Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary
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Reetika Vazirani Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Processing and finding aid completed by Kate Hill in April 2009.
Reetika Gina Vazirani was born August 9, 1962 in Patiala, India. In 1967, her family moved to the United States and settled in Silver Spring, Maryland. After high school, Vazirani earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in 1984. She studied creative writing at Boston University from 1987 to 1988, and graduated with a master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Virginia in 1997.
Vazirani published a number of essays and poems in anthologies, literary reviews, and journals. Many of her writings drew on her experiences as an Indian immigrant, and she earned critical recognition for her work. Her first book, "White Elephants" (Beacon Press, 1996), was awarded the Barnard New Women Poets Prize, and her second book, "World Hotel" (Copper Canyon Press, 2003), won a Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. Vazirani also served as a contributing and advisory editor on the literary magazines "Shenandoah" and "Callaloo."
Vazirani was also an experienced teacher, having taught creative writing and poetry at a number of universities. She began as a poetry instructor at the University of Virginia in 1996, and served as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Oregon a year later. In 1998, Vazirani accepted the position of the Margaret Banister Writer-in-Residence at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. She briefly taught as a visiting faculty member at the College of New Jersey in 2001. From 2002 to 2003, she served as Writer-in-Residence for the College of William and Mary.
Reetika Vazirani committed suicide on July 16, 2003 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She was 40 years old.
This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Reetika Vazirani. It includes a number of poems, manuscripts, photographs, floppy disks, correspondence and publications that relate to her work as a published writer and instructor. The collection also holds personal correspondence, a sketchbook, and legal documents, as well as materials regarding Vazirani's death and legacy.
The collection is organized into the following series and sub-series: Series 1: Biographical Materials, 2000-2003
Series 2: Career, 1982-2003, including Sub-series 1: Publishing, 1996-2003; Sub-series 2: Literary Journals and Writing Workshops, 2000-2003; Sub-series 3: Teaching, 2000-2003; Sub-series 4: Poetry Readings and Job Searches, 1999-2003; Sub-series 5: Colleagues, 2000-2003; Sub-series 6: Correspondence, 2002-2003
Series 3: Personal and Professional Letters and Work, 1985-2006, including Sub-series 1: Background on Miller, 2003; Sub-series 2: Correspondence, 1985-2003; Sub-series 3: Miscellaneous Professional Materials, 1989-2003; Sub-series 4: Death, Funeral, Legacy, 2003-2006
Series 4: Personal Papers and Materials, 1973-2008 including Sub-Series 1: Financial Records, 1981-2005; Sub-series 2: Correspondence, 1993-2003; Sub-series 3: Personal Information and Records, 1973-2003; Sub-Series 4: Articles, Memorials, Condolences, 2003-2008
Series 5: Miscellaneous Career and Personal Items, 1967-2003.
University Archives Faculty-Alumni File Collection
Electronic records which are part of this collection require a computer with appropriate software for viewing.
This series contains documents that provide a general overview of Reetika Vazirani's personal and professional life. Contents include her resume, brief biographies, a photograph, a magazine profile, and obituaries.
This folder includes five versions of Vazirani's resume as well as two brief biographical descriptions, probably for promotional use.
This folder contains 12 photocopies of a profile on Vazirani written by Renee H. Shea and published in Poets and Writers Magazine. The article contains images and extensive background information.
This folder contains two copies of an issue of Poets and Writers Magazine published in January 2003. It includes a a profile on Vazirani written by Renee H. Shea that contains images and extensive background information (pages 38-44).
This folder contains multiple newspaper and photocopied versions of Reetika Vazirani's obituary. She died July 16, 2003.
This series contains documents relating to Vazirani's work as a poet, writer, and instructor. Contents include materials relating to publishing, teaching, writing, and poetry readings, as well as a number of letters and emails from colleagues.
Note: Additional materials concerning Vazirani's career, including floppy disks, a journal, and a set of index cards, are located in Box 10 of the collection.
This sub-series includes materials concerning Vazirani's efforts to publish her work. It includes calls for authors, acceptances and rejections for her work, correspondence with publishers, and publicity materials for her books, "White Elephants" and "World Hotel." Also included are notes and drafts of poems and uncompleted manuscripts. Some of the documents are not dated.
Note: Box 10 of the collection contains a set of index cards dated from 1990 to 2003, with details on publishing submissions and contact information.
This folder includes calls for poetry and author participation, as well as acceptance and rejection letters in regards to publishing Vazirani's work.
Contains copies of a hand-written version of the poem "White Elephants I" from Vazirani's book of the same title, "White Elephants."
This folder contains a range of emails and letters concerning the publication and promotion of Vazirani's second book, "World Hotel," by Copper Canyon Press.
This folder includes a questionnaire and transcript of an interview with Vazirani on her book, "World Hotel."
This folder contains copies of the January 20, 2003 edition of Publisher's Weekly review on Vazirani's book, "World Hotel."
This folder contains a range of reviews of "World Hotel," as well as notes made by Vazirani.
This folder contains information and notes regarding Vazirani winning the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for "World Hotel."
This folder contains contact information and correspondence between Vazirani and Beacon Press.
This folder contains faxes and letters regarding the publishing of Vazirani's various works in 2002.
