By The Keystone Newspaper 2025 Kutztown University Composition Conference highlights student perspectives on home through panels, workshops, and creative readings
By Katelynn Humbles & Bethany McDonald
The Kutztown University Composition Conference (KUCC), themed “Writing Your Way Home,” took place on Monday, April 14, in the McFarland Student Union. This full-day event featured a variety of sessions across multiple conference rooms, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work through roundtable discussions, workshops, and creative readings.
Dr. Robert Fillman, Assistant Professor of English and KUCC Chair, opened the event by introducing the theme, explaining that “home” represents more than just a physical space. Students were encouraged to explore and reflect on the idea of home as they developed their presentations.
“It is so gratifying to run an undergraduate conference like the KUCC and witness the incredible talent and commitment of our students at Kutztown,” Fillman later shared. “With over 375 people in attendance, the conference reflected not only the dedication of our faculty, who encouraged participation, but also the motivation and passion of our student body. Many presentations were quite personal, and I think it takes real courage as a writer to share your story. But the KUCC always fosters a warm, welcoming environment. I was proud to be part of it again this year, and I hope everyone left feeling as inspired as I did.”
Editor-in-chief Kaitlyn Resline and Lead Writer Kara Armstrong at the “The Keystone: The Future of Student Journalism” Roundtable 
Dr. Robert Fillman, event organizer, speaks at the Poetry Reading & Open Mic 
Undergraduate student Mariana Grijalva reading during the Poetry Reading & Open Mic 
MFA student Kateryna Chmil reading “Evolution of My Home” during Creative Journeys Home
Credit: Photography by Katelynn Humbles
One of the early sessions, titled “Fables, Fantasy and Morality: How the Unreal Can Teach Us About Ourselves,” was held at 9 a.m. and led by Professor Melissa Nurczynski. The session featured students from her Introduction to Creative Writing course, who participated in a table reading of their original short stories. Students discussed the morals behind their work and responded to audience questions.
“I have a really strong section of Intro to Creative Writing this semester, and I was delighted that some of them volunteered to read their work at the conference,” Nurczynski said. “If you want to be a creative writer, reading your work in public is an important way of getting your work out there. Some of the students were nervous, but they did it, and it all worked out great. I was proud of them.”
“I enjoyed hearing the moral concepts behind everyone’s story. It was a great way to wrap up the discussion,” audience member Marie Shane said.
A roundtable discussion titled “The Keystone: The Future of Student Journalism,” moderated by Dr. Michael Downing, brought together the Keystone Newspaper staff and audience members to discuss hot topics in student journalism, including the rise of AI, censorship, and potential job limitations.