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2 acclaimed graphic memoirists to present in Eastern's 'Big Read' program

Thi Bui and Marcelino Truong to speak virtually Nov. 8, 10

Willimantic, CT (11/02/2021) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host two special presentations next week as part of its National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read program. Thi Bui, author/illustrator of the "The Best We Could Do," will give a virtual presentation on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. And Marcelino Truong, author/illustrator of "Such a Lovely Little War," will present virtually on Nov. 8 at 12:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public; registration information is below.

Bui is the keynote speaker for this year's Big Read program, which is centered around her award-winning illustrated memoir. "The Best We Could Do" chronicles her parents' life before and during the Vietnam War, their escape from Vietnam, and their eventual migration to the United States as refugees. Eastern President Elsa Nunez will make introductory comments and Dr. Jason O. Chang, associate professor of Asian American Studies and director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, will serve as moderator.

To register: https://tinyurl.com/ThiBuiKeynote

Access code: 2624 237 2553

Truong is a Paris-based artist whose graphic memoir tells the story of the early years of the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a young boy named Marco. Truong's workshop will cover his creative process, techniques and experience working with graphic novels. This virtual event will stream on Zoom.

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvceCsrTItE9x_luyWfyNKXwvcvjUE4w5Q

Eastern is one of 61 universities in the United States to receive a NEA Big Read grant. The $20,000-grant is supporting a months-long community reading program. For more information on Eastern's Big Read program, visit https://www.easternct.edu/big-read/index.html

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 4,300 students annually on its Willimantic campus. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 32 other states and 10 countries. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked as the top public regional university in New England by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 11 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

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