Potter College News

Last week, the Gender & Women’s Studies department hosted former WKU professor Dr. Jane Olmsted, who read from her recently published memoir, The Tree You Come Home To. The event was co-sponsored by the English Department, social work department and the Message in a Bottle Creative writing club, and is one of many Women’s History Month events that has been hosted by the Gender and Women’s Studies program this semester.

“The readings are a safe space to share stories, learn from each other, and empower and grow together,” said Dr. Dawn Hall, the Gender & Women’s Studies program coordinator. “It was nice to come together as a community to be that family for Dr. Olmsted, and to enjoy creative writing.”

Dr. Jane Olmsted was born in Minnesota and raised in Ohio. After earning a Bachelors of Fine Arts in creative writing, she went on to earn her PhD in English with a minor in feminist studies from the University of Minnesota in 1996. Olmsted came to call Bowling Green her home, having taught at WKU for 25 years before retiring last year.

Her memoir, The Tree You Come Home To, follows the story of her family’s struggle with mental illness, addiction, and the tragic murder of her youngest son Casey. The memoir aims to comfort and uplift those with similar experiences, and encourage understanding in those without.

“If there’s one theme for tonight, it's that the life forces we hold in our hands are precious and fragile,” Olmsted told attendees of the event.

The Tree You Come Home To is available for purchase on her website. To keep up with Gender & Women’s Studies and English department events, visit the Gender & Women's Studies program and/or the English department homepage.