This week, Johnston alumni Craig Santos Perez (2002) will be returning to his alma mater to showcase his newest book of poetry, from unincorporated territory [guma’].
Santos Perez is a Chamoru, native to Guam, but grew up in California. After graduating from the University of Redlands, he got a MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco in 2006. He also recently finished his PhD last year in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Santos Perez is an established poet, with three published books of poetry: from unincorporated territory [hacha], [saina], and [guma’]. The second won the Pen Center USA/Poetry Society of America Literary Prize, and the last won the American Book Award.
Much of his work focuses on the Chamorro culture, and has been recognized through Guam Legislation for his efforts.
Santos Perez is the director of Creative Writing program at the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, as well as an assistant professor of English.
In an event co-hosted by the University of Redlands’ Creative Writing Department, English Department, Johnston Center, Race and Ethnic Studies, the Chaplain’s Office, and Campus Diversity and Inclusion, Santos Perez will be reading from [guma’] on Thursday March 10th, at 5 p.m. in Hall of Letters 100.
