Gerald Stern
American poet, essayist, educator (1925–2022)
Gerald Stern was a prominent American literary figure, active in the fields of poetry and essay writing. Born in 1925, he developed a prolific career, publishing twenty collections of poetry and four books of essays. His work as an educator was equally notable, with teaching positions at several institutions, including Temple University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Raritan Valley Community College.
Throughout his career, Stern held various prestigious appointments, including a stint at the esteemed Iowa Writers' Workshop. From 2009 until his passing in 2022, he served as a distinguished poet-in-residence and faculty member at Drew University, where he contributed to the graduate program for a Master of Fine Arts in poetry. This long and distinguished career cemented his reputation as a respected poet, essayist, and educator in American literature.