Memorial reading of Otremba’s posthumous poetry collection Oct. 10

Rice professor and poet Paul Otremba died June 24. His third collection of poetry, “Levee,” was released posthumously this month.

Friends and colleagues of former Rice professor Paul Otremba will gather for a memorial reading and book launch at the Menil Collection Oct. 10.

Oct. 10, friends and colleagues will gather for a memorial reading and book launch at the Menil Collection. Six extraordinary poets from across the U.S. — Michael Collier, Sally Keith, Tomás Morín, Hieu Minh Nguyen, Patrick Phillips and Kent Shaw — will travel to Houston to read from “Levee” and pay tribute to Otremba and his work.

The memorial reading will take place in the Menil’s Cy Twombly Gallery Oct. 10 from 7-8 p.m., presented by Inprint and the Menil Collection. As seating is limited, RSVPs are requested. Copies of “Levee” will be available for purchase.

A cherished member of Houston’s literary community, Otremba was a nationally renowned poet and alumnus of the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. He was also a beloved professor at Rice. Upon news of his passing in June, local, national and social media were flooded with condolences and reflections on his life and works by colleagues.

“He gave so much to the world, especially to young people,” said Kelsie Utz ’19. “I am greater for having met him.”

Memorial reading and book launch of Paul Otremba’s “Levee,” Oct. 10, 7-8 p.m., Menil Collection, Cy Twombly Gallery, 1501 Branard St.