English Alumni Recognized with CLA Honors
The Department of English is thrilled to congratulate three alums of our programs who received recognition as exceptional alumni from the College of Liberal Arts, including Professor Emeritus of English John Wright (pictured above).
Professor Wright was named a 2023 Alumni of Notable Achievement along with MFA graduate Elissa Raffa, Founder and Executive Director of Minnesota Online High School. The Emerging Alumni Award went to BA graduate Naomi Ko, a filmmaker, actor, and advocate. The Alumni of Notable Achievement awards highlight former students who have stood out as great leaders, professionals, and community service-oriented individuals. Emerging Alumni Award recipients are chosen for outstanding contributions to their fields and communities while still emerging in their professional careers.
Naomi Ko (BA ‘11, art history and English), "dedicated to her craft and to lifting up the community around her," is a multi-talented artist and advocate who leverages her skills as a filmmaker, writer, actor, and comedian to challenge stereotypes, promote underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry, and empower young people of color through her initiatives like the Asian Pacific Islander American MN Film Collective and Funny Asian Women Kollective.
Elissa Raffa (MFA ‘97, creative writing), an "online learning pioneer and creator of opportunities for youth," is an innovative educator and leader who co-founded and currently serves as the Executive Director of Minnesota Online High School, an asynchronous online charter high school, while championing relationship-based online learning, equity-focused policies, and inclusive practices.
John Wright (MA ‘71, English; PhD ‘77, American studies), a "pioneering scholar, teacher, and activist," is an impassioned scholar and activist who played a pivotal role in establishing the Department of African American & African Studies at the University of Minnesota, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to research excellence, community engagement, and promoting equity and diversity in academia.
Cheers to all!
