Aww, I feel so proud, somehow.

[karenor]

My favorite professor and my thesis chair at SDSU, Ilya Kaminsky, has made the cover of the San Diego Reader. While it's a free paper, it has really high circulation, and it definitely means he's on his way UP. I was there the semester we selected him to be our new poetry professor (yes, students have some influence on this process) and the standing department chair was in tears after he'd finished teaching his trial class, because she felt like we were truly witnessing greatness. And though the decision hadn't been formally made yet, she knew we'd be privelaged to learn under him. And we were. He almost made me wish I could hang around longer, in a program I'd been absolutely miserable in. He's awesome. And so is the article. Which is about a lot more than him. About Russia and the Ukraine, about poetry, about teaching, about all sorts, as well as a good picture of him. The author is clearly a bit enamored, but nothing he says is that exaggerated. Give the article a looksee. Or a skim, it's worth it.

Here's an excerpt.

If the people who make those decisions at SDSU asked for it, my recommendation would be: Tie this guy up, make sure he stays at SDSU. He will be one of the best poets of his generation. He’s a wonderful teacher. He will bring honor to your university. [emphasis mine]



to rest of the article

Comments

[missperkigoth.livejournal.com]

I picked you up a paper copy for posterity.

[karenor.livejournal.com]

Aww thanks! I hadn't even thought of that, but of course, I definitely want one. You rock! *hugs*

[missperkigoth.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Hey, do you mind swatting the pink Christina Aguilera monsters that are crawling across the screen? I think my body mistook Irish pride for feeling like I did in Ireland.

"It's a 36 hour day. You'll get used to it. Or you'll have a psychotic episode."

[awhiteshimmer.livejournal.com]

I remember you talking about him!

Or, was it that I saw him read, or read about you talking about him reading? Have I seen him read? Dude, I feel old... why does it seem like I've seen him read?