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BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University recently marked the 25th anniversary of the , a cornerstone of intellectual engagement that serves to foster meaningful conversations and deepen the community’s connection to literature that spans generations.

The milestone was commemorated with an exhibition that opened on Feb. 13 in the University Library. The exhibit, a curated selection of works from the program’s quarter-century run, invited the campus and local community to explore books that have shaped literary discourse. The celebration culminated on Feb. 27 with an in-depth evening of reflection as University Library Program Director Adam Braver and acclaimed author Rick Moody delved into the lasting influence of literature and the personal connections authors have to the works they champion.

“This program is not only central to this library, but to the university,” Braver said. “It celebrates the importance of great works of literature and reminds us of their timelessness, showing how their characters, ideas, and emotional depth reflect who we are as human beings.”

Moody’s keynote address provided a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving role literature plays in society. Known for his influential works such as The Ice Storm and Garden State, Moody reflected on the significance of reevaluating literary classics and the personal connections forged with books. For those in attendance, the evening was a rare opportunity to engage with a writer whose work continues to shape contemporary American literature.

“Looking at this colossally great list of 25 books, I thought, what a gift to have a list like this,” Moody said. “This program affirms that literature still speaks to us, that the books we elevate continue to shape our understanding of who we are and why we are here.”

The annual program was established by Robert Blais ’70, in honor of longtime university Professor John Howard Birss, Jr., a scholar of Herman Melville, whose most famous work was the inaugural book selection. Since 2001, the program has highlighted one significant work of literature each year, sparking campus-wide conversations and deepening the community’s appreciation for books that still resonate with readers. Notable highlights from the program’s history include an all-night reading by faculty and students of Moby Dick inside the University Library and a live-streamed dialogue with eminent science fiction novelist Ray Bradbury.

“What stands out to me is the lasting tradition of this program and the good it brings to students and faculty alike,” Blais said. “You see different generations and perspectives coming together, creating a rich panorama of discourses. As John Birss used to say, a university is more than bricks and mortar; it’s the spirit, the community, and the intermingle of ideas that truly define it.”

In addition to the exhibition, the celebration highlighted the work of the Birss Fellows, Zehra Atay and Angely Ruiz Lebron, who played key roles in assembling the display. Under the mentorship of University Archivist Heidi Benedict, the student scholars gained firsthand experience navigating the complexities of archival research and exhibition curation.

“Working alongside Heidi was an invaluable experience, as she guided us through every step of the exhibition process while allowing us the space to explore independently,” said Ruiz Lebron, a junior Psychology and Criminal Justice double major with minors in American Sign Language from Providence, R.I. “Meeting with museum curators and seeing different exhibition layouts, from Yale to Blithewold, gave me a broader perspective on how displays are structured and interpreted. This fellowship deepened my appreciation for the unseen work behind exhibitions and how literature’s history is carefully curated and brought to life.”

For Atay, the fellowship reinforced her commitment to scholarly exploration and equipped her with essential skills for future research. The experience of shaping complex materials into a cohesive narrative honed her ability to think critically and work collaboratively with others.

“Working on the Birss exhibition gave me a deeper understanding of the meticulous and labor-intensive process of archival research, from structuring vast amounts of information to curating a coherent narrative,’ said Atay, a first-year Psychology and Criminal Justice double major with a minor in Mathematics from Turkey. “This experience has strengthened my ability to engage in long-term collaboration and shaped my approach to research as I work toward my goal of pursuing a Ph.D.”

By bridging academic inquiry with experiential learning, the Birss Fellows program continues to empower students to engage meaningfully with literature’s enduring influence and carry forward its mission of fostering thoughtful reflection, rigorous scholarship, and a lifelong appreciation for great works.