On the weekend of March 29, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) sent 11 students to present their hard work at the 39th annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference (NULC). NULC is hosted by Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where students from around the country have an opportunity to present their work in a well-organized conference.
CMU is no stranger to sending students to the NULC, but this year had the biggest turnout, sending a record 11 students. Students can present anything from creative writing to essays on world literature.
“I was really impressed and proud of our students, especially because I could compare and contrast our CMU students with other students from the region,” said CMU English professor Dr. Barry Laga who traveled with the students. “Whether our students were reading their own creative work or sharing their literary scholarship, in every case, our students were exemplary and professional.”
The two-day conference gave students an unrivalled opportunity to not only present their hard work, but also listen in and get a chance to watch other students from around the country.
“It was a wonderful experience that made me think more deeply and more seriously about my education. Seeing other students writing inspired me in my own work,” CMU junior English major Victoria Forgan said after attending the conference and presenting her work.
The NULC gave students the opportunity to not only take pride in their own work but open their horizon to the vast expanse of other students works, allowing for a constructive environment focused on the betterment of English majors nationwide. With almost 100 students in attendance, the conference gave an unprecedented experience to everyone.
“[NULC] was not only a humbling but extremely inspiring. The diversity of work among the attending students was wonderful to see and the event as a whole was a great learning experience,” said junior English major Addison Bradshaw who also attended the conference.
Needless to say, CMU has fostered a group of students who were not only passionate about presenting, but also took diligence and pride in their own work.
“I was equally impressed with how seriously our students took the conference. Instead of escaping to the city and creating mayhem that brings police to my door, they practiced and rehearsed their presentations,” said Laga.
NULC was an unequivocal opportunity for students across the nation, but also presented a chance to show the exemplary work of the students here at CMU.
“It would be difficult to find a more charming group of students who treat each other well even as they tease and have fun. Even a dinosaur like me enjoyed being around them,” said Laga.
Although the weekend seemed to be full of various panels and presentations, students still represented CMU in the best ways possible, showcasing what it means to be a Maverick on a national stage.
