University of Redlands
Spanish and Latin American Literature Professor Ivonne Gordon-Vailakis, an internationally recognized poet, has taught poetry at Redlands for more than 20 years.
“My students know I am passionate about poetry, and they learn that I also create it and share it, not only with them but also with people in different parts of the world.”
In 2016, Gordon-Vailakis was invited to participate in Paralelo 0, an international festival in Ecuador featuring a slate of distinguished poets. She has also been invited to participate in the International Poetry Festival of Granada in Managua, Nicaragua, the largest literary festival in Central America.
A native of Quito, Ecuador, Gordon-Vailakis has published five books of poetry. Her honors include the Jorge Carrera Andrade Poetry Award in Ecuador and her book, Diosas prestadas (Borrowed Goddesses), based on Greek mythology, was one of 12 finalists for the First International Prize Francisco de Aldana Poetry in Spanish Language.
University of Redlands seems so different than other private university settings. I can have conversations with people, and we can relate to each other…Being part of a community where people understand what it’s like to be going to college for the first time is really valuable.
