Saturday, January 28, 2012  

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Bruce Dethlefsen Named Poet Laureate 

Bruce Dethlefsen, of Westfield, has been named the next Poet Laureate of Wisconsin.  He will succeed Marilyn Taylor whose term expires at the end of 2010.  The Poet Laureate is appointed by the Governor, based on the recommendation of the Poet Laureate Commission of Wisconsin.  The Commission makes its recommendation as the result of a highly competitive process, which began in June this year. 

The Poet Laureate is required to choose and lead one large-scale project that contributes to the growth of Wisconsin poetry.  He must also plan and attend at least four statewide literary events each year and perform in at least four government, state and civil events as requested by the Governor’s office, school systems and literary organizations. 

Dethlefsen intends to use his position as the State Poet Laureate to promote the writing and sharing of poetry throughout Wisconsin.  He plans to encourage and support local cultural and creative talent by organizing local poetry readings in public libraries, schools and coffee houses throughout the State. “I look forward to being an ambassador for the wonderful poets and poetry of Wisconsin,” Dethlefsen announced. 

Dethlefsen received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He has published three books of poetry and has been published in countless journals of poetry.  Mr. Dethlefsen is the recipient of several distinguished poetry prizes.  He spends much of his time coaching, teaching, leading workshops and judging poetry throughout Wisconsin.