Shippensburg University will host Nikki Giovanni, educator, American poet, writer, commentator and activist for the annual HOPE Diversity Scholarship Benefit Dinner and Program on February 26.

Named as one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 “Living Legends,” Giovanni is one of the world’s most well-known African-American poets. Her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, and nonfiction essays and covers topics from race and social issues to children’s literature. She has won numerous awards, including the Langston Hughes Medal and the NAACP Image Award.

The night will begin at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University, Orrstown Bank Lobby, beginning at 4:45 p.m. The scholarship dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Tuscarora Room, Reisner Hall, across the street from the Luhrs Center. Giovanni’s lecture, “Grit, Grace, and Glow: An Evening with Nikki Giovanni” begins at 8:00 p.m. at the Luhrs Center. A book signing will follow the lecture.

The cost for the reception, dinner and program is $80 per person or $600 for a table of eight.  The cost to attend the dinner and program is $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Admission to attend the lecture only at 8:00 p.m. is $20 per person. Tickets are available through the Luhrs Center. 

The HOPE Diversity Scholarship Fund provides academically talented and financially deserving minority students with the opportunity to receive a quality education.