Every year, Contexts for Classics invites students in all departments and programs (graduate and undergraduate) across the University of Michigan to take part in its Classical Translations Contest. We know that there are many people inspired by the beauty of ancient languages who wish to render them more freely and creatively than classwork often involves. This contest is intended to highlight the work of students who are interested in the process of translation as a creative enterprise.
This year, in the 25th annual contest, prizes were awarded to the four students listed below. Congratulations to these winners, who have kindly agreed for their translations to be made available for the community to view or download.
Graduate Students
Katie Mikos, Astyanax (selections from Homer, Iliad; and Euripides, Trojan women)
Katie is a doctoral candidate in the Classical Studies Language and Literature Program, where she is currently writing her dissertation entitled Waterways: A Poetics of the Sea in Greek Choral Lyric. In addition to her work in Classical Studies, Katie has completed the Museum Studies Certificate and has worked at both the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the University of Michigan Museum of Art. She is an avid hobbyist and enjoys reading poetry, knitting, collecting vintage items, and pottery. Upon completion of her doctoral work, Katie plans to continue to be an educator either in a classics department or campus museum.
Ana Santory Rodríguez, Io (Ovid, Metamorphoses 1.574–655)
After completing the University of Michigan’s Bridge MA in Classical Studies in 2021, Ana Santory Rodríguez joined the department’s Language and Literature program. She is now a PhD candidate in Classical Studies, working on a dissertation which seeks to theorize a Caribbean curriculum for the Ancient Mediterranean.
Undergraduate Students
Kelsey Beckett, Venus and Cupid (Apuleius, Metamorphoses 5.28.6–5.30.3)
Kelsey Beckett is a sophomore studying environmental chemistry in LSA. Outside of class, she enjoys sewing, needlepoint, and reading. She is also a member of Eta Sigma Phi and Kappa Alpha Theta.
Anne Kleber, Phaethon (Ovid, Metamorphoses 2.19–89)
Anne (Annie) Kleber is a junior with a major in Classical Civilization and a minor in Latin. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend graduate school for Classics. Her research interests center around early Imperial Rome, particularly the Neronian period and its accompanying literature, on which she plans to write an honors thesis during the next academic year.
