they send us back to Cuba?" - Ruthie's Dad "Try not to hate so much, mi niña. Maybe you'll get better faster." -Ruthie's Mom "...Some of us come here as shooting stars, to shine brightly for only the briefest moment, and others of us come and overstay our welcome, living to a ripe old age and forgetting our own names." -Chico, Ruthie's friend "Why is it that bad things have to happen so you learn there are lots of good people in the world?" -Ruthie Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Klagmann (née Bryant)
Jessica Bryant Klagmann I was introduced to UAF by David Nikki Crouse, who was my first undergraduate writing
professor in New Hampshire, and who had graduated from UAF’s creative writing MFA
program. I’d never considered going to AVŔÇÂŰĚł, but after losing my father in my last
year of college and learning that he’d always wanted to go, it felt like the kind
of adventure I needed. I remember David saying to me before I moved to Fairbanks:
You’ll live in a dry cabin. You’ll get a truck. You’ll probably get a dog. I did all of these things, much to my delight. They also told me: AVŔÇÂŰĚł is a place that, by nature, forces you to figure something out about yourself. This, I found, was also true. 
During my time at UAF, I wrote a thesis of three novellas, discovered a love for teaching, learned a thing or two about publishing (I was ±Ę±đ°ůłľ˛ą´Ú°ů´Ç˛őłŮ’s editor-in-chief for Volume 32), and met my future husband. After we left AVŔÇÂŰĚł for New Mexico, I worked at a college in Española as a writing instructor and the director of their adult education program. I also co-founded the school’s literary journal, Trickster. All the while, I kept writing stories, kept submitting. In 2013, I got my first publication for a nonfiction piece about my worst day in AVŔÇÂŰĚł (and how a day like that can lead directly to the “figuring out” I mentioned). I started writing a novel in 2014, and after many, many submissions to agents—and many, many rejections—I finally signed with one. I felt like I’d made it, not realizing that it was just one step in a longer journey. A whole new round of rejections from publishers ended with that first novel getting set aside, but I’d been writing a second book to keep myself from going crazy, and in 2024, This Impossible Brightness was published. My second novel, North of the Sunlit River, will be released this September. It’s set in AVŔÇÂŰĚł and is about the ways in which lost loved ones can become greater than human—can become mythical—and how this act of myth-making can heal. Inspired by my time in Fairbanks and by my father, it was a way of finally getting him to AVŔÇÂŰĚł, the place that left so much of its magic imprinted on me. Every writer knows the best stories leave a lasting mark — and so do the best journeys. As they get ready to launch into their next adventures, four of our graduating English students share what made their time at UAF unforgettable. From lively classrooms to late-night writing sessions, their reflections celebrate the spirit of creativity, community, and growth that defines our department.  Sophia Martin, Undergraduate
Sophia Martin, a dedicated English major and Creative Writing minor, has made her mark at UAF with her enthusiasm and talent. Recently named the English Department’s Outstanding Student of the Year, Sophia shares reflections on her favorite classes, experiences with literary publishing, and the vibrant, supportive community within the department.  Aviv Snowberry, Undergraduate
Aviv Snowberry, an English major with minors in History and Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Studies, has embraced curiosity and connection at UAF. Reflecting on favorite courses, personal research journeys, and the power of collaborative learning, Aviv highlights what makes the UAF English Department a truly special and welcoming place to grow.  Rachel McKinley, Graduate
Rachel McKinley, a graduate of UAF’s MFA Creative Writing program, found creativity, growth, and confidence during her time at UAF. Through supportive classes and hands-on editorial experience with Permafrost, Rachel deepened her craft and discovered the joy of creative risk-taking in a community passionate about writing and exploration.  Rachel Blume, Graduate
Rachel Blume, a graduate student in UAF’s MFA Creative Writing program, reflects on the community and growth she found during her time at UAF. From personal milestones to professional development as both a writer and instructor, Rachel’s journey highlights the deep support and resilience fostered within the UAF English Department. Contest WinnersThank you to all the students who participated in this year’s English Department annual writing contests. We are proud of every student who submitted a piece and shared their voice. A special congratulations to the students whose pieces were selected as winners - well done!
Northern Lights Nonfiction Essay Contest - Graduate Category Harold McCracken Award for Outstanding Writing About AVŔÇÂŰĚł and the North Country
Contest Minnie E. Wells Award in Literary Criticism Contest Farthest North Fiction Contest - Undergraduate Category Farthest North Fiction Contest - Graduate Category Derick Burleson Poetry Contest - Graduate Category E.L. Bartlett Contest for Literary Criticism 
Spotlight on Second Chances April is Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced
by those with criminal histories and to promote opportunities for successful reentry
into society.
Meet this year’s judges for the UAF Department of English writing contests!These dedicated volunteers bring their expertise to evaluating entries across poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and academic essays. Learn more about their backgrounds and connections to UAF. 
Richard Carr Judge, Minnie E. Wells Literary Criticism and E.L. Bartlett Literary Criticism contests 
Carolyn Kremers Judge, Northern Lights Essay Contest 
Don Rearden
Judge, Farthest North Fiction contest
An acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and poet, Rearden wrote The Raven’s Gift, co-authored bestselling memoirs, and teaches writing at UAA. A recipient of multiple literary honors, he was a finalist in Coppola's Zoetrope contest. Raised in rural AVŔÇÂŰĚł, his poetry collection Without a Paddle was praised for its compassion and relevance. 
Brewing Connections Associate Professor Jericho Williams has received the UAF People's Endowment award to help expand Tea Time, a student-led initiative started by Naomi King in Fall 2024. With this support, a new smart monitor will be installed in the Gruening lounge, allowing remote participation and strengthening connections across campus and beyond. Tea Time fosters belonging, professional growth, and meaningful conversations among students, faculty, and alumni. Read More Highlight - WRTG F211X Students
In Sarah Stanley’s Writing and the Humanities class, students recently engaged in
a writing exercise centered around the whimsical tale of Alice in Wonderland. They delved into the concept of the “rabbit hole”, exploring its symbolic significance
while stepping into Alice’s shoes to ponder a central question: Why did Alice choose to jump down the rabbit hole in the first place? What is it about this mysterious decent that draws her in - and what might a “rabbit
hole” represent beyond its literal interpretation? 
Exploring the Love of Literature with Aviv Snowberry
Aviv Snowberry, a passionate reader and writer, shares a captivating journey through their literary explorations. From childhood favorites like The Great Gatsby, Jane Eyre, and Shakespeare, to a newfound appreciation for romance, horror, and thriller genres, Aviv's reading tastes reflect a love for the full spectrum of human emotion and storytelling. Their reflections highlight a deep connection to literature and the joy of discovering new voices in contemporary fiction. Click to read more about Aviv’s influences, favorite authors, and unique literary perspective. Read More  CLA Warrior of the Month: Manuel “Manny” Melendez
Manuel “Manny” Melendez, a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, has
been named the CLA Warrior of the Month for his exceptional contributions to UAF's
academic and creative communities. Manny is well-known for his leadership roles in
guiding both Permafrost, the UAF English Department’s literary journal, and The Sun
Star, the campus newspaper. His passion for writing, combined with his journalistic
and community-focused efforts, has had a profound impact on UAF.
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