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Life & Arts

Poet leaves University for bigger, better things 

English professor Adam Zagajewski was honored Tuesday for his impact on students, peers

by ASHLEY HESS 
The Daily Cougar

After 18 years of teaching spring classes in the English Department, Associate Professor Adam Zagajewski is leaving the University. 

Since 1988, the renowned Polish poet and writer has traveled to the University of Houston from his home in Paris to teach in the Creative Writing Program, a tradition that ends in May. 

Several Houston organizations hosted an event to honor Zagajewski on Tuesday at the Menil Collection. A number of poets and friends of Zagajewski, including many of his students and colleagues were on hand. Edward Hirsch, a poet, critic and president of The John Simon Guggenheim Foundation spoke about recruiting Zagajewski to the University. 

"There was a position open and I knew if I didn't hire Adam it would be too late," he said. "I wanted to bring something different to the program. I knew he'd bring us a different reading list. He brought a discourse to us that I wanted to have myself."

Zagajewski accepted the position and immediately moved to Houston where he quickly adjusted to life in America.

"I have a Texas driver's license, this I'm very proud of," Zagajewski said. "I've never mastered the Texas accent, but you've mastered the accent of friendship. This has been a beautiful time for me and don't think that just because this is farewell I will never be coming back to Houston."

Zagajewski not only touched minds, but also lives. Jennifer Grotz, a former creative writing student, spoke on the impact Zagajewski had on her as a teacher and a friend.

"Sometimes the most meaningful relationship you can have with a writer is on the page. This was never true of me and Adam," Grotz said. 

Da Camera of Houston Art Director Sarah Rothenberg not only gave a tribute in words, but also in music. A talented pianist, she performed a ballad of Frederic Chopin to pay her tribute to her friend, who she spoke on having many walks and adventures with.

"The definition of the word "ballade" is used every day in French as a walk or stroll, and that is what I always want my relationship with Adam to be," Rothenberg said.

Zagajewski's honors include the Tomas Transtromer Prize from Sweden, the Prix de la Liberté from France and the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, known as the "American Nobel." Today, however, he received a different honor from Mayor Bill White and the City of Houston. Tuesday was declared "Adam Zagajewski Day."

"I'm learning this at 8 p.m.," Zagajewski said. "Why didn't anyone tell me earlier? Well, this is my day, so I can go on ‘til midnight."

This fall, Zagajewski will be joining the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago and although he will be leaving UH, his ties remain strong in those who knew him as a poet, writer and friend in Houston.

"My friendship with Adam has been part of the greatest intellectual experiences of my life," Hirsch said.

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