“”Steve, you will be sorely missed. We will carry your words with us. Poet, Teacher, Friend, 1942-2010.””

These words, posted on the UA Poetry Center’s website, are a touching reminder of the life of the UA’s Steve Orlen. He is remembered not only for his work but for the many people he inspired as a professor and friend.

In honor of Orlen’s life and his poetry, the UA Poetry Center is hosting a memorial service, “”A Tribute to Steve Orlen,”” this Saturday, Jan. 22 from 3 – 5 p.m.

Cybele Knowles, the program coordinator for the UA Poetry Center, said that at the event, “”Steve’s friends, colleagues and former students will share remembrances and read poems.”” While planning the tribute, the Poetry Center welcomed contributions from anyone who wanted to share their thoughts about Orlen to make the event personal and filled with loving memories. Submissions include anecdotes, letters and poems.

Since Orlen taught poetry at the UA for more than 30 years, the UA MFA program in creative writing is also involved in planning and hosting the memorial. “”There will be a screening of a short video, filmed at the end of last semester, of additional remembrances by friends and students,”” Knowles said.

This is sure to be an emotional event, but the tribute will bring Orlen’s students, colleagues and friends together to celebrate his life. In addition to offering reminiscences, they will raise a toast to his memory.

The tribute is free and open to the public. Free public parking will be available in the Zone 1 spaces and lots that surround the Poetry Center.