What poem has inspired you?
Honor your favorite poet by giving voice to his or her words OR, better yet, recite your own poetry in this open mic competition.

The Mersmann Awards (named in honor of retired faculty member and poet Jim Mersmann) are given annually for the best reading or rendition by a UAB student of a poem written by another author and a best original poem. Traditionally, this event has been an opportunity for students to read aloud from their favorite works and to give voice to words they may often read though seldom hear.

The Mersmann competition, combined with the open-mic portion of the program, offers UAB students a chance to celebrate the true music of the written word. The competition is open to UAB students only, but anyone is welcome to join us for free.

There will be plenty of pizza to go around.