Last Updated: 10/19/07 
2007 GSEA Graduate Conference: "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery: A Celebration of Difference"
GSEA hosted its annual graduate conference on April 28, 2007. Brian Christopher Williams served as this year's keynote speaker, speaking in regards to 2007's conference topic, "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery: A Celebration of Difference." The conference included several critical and creative panels, and David Kesterson was honored as this year's Faculty Member of the Year.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Williams talked about his life and his challenges in growing up gay in the United States. He began by asking the simple question: "Decadence, Deviance, and Debauchery--do I resemble that remark?" Mr. Williams also particated in an open workshop later in the day. GSEA wishes to thank Mr. Williams for his time and his enthusiasm at this year's conference. Brian Christopher Williams is an award-winning playwright, known for several plays including Anita Bryant Died for Your Sins. GSEA also sponsored a staged reading of this play the day before the conference with Mr. Williams participating, drawing visitors from across the university. 
Dr. Kesterson, professor of American literature at UNT, accepted this year's Faculty Member of the Year Award. Dr. Kesterson, who will be retiring after the Fall 2007 semester, regaled conference participants with stories of his academic youth, including his chance encounter with the gracious Eudora Welty. He also spoke fondly of his graduate students and expressed enthusiasm for their future academic careers.
The prize for best critical paper went to Landon Moore of Sul Ross State University for her paper entitled "Cane by Jean Toomer: A Literary Artist's Vision of the New American and the Role of the Female Mediator." The prize for best creative pieces went to ...
This year's conference had four critical panels and two creative panels as well as an open workshop moderated by Mr. Williams. We wish to congratulate and to thank everyone who participated.