Friends of Theodore Roethke

The Friends of Theodore Roethke (FOTR) established an award to recognize talent in creative writing of fiction and poetry by undergraduate students at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in conjunction with the Triennial Theodore Roethke Poetry & Arts Festival.

Saginaw was the birthplace of the great poet and teacher, Theodore Roethke, and the source of many of his most recognized and anthologized works. It was important to Roethke that his work be read and recognized in the place of his birth and that it inspires others. The award has the support of Roethke’s widow, Beatrice Roethke-Lushington.