Grace College’s School of Arts and Humanities is pleased to welcome 2011 Grace College journalism graduate Stephen Copeland back to campus for a book reading on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Library, 921 Connection Circle, Winona Lake. Copeland will read from his recent spiritual memoirs. The event is free and open to the public. Cookies and coffee will be served, and copies of Copeland’s books will be available for purchase.
“As a Grace graduate, Stephen inspires our students to be confident in dreaming beyond Grace,” said Dr. Kim Reiff, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Grace. “Through his successful career as a writer, students in any major can see how pieces of his journey apply to their own. As they hear readings from this gifted author, students will be encouraged to discover how imagination, creativity and prayer can manifest into a life of spiritual abundance.”
Copeland has authored a diverse body of writing over the last decade. He has published two memoirs about his own faith journey. His first memoir, “Where the Colors Blend,” was published in 2018, and his second, “In the House of Rising Sounds,” was published in 2023. He has also coauthored numerous sports memoirs and autobiographies with notable athletes and coaches through his business, Copeland Writes LLC, altogether collaborating on more than a dozen books.
“Stephen is a master storyteller — both of his own and others’ experiences,” said Dr. Lauren Rich, professor of English in the Department of English, Literature, and Languages. “His writing is immersive and emotive, inviting readers to share in profound moments of spiritual awakening.”
This marks the second installment of the department’s new Alumni Author Series, which the school will host every year.
“We want to create a culture of excellence here at Grace College,” said Dr. John Poch, professor of English and creative writing. “When we bring in alumni who have gone on to publish books, especially well-written and meaningful books, our students know that they have come to a place that values the written word.”
The event kicks off Grace College’s Homecoming Weekend festivities and is sponsored by Janet Vesa.
To learn more about Copeland, go to www.copelandwrites.com/.
