Miami University hosts literacy celebration at Queen City Book Bank
Miami University hosts literacy celebration at Queen City Book Bank
Miami University’s College of Education, Health, and Society (EHS) hosted a Celebration of Literacy on Monday, November 18 at the Queen City Book Bank, highlighting the importance of literacy development in Cincinnati. The event also served as a networking opportunity and a send-off for EHS students graduating in December.
University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford spoke on behalf of the university, congratulating the students and emphasizing recent collaborations on the science of reading. Sharon Draper, a Miami University alumna, bestselling author, and former National Teacher of the Year, delivered the keynote address, sharing her journey as an educator and writer. Draper also signed copies of her book during the event.
Miami EHS faculty and students donated over 1,450 books to the book bank, which will be distributed to community partners, families, children, and teachers. Attendees received classroom supplies and new books to support their teaching careers.
Michelle Otten Guenther, CEO of Queen City Book Bank, praised the collaboration. “It is a privilege to work alongside educators who create learning environments where each student feels valued and empowered,” she said.
The event showcased various Miami University literacy initiatives, including TEACh Cincinnati, the EHS Learning Lab, and the Urban Cohort. Amity Noltemeyer, dean of the College of Education, Health, and Society, called the evening “inspiring,” affirming the college’s commitment to literacy and community engagement.
View WXIX-Fox19 coverage of the event
(AI tools Grammarly and ChatGPT 4.0, a language model developed by OpenAI, assisted in writing this article.)
EHS students attending the event
Sharon Draper with event attendees
Dr. Crawford greeting event attendees
EHS students highlighting EHS initiatives at the event
Michelle Thomas, Assistant Vice President of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations, with attendees
Michelle Thomas, Assistant Vice President of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations, with attendees
EHS faculty, Dean Amity Noltemeyer, and Sharon Draper
Event attendees waiting to have books signed by Sharon Draper
Dean Amity Noltemeyer speaking to an audience
