A charged crowd filled Eisenhower Auditorium last night, anticipating the lecture by Alice Walker, whose soft-spoken voice hushed the audience from the moment she began speaking.

Walker, author of The Color Purple, spoke to Penn State students, professors and book lovers as a part of the Distinguished Speaker Series.

She spoke of her past and her inspirations for writing, especially poetry.

"When I lived in Mississippi, we learned that part of being afraid is part of living, and we wrote poetry to deal with that fear," Walker said.

Walker shared six of her poems with the audience, including a poem that she hoped would become a children's book, "Why War is Never a Good Idea."

"These are pieces of light to remind us that we have life itself, and life is so grand," Walker said. "Most people want to live decent and good lives, be with their families and do things they enjoy."

By placing her hands together in a praying position, Walker blessed the audience and other people who need blessings in the world.

"Life is too precious and too beautiful," Walker said. "You can live life from the beginning to the end, but, it involves making some preliminary decisions."

Touching on the topic of healing, Walker said that all of humankind is amazing because of the way people learn to heal.

"I burned my hand, so I kiss that spot and apologize for being unmindful and putting it in danger," Walker said.

Walker briefly discussed her experience in college with working multiple jobs and writing while she was working.

"Being in any college or university is such a privilege and such a gift," Walker said. "I hope you all understand that."

As 8:45 approached, a man stood up to announce the question and answer portion of the evening. However, he was unhappily greeted by Walker who said slightly sarcastically, "No, I am not done -- I will finish when I finish."

During the question and answer segment, a woman who had seen Walker speak ten years ago, said that she did not think Walker's lecture had included any new material she had not heard.

"I feel that comment was arrogant," Walker said. The woman, feeling misunderstood, attempted to explain herself again when Walker finished speaking.

The last question asked Walker for her opinion on what students, especially those graduating, should do to find their way in life.

"You must look for signs on where to go and understand that rushing is not helpful," Walker said. "Wait for signs to emerge in your waking life and in your dream life. Find out what your dreams are so that you can go on a path that is yours."

One attendee said she was excited to hear Walker's inspirational speech.

"I have my bachelor's degree in women's studies, and she was an amazing writer and activist that I wanted to hear," said Emily Yost, a Maryland resident who traveled to see Walker speak.