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 a 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 inspired.
Each year, the Worcester County Poetry Association partners with a local college or university to present a poet connected to poet Stanley Kunitz. Kunitz (1905-2006) was born in Worcester and received many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Medal of Arts, and was to become Poet Laureate of the United States (1974, 2000).
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 fund’s purpose is to support programming that continues Greg Stockmal’s efforts to honor American poet Stanley Kunitz and his legacy in Worcester.
Contributions to the fund may be made through our website’s donation page or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
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