Community Celebrates Poe's Life at NYU

On Wednesday April 9, 2008 at 6:30 p.m., NYU’s Office of Government and Community Affairs and community director of the Poe Room Lois Rakoff, sponsored a special lecture in celebration of Edgar A. Poe’s life followed by a reception in memory of Adrienne Goldberg, the first community director of the Poe Room.

Over 130 guests filled room 216 of NYU Law School’s Furman Hall, 245 Sullivan Street, to hear a lecture entitled “‘The Problem of Poe’: Edgar Allan Poe, Jacksonian Democracy, and the American Literary Tradition” presented by Duncan Faherty, assistant professor in the department of English at Queens College.

During the reception Alexis Goldberg, daughter of Adrienne Goldberg, recalled her mother’s passion for painting and bringing the community together. An oil painting of Poe created by Adrienne, was ceremoniously hung in the Poe Room by Adrienne’s husband, Lawrence Goldberg. Lois Rakoff recalled Adrienne’s immense contributions to the community and said, “I am honored to continue the good work and commitment of Adrienne Goldberg as the Community Director of the Poe Room.”

Afterwards, a timeline in celebration of Poe’s life and creative genius was unveiled for all to enjoy. Associate Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Alicia Hurley commented, “Tonight’s Poe event was an excellent example of how we can provide opportunities to bring the community together with the University. We are thrilled with the great attendance and hope that community members will continue to join us for the many free and public events held here at NYU.”

Community members wishing to see the Poe Room can contact The Office of Government & Community Affairs at 212.998.2400 or community.affairs@nyu.edu. To find out about more events at NYU, please visit http://NYUfreeandpublic.blogspot.com.