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What do a Hemingway Award-winning author and a recurring New York Times bestselling author have in common with a memoirist, a celebrated 19th century composer, and a world-renowned botanist? These women are all featured writers to be celebrated by the Judson College Authors Symposium, set for October 23 at Judson College in Marion.

The symposium highlights the contributions of Judson College alumnae to Alabama’s literary legacy, both in the state and beyond. While celebrating more than one hundred published authors who were enrolled at Judson College since its founding in 1838, the symposium will closely examine the work of five Judson authors: Gwen Bristow, Mary Ward Brown, Zitella Cocke, Caroline Dormon, and Viola Goode Liddell.

The event, held in Ramsay-McCrummen Chapel, is free and open to the public. The only exception is the symposium luncheon featuring music by Judson composers and a reading by Artist-in-Residence Billie Jean Young in Archibald Hall. Luncheon reservations are required. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by contacting Beth Poole, Alumnae Director at Judson College at bpoole1@judson.edu or 334-683-5167 by Oct. 10.

The symposium is sponsored by Judson College and the Judson College Alumnae Association (JCAA). The event is endorsed and partially funded by a grant from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission.

Carol May, chair of the JCAA Judson Authors Symposium Committee, said that the symposium was first conceived by members of the JCAA as a way to highlight the literary achievements of Judson alumnae and to participate in the state’s bicentennial celebration.

For more information on the symposium, visit https://www.judson.edu/event/judson-college-authors-symposium/ or the symposium’s Facebook event. Guests may register for the luncheon by contacting alumnae director Beth Poole at bpoole1@judson.edu or 334-683-5167. High School groups attending the event must email Beth Poole their completed and signed registration form for school participation by Oct. 10.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, October 2 issue of the Demopolis Times.)