With These Hands: A Collaborative Poetry Experience

Join Erin Murphy, Penn State's 2026-27 Laureate, for an engaging program that combines poetry, conversation, and creativity.

Murphy will read from and discuss her latest books, The Book of Jobs: Poems About Work and Swoon: New & Selected Poems, exploring themes of work, identity, and everyday life. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute their own lines of poetry as part of an interactive collaborative writing experience.

A professor of English at Penn State Altoona, Murphy is the author or editor of 16 books. During her year as Penn State Laureate, she is presenting workshops and events across Pennsylvania that highlight the power of the arts and humanities to connect communities and inspire meaningful dialogue. At the conclusion of her term, she will create a collaborative poem using lines contributed by students, faculty, staff, and community members from across the University.

The Penn State Laureate is a yearlong appointment awarded to a full-time Penn State faculty member in the arts or humanities. The program is designed to bring greater visibility to the arts, humanities, and the broader University mission through public engagement and educational programming.

All are welcome to participate in this unique and creative community experience - no prior writing experience is necessary.

Penn State Great Valley strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals in our community to engage fully. The campus includes accessible and gender neutral restroom, dedicated parking spaces, elevators, lactation room, step-free access, and a complimentary wheelchair. If you require any accommodation not listed above, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Becky Stanko at or call 610-648-3236.