The Big 3-0

In 2015, the National Undergraduate Literature Conference (NULC) celebrated its 30th year of successfully bringing student writers together with literary luminaries such as Norman Mailer, Michael Chabon and Ray Bradbury.

English professor Mikel Vause helped launch the conference for students to help them gain confidence in researching, writing and presenting work to peers from other institutions.

A number of authors who committed to the writing profession after attending the conference as students now present at NULC.

“Meeting and speaking with acclaimed authors who are known internationally as masters of their literary craft can and does act as inspiration and helps generate the motivation to seek a life in the world of letters,” Vause said.

NULC remains the only national conference of its kind, said co-director Carl Porter, who became involved with the conference more than 20 years ago.

“Thousands of undergraduates have responded to NULC for 30 straight Aprils,” Porter said. “It is a remarkable tradition and a reminder that literature matters.”