In May, the center hosted its annual Humanities Writing Retreat and Graduate Summer Institute, continuing its tradition of expanding opportunities for writing and career development across all stages of academia.
Held at the picturesque UF Austin Cary Forest Campus, this retreat invited humanities scholars across all disciplines, along with colleagues from other colleges at the University of Florida, to participate in a week of productivity and inspiration through dedicated writing sessions. Over 50 participants, including students and faculty, convened to focus on various projects, from book proposals and articles to book reviews and grant applications.
In addition to promoting scholarship in the humanities, the retreat emphasized the importance of personal wellness and a warm, collaborative atmosphere. Participants enjoyed fortifying lunches, rejuvenating yoga sessions, dedicated writing time and opportunities for networking and mentorship among peers. These elements helped create a space for academic breakthroughs and valuable partnerships among colleagues.
As a highlight of the retreat, Leonard Cassuto, professor of English at Fordham University and a graduate school columnist for The Chronicle of Higher Education, delivered a thought-provoking public lecture titled “Academic Writing as if Readers Matter.” The day concluded with a lovely reception, providing attendees with a chance to mingle and reflect on their work in a relaxed setting.
“The writing retreat organized by the UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere was the absolute highlight of my academic year! It fostered academic productivity and promoted new collaborations among colleagues who otherwise have rare time to talk about their research…I am eagerly waiting for the next year’s one.” — Eleonora Rossi, Ph.D., Linguistics