"Becker was chosen to be this year's speaker because we believe we have a talent here as gifted as people from the outside," said Robert L. Caserio, head of the English Department. "We've always chosen poets who can speak to very diverse audiences and who write eloquently about experiences that people can relate to."
Becker's previously published books Giacometti's Dog, All-American Girl, The Horse Fair and Venetian Blue all contain enduring themes of literature such as relationships, appreciation of natural world and meditations on friendship, Becker said.
Becker feels that it is important to be able to relate with the audience.
"I consider myself an accessible poet and I care very much about being accessible to my readers and audience," Becker said. "I want the audience to be able to feel the emotions and be moved and touched and leave feeling enriched."
Becker says there's an advantage to going to a poetry reading when you have read the poet's work, but she strongly encourages students to come regardless.
"At the beginning I always ask how many people have never been to a poetry reading before," Becker said. "There are always a few that raise their hands. I love those kids."
Christine Wood (sophomore-psychology) said she imagines writing women's issues is very gratifying to Becker.
"Any poetry reading is worthwhile because it is the author's word from her perspective," Wood said.
The lecture is funded by an endowment from Penn State alumni George and Barbara Martino Kelly.
