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July 22, 2021
Perspectives

Virtual Alumni Book Club – Raft of Stars

Author and Visiting Faculty Member Andrew J. Graff to Present Book Reading and Q&A

Join fellow alumni and friends for a virtual Alumni Book Club as Andrew J. Graff, visiting professor of English and author of the debut novel Raft of Stars, presents a short reading followed by a 45-minute Q&A beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021.

Raft of Stars is a coming-of-age tale of adventure set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where Graff grew up hiking and fishing and where he returned after serving a tour in Afghanistan as a U.S. Air Force jet mechanic and finishing his education. Living on the banks of the Peshtigo River, he felt like he was “home for the first time in a long time” and was inspired to start his novel.

Just five days after its publication, Raft of Stars landed on the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association best-sellers list, appearing in the No. 13 spot on a list that included renowned writers Kazuo Ishiguro, Kristin Hannah, Brit Bennett, Harlan Coben, Fredrik Backman, and Lisa Scottoline for the week ending March 28, 2021. The book also was selected as an Indie Next pick for April 2021, named one of Parade’s Best Books for Spring 2021, and promoted as Lead Read by publisher Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Those interested in participating in the virtual event are encouraged to register early here, as limited seats are available. Visit to learn more about the author and to purchase Raft of Stars.

Launched in 2020 as a way to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members engaged during the time of social distancing, the Virtual Alumni College on the Road series has brought Wittenberg’s personalized education straight to constituents’ homes. The program provides alumni with a unique learning opportunity, special access to Wittenberg faculty, and the ability to engage with fellow alumni through the Zoom platform.

The July 30 event follows a robust series of programs featuring faculty members discussing several trending topics, including flattening the curve, climate change, race, and the global pandemic, as well as an astronomical tour of the night sky. All Virtual Alumni College presentations are streamed live and can be viewed on a computer, tablet, or mobile device by those who pre-registered for the event. To see previous presentations, visit: /virtual-alumni-college or to read more on Graff, go to /academics/english/andrew-graff-mfa

Debbie Ritter
Debbie Ritter
Writer and Content Editor

About Wittenberg

Wittenberg's curriculum has centered on the liberal arts as an education that develops the individual's capacity to think, read, and communicate with precision, understanding, and imagination. We are dedicated to active, engaged learning in the core disciplines of the arts and sciences and in pre-professional education grounded in the liberal arts. Known for the quality of our faculty and their teaching, Wittenberg has more Ohio Professors of the Year than any four-year institution in the state. The university has also been recognized nationally for excellence in community service, sustainability, and intercollegiate athletics. Located among the beautiful rolling hills and hollows of Springfield, Ohio, Wittenberg offers more than 100 majors, minors and special programs, enviable student-faculty research opportunities, a unique student success center, service and study options close to home and abroad, a stellar athletics tradition, and successful career preparation.

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