It's the cadence and rhythm of the rich, Spanish poems that attracts journalism sophomore Shaina Levee to Pablo Neruda's poetry.
Neruda, a Nobel Prize winner, is notable for his extensive poems on subjects ranging from love to politics.
"I'm a Pablo Neruda fan," Levee said, while skimming through a volume of his poetry Wednesday on the Student Services balcony.
"It's a different sound; a different vibe that adds new meaning to the same word," Levee said.
Levee was part of a group of ASU students and faculty celebrating a century of Neruda; the poet was born in 1904.
About 30 students and faculty gathered in the Student Services Building to listen to and give Spanish and English readings of Neruda's work.
A movie on his life followed in the Memorial Union.
The event was a part of a weeklong Latina/o arts festival put on by ASU's Hispanic Research Center.
"He was interested in things that touch people's hearts," said English professor Elizabeth Horan, who read at the meeting.
"He wrote with great passion about all of those things ... and [he wrote] in ways that ordinary people could identify with," she said.
Horan added that she hoped Neruda's poetry would spark an interest in students to find out more about him.
Spanish professor Alberto Acereda, who co-hosted the event with Horan, said the event was an example of how the Spanish and English departments can form a strong link.
"Both worlds, the English-speaking world and the Spanish-speaking world, have to be together, and the arts and poetry show it," he said.
Remembrance of Neruda's life and work inspired Spanish junior Leicy Nece.
"To me, it does give a great sense of pride," she said. "It's an encouragement of us because it shows us what's possible for Hispanics."
ASU will host one other arts festival event today. A presentation of George Yepes' art will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 174 of the Lattie F. Coor Building.
For more information, visit www.latinoartcommunity.org.
Reach the reporter at jacqueline.shoyeb@asu.edu.
