Valerie created more than a MFA program—she created a writer's family, a place where those bound by the love of words could feel supported and part of something larger. She pushed, she cajoled, she edited mercilessly, but she also loved. A world-class writer herself, she walked the walk and talked the talk. Her students adored her.

The MFA in Narrative Non-Fiction reflects Valerie perfectly. Its existence is owed in large part to her tenacity. She willed it into being, she nurtured it, she cheered on its first graduates and secured its future. It is Valerie's legacy.

As we celebrate Valerie's life, please consider continuing her legacy with a gift to the Valerie Boyd Excellence Fund for MFA in Narrative Nonfiction, which was established to aid and enrich students, programming and faculty in the MFA in Narrative Nonfiction program. Valerie poured her time, energy and heart into the MFA program. With your support, we can continue to build upon Valerie's immeasurable impact.