The Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review, Hampden-Sydney’s nationally recognized literary magazine, celebrated 50 years with a poetry celebration event on October 16 in Bortz Library.
Published annually, the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review has long been a respected journal in the world of poetry. It was founded in Baltimore by Adjunct Associate Professor Emeritus of English and Poet-in-Residence Tom O’Grady and fellow poet Michael Egan—the father of poet Moira Egan, who was in attendance at the anniversary celebration. O’Grady and Egan sought to create a literary magazine that was itself a work of art. When O’Grady joined the College’s faculty in the mid-1970s, the emerging magazine came with him to Hampden-Sydney and became the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review. The magazine has since received national recognition and has published work by numerous distinguished poets, including Pulitzer Prize winners. It is among the longest continuously published poetry journals in the United States and one of only about a dozen literary magazines nationwide devoted exclusively to poetry, with its first issue released in 1975.
The anniversary celebration brought the Review’s rich history into full view, as President Larry Stimpert opened the evening by highlighting the magazine’s impact over the past 50 years, emphasizing its role in fostering student creativity and community.
“This publication, which we are celebrating for its 50th anniversary, is an incredible reflection of the quality and vitality of our educational program here,” Stimpert said. “We have wonderful examples like this that truly showcase the talent and energy of our academic community. Additionally, I want to commend the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review for its engagement of our students. Over the years that I’ve been here—and long before I arrived—the poetry review has involved these incredible young men in a project that becomes much bigger than themselves.”
Following President Stimpert’s remarks, Elliott Professor of English and Poetry Review Editor Nathaniel Perry spoke about the collaborative effort behind the magazine’s creation. He recognized several individuals in attendance who have contributed to the literary magazine over the years, including Professor O’Grady; Elliott Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Director of the Rhetoric Program Nicholas Nace; Moira Egan; Hood Frazier; and Matthew MacFarland ’11; as well as the evening’s special guest poets: Adam Clay, author of five poetry collections and associate professor of English and director of creative writing at Louisiana State University; and Lisa Russ Spaar, author of six poetry collections and professor of English and creative writing at the University of Virginia.
Sharing a selection of their poems, Clay and Spaar explored themes of nostalgia, transformation, memory, and the creative process, weaving in personal anecdotes and reflections. They also presented new works written at Professor Perry’s request, inspired by the prompts mirror, honey, moth, deer, and hands—with Clay focusing on moths and Spaar on mirrors while incorporating the other themes—pieces that will be featured in the next issue of the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review.
“Editing the magazine for the last 18 years has been an honor,” Perry says. I don't really see it as my work, but rather as me just continuing work already set in motion. This magazine couldn't exist without the work Tom O'Grady did before me or without the work of those that help me now. The English Department and the College as a whole have been major sources of both material and spiritual support for the journal. Professor Nace has been invaluable in soliciting work and designing the issues, and my student editors each year play a pivotal role at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference, where we debut the new edition.”
Following the poetry reading, a panel featuring Professor Perry, Professor O’Grady, Egan, Clay, and Spaar discussed the history and significance of the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review, the role and challenges of literary magazines, the work involved in producing and sustaining them, and their cultural impact on readers and poets alike—underscoring the enduring influence of the magazine and its ongoing contribution to the literary community.
“The magazine is a small but durable piece of the culture,” Perry says. “It remains committed to being a piece of physical media in an increasingly digital world. It’s impossible to predict how or when a poem will impact the culture, but literary magazines like this make that impact possible.”
Perry emphasized that the support of the College has saved the Review from the fate of so many small magazines: closure. He continued, saying “The fact that ours has endured shows that Hampden-Sydney understands its place in the national conversation isn’t measured solely by endowments or rankings. Many thanks to everyone who makes that possible!”
The Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review has provided a platform for ground-breaking work with the power to influence and transform our society for an amazing 50 years. This literary legacy stands as a reflection of the College’s enduring commitment to creativity, scholarship, and community.
Read more about the Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review.
Watch Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review: 50 Year Celebration.