The Gregory Stockmal Reading was established in 2009 by the Worcester County Poetry Association in cooperation with Carol Stockmal. The purpose of the reading is to continue the efforts of Greg Stockmal to honor American poet Stanley Kunitz and his legacy in Worcester. The reading is an important part of this legacy, recognizing Stanley Kunitz as teacher and leader of his self-described “tribe” of poets, friends, and family by sponsoring Worcester-area readings by poets for whom Stanley Kunitz has been an inspiration.

Each year the Worcester County Poetry Association partners with a local college or university to present a poet who had a connection to poet Stanley Kunitz. Kunitz (1905-2006) was born in Worcester and went on to receive many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Arts, and was to become Poet Laureate of the United States (1974, 2000).

Past Readings

2022 – Martha Collins at Assumption College

2021 – canceled due to COVID-19

2020 – canceled due to COVID-19

2019 – Patrick Donnelly at Anna Maria College

2018 – Eleanor Wilner at Assumption University

2017 – Pam Bernard at Clark University

2016 – canceled due to illness

2015 – Gregory Orr at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

2014 – Dan Lewis at Becker College, Leicester Campus

2013 – Judith Ferrara at Worcester State University

2012 – Kathleen Spivack at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

2011 – Michael True at Assumption University

2010 – Cleopatra Mathis at College of the Holy Cross

About the Gregory Stockmal Reading Fund

The Gregory Stockmal Reading Fund was established in 2009 by the Worcester County Poetry Association in cooperation with Carol Stockmal. The purpose of the fund is to support programming which continues the efforts of Greg Stockmal to honor American poet Stanley Kunitz and his legacy in Worcester.

Contributions to the fund may be made through the Worcester County Poetry Association or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.