GREENSBURG, PA—Seton Hill University and the Seton Hill Philadelphia area alumni planning committee will host an alumni luncheon on Saturday, November 9, 2002 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel at 12:30 p.m. Dr. Albert Wendland, Professor of English at Seton Hill University and Ethan Joella, recent graduate of the University’s Writing Popular Fiction program will serve as featured speakers.

Members of the Seton Hill University Philadelphia area alumni host committee include Patricia Gerberding (King of Prussia); Vernet Spence-Brown (Exton); Barbara McDermott (Philadelphia); and Renee Fanizzi Morgan (Hatboro).

Established in January 1999, the Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University is one of the only programs in the country that teaches writers to produce fiction that sells and reaches a wide audience. Seton Hill’s program is one of the few intensive-residency creative writing programs in the country, and is one of the first graduate writing programs to offer course work via the Internet.

One-on-one mentoring by established writers enables each student to develop a writing project in one of four areas—mysteries, romance, children's literature, science fiction or in a combination, such as historical romance or young adult mysteries. On-line contact with other participants ensures that students become part of a writing community and that they receive varied commentary on their work-in-progress. Week-long residencies, twice each year, inform and enliven the writing experience, bringing students together on Seton Hill's campus to learn the basics and complexities of popular fiction. Guest writers of regional and national fame add greater impact to the residency experience.

The Writing Popular Fiction program currently enrolls 73 students representing 23 states and 2 foreign countries. Admission is open for both January and June residencies.

For more information about the Writing Popular Fiction graduate degree program at Seton Hill, please contact Dr. Albert Wendland by e-mail at wendland@setonhill.edu or by phone at 724-830-1019. For more information about the Seton Hill luncheon on November 9th at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, please contact Marilyn Fox, Alumni Associate by e-mail at fox@setonhill.edu or by phone at 724-830-1859.

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