Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Paula Vogel Inspires Students During Stellfox Visit
Professor Susan Perabo and Paula Vogel (both center) chat surrounded by students and faculty members during the traditional Stellfox photo shoot on the steps of Old West. Photo by Dan Loh.
Workshops, public presentation and personal connections leave a lasting impact
by Tony Moore
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel recently visited Dickinson as this year’s recipient of the Harold and Ethel L. Stellfox Visiting Scholars and Writers Program. Known for her groundbreaking plays such as How I Learned to Drive and Indecent, Vogel brought not only her literary brilliance to campus but also an extraordinary generosity of spirit.
“As an aspiring writer, the Stellfox reminds me that my dreams aren't just dreams—they're realistic, achievable goals,” says Hunter Golder '27 (English; women’s, gender & sexuality studies). “I get to engage with a kind, accomplished artist who has lived out my wildest fantasies. It's important to remember that art is a viable career path, and the Stellfox insists that the humanities aren't a dead end; they're an inviting, wide-open door.”
During her time on campus, Vogel engaged with students and faculty in a series of workshops, classroom visits and public events. Her visit culminated in a powerful presentation in Allison Hall, where she discussed her career, the creative process and the role of theatre in exploring complex social issues.
President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, and Paula Vogel share a moment after Vogel's public presentation. Photo by Dan Loh.
“We hit the jackpot with Paula Vogel,” says Charles A. Dana Professor of Creative Writing Susan Perabo, Dickinson's writer in residence. “What we want, above all else, is a recipient who is generous with her time and her energy, someone who shares with our students not just her wisdom but also her passion. I've seen a lot of wonderful writers spend quality time with our students, but honestly, I've never seen anything quite like this.”
Following her presentation, Vogel stayed for nearly three hours to sign books and speak individually for upward of five minutes with every student who waited in line, something that left a deep impression on Perabo: “This is not an exaggeration: One by one, each student came forward, crouched down at the signing table and had a conversation with her. She connected with every single one of them on a personal level.”
The Stellfox program, established by Jean Louise Stellfox ’60 in honor of her parents, aims to bring influential writers and artists to campus to inspire students—a goal Vogel undoubtedly achieved.
“As a creative writing minor, I've had so much personal growth and enjoyment from the Stellfox program,” says Lyss Ricciardi '25 (psychology), noting the “profound impact” Vogel’s visit had on him. “I was able to forge a personal connection with Paula on the basis of us both being queer Jewish artists. It was a beautiful moment for me—a moment in which I knew what my life's calling was, in which I could combine my love for theatre-making, my passion for writing and my career goals.”
Her visit left a lasting impression, as did the efforts of both Dickinson’s English department and the Stellfox program itself.
“Few interactions in my life—and I can say this without hyperbole—have so fundamentally affected me as Paula Vogel's visit to Dickinson,” says Forrest Terrell '25 (history). “It breaks my language to express my gratitude in words—to Paula Vogel for visiting, to Professor Perabo and the department for getting her here and to Jean Louise Stellfox for the contribution that made this visit possible. The Stellfox lecture has provided budding writers like me with the nourishment needed to weather the storm of self-doubt and hopefully one day blossom fully into authorship.”
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Published March 31, 2025