Calliope, West Virginia Universitys undergraduate literary magazine, will celebrate its 20th issue with a free, public reading Monday (May 5).

The reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Room 130 of Colson Hall on WVU s Downtown Campus.

Complimentary copies of the latest issue, edited by WVU senior Ross Williams of Romney and designed by senior Henry Johnson of Arlington, Va., will be available.

I am immensely proud of our students and the extraordinary work that they have produced,said Donald Hall, Jackson Distinguished Professor and chair of WVU s Department of English.The publication of Calliope and our studentsreading from it are always much-anticipated events.

Calliope showcases the incredible talent of our students,he said,and reflects the excellent mentoring of our creative writing faculty.

The latest issue of Calliope features work by 23 undergraduate writers and seven undergraduate artists. The written work from the winners of last years WVU undergraduate literary awards is also included.

This is one of the strongest submissions groups weve had in the last few years,said Williams, who read numerous back issues of the magazine in preparation for his editorship this year.Were very pleased to be able to put together an issue like this for the 20th edition.

Im sure Calliope contributors will give an energetic, enthusiastic reading,said Mark Brazaitis, an associate professor of English and Calliopes faculty adviser.Students who are studying for finals on Monday should give themselves a break at 7:30 and come on over to hear the best of WVU s undergraduate writers read their stuff.