Dear Chancellor’s Scholars, 

This November, the Campus Honors Program again will host our Keith Kelroy Convocation event. All Chancellor’s Scholars must attend one Keith Kelroy Convocation during their time in the program, and we offer one such event per year. The event is supported by the family of the late former Chancellor’s Scholar, Keith Kelroy. 

At this event, a prominent author or public figure shares insights from their work, and each attending student receives a copy of a publication written by the featured guest. We ask you to read the book prior to the event, as part of the evening is a Q and A with the author. Our Honors Student Council Academic Engagement Committee will offer you the chance to participate in voluntary book discussions leading up to the event. These are optional, but always highly worth it, and they bring you together with other Chancellor’s Scholars. 

This year’s guest author is Audrey Petty, editor of “High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing.” Audrey Petty writes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Her stories have been published in such journals as African American Review, Story Quarterly, Callaloo, and The Massachusetts Review.  Her poetry has been featured in multiple publications. Her fiction has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and she’s been the recipient of fellowships and grants from the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Hewlett Foundation. She has taught extensively in the fields of African American literature and creative writing. She was formerly on the faculty in the Creative Writing Programs at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Knox College. She currently works as an editor, educator and writer at the Invisible Institute. She is also a member of the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project. 

On Thursday, November 14, beginning at 5pm, we will provide dinner at the Illini Union, Illini Rooms A&B, and feature Prof. Petty’s remarks. She will also sign the copies of the books that you will pick up at the Honors House (see below). The event will conclude around 7p (7:30p at latest). We are aware that a number of CHP students have mandatory events at 8p on Thursdays, and you will be able to attend those.  

We are able to accommodate a maximum of 125 students, which should permit all students who currently need the convocation requirement to attend. Seniors and juniors will be given priority, with interested sophomores and freshmen admitted if space permits.  

Please register for the event at your earliest convenience as this event will fill quickly, but no later than Monday, October 28, 2024.  

If you are committed to attend the event, please stop by the Campus Honors House to pick up your free copy of High Rise Stories any time between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, Monday-Friday. 

Please contact us at chp@illinois.edu with any questions.

We are so excited to have Prof. Audrey Petty as our guest this year!

Warmest wishes, 

Laurie JohnsonLaurie Johnson
Director, Campus Honors Program
1205 W. Oregon St.
Urbana, IL 61801 USA