This folder contains faxes and letters regarding the publishing of Vazirani's various works in 2003.
Vazirani labeled the contents of this folder as "Manuscript in Progress." A portion of the poems are not dated.
This folder contains drafts and notes concerning an unpublished compilation of poems Vazirani titled "Whole."
This folder contains drafts of poems and notes for a compilation Vazirani titled "Vanishing Cream."
This folder contains drafts of poems and notes for a compilation Vazirani titled "Truth Serum."
This folder contains a range of undated notes and drafts by Vazirani.
This sub-series includes information, correspondence, and applications for literary journals and writing workshops Vazirani wrote for and participated in. Such workshops include the San Miguel Poetry Week, Callaloo, Bennington, and Struga Poetry Evenings.
This folder contains emails relating to Vazirani's involvement in Catamaran, a journal for South Asian literature.
This folder includes the schedule for the San Miguel Poetry Week, in which Vazirani participated.
This folder contains emails, a letter, a fax, and reviews pertaining to Vazirani's work on the literary journal "Calloloo."
This folder contains information and materials on the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop that Vazirani attended at Texas A&M University in May, 2003.
This folder contains faculty and travel information and a copy of a poem from the Bennington Writing Workshop that Vazirani attended in June 2003.
This folder contains email invitations, information, and an application for the Struga International Poetry Evenings Festival that was held in Macedonia in August 2003.
This folder contains a thank you letter and two application forms (one partially completed, one left blank) for the Yaddo Artists' Community in Saratoga Springs, New York.
This folder contains lecture notes and poetry originally organized and labeled by Vazirani.
This sub-series contains materials relating to teaching positions Vazirani held at Sweet Briar College and the College of William and Mary. It includes student writing exercises, course instructor evaluations, and course syllabi and notes.
This folder contains the results of a class assignment asking for student-suggested ideas for writing exercises. They are from a course on fiction Vazirani taught in the summer of 2000.
This folder contains materials related to Vazirani's position as Writer-in-Residence at William and Mary. Included are course evaluations, faculty contact information, letters, an appeal to the Parking Committee, and information concerning her residence at the Heritage Inn.
This folder contains syllabi and notes for the English 470 writing course on Michael Ondaatje Vazirani taught at William and Mary in the Spring of 2003.
This folder contains the syllabus and a reading assignment for the English 405/Anthropology 430 Descriptive Linguistics course held in Spring 2003.
This sub-series contains information regarding poetry reading events Vazirani participated in, as well as resumes, letters, and applications concerning teaching positions.
This folder contains emails relating to various poetry readings given by Vazirani on her work.
This folder includes letters, emails, brochures, and notes concerning the readings Vazirani gave and scheduled to give in 2003.
This folder contains various promotional materials for a reading Vazirani gave at Smith College on March 11, 2003.
This folder includes letters, resumes, letters of recommendation, and requests for references for multiple jobs Vazirani was interested in and persued.
This folder contains materials relating to a teaching position at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia that Vazirani accepted, then later declined.
This folder includes three copies of Vazirani's application for a teaching position at Barnard College in New York City, as well as correspondence confirmation they were recieved.
This sub-series contains contact information, articles, promotional materials, and letters relating to colleagues and friends of Vazirani.
This folder contains materials relating to Vazirani's network of colleagues and publishers, as well as brief online biographies about her.
This folder contains lists of email addresses and contact information collected by Vazirani.
This folder contains papers removed from the accession of books included in the Vazirani collection. They range from promotional materials for poets Paul Muldoon, Marilyn Hacker, and Rita Dove, biographical information on Yusef Komunyakaa, a photocopy of "The Light of the World" by Derek Walcott, a copy of an introduction for Czeslaw Milosz, to an autograph by Seamus Heaney. Also included is an untranslated document removed from a book written in an unidentified language at this time (4/20/09).
This folder contains a copy of "Clio Rising" faxed in February 2003, with notes.
This folder contains a request from Jay Wright to give a poetry reading at Sweet Briar College, as well as his resume.
This folder includes an essay, correspondence, and a brochure for the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Virginia that are from or regard Vinay Dharwadker.
This folder includes materials about artist Ambreen Butt and his work.
This folder contains party invitations, a family newsletter, and an email from poet Rita Dove. A letter from Vazirani to Dove is also included.
This folder includes brief profiles on Ethelbert Miller and Austin Clark.
Note: Boxes 4 and 5 of this collection contain further materials and correspondence in a separate accession made by Ethelbert Miller.
This folder contains a postcard and poem sent to Vazirani by Ethelbert Miller.
Note: Boxes 4 and 5 of this collection contain further materials and correspondence in a separate accession made by Ethelbert Miller.
This sub-series contains a range of personal and professional letters, cards, and emails sent to Vazirani.
This folder contains letters, cards, photographs, newspaper clippings, and emails relating to a variety of professional and personal issues postmarked to Vazirani in 2002.
This folder contains letters, cards, photographs, newspaper clippings, and emails relating to a variety of professional and personal issues postmarked to Vazirani in 2003.
This series is a separate accession within the larger Vazirani collection. It contains correspondence, poetry, a manuscript, and photographs sent by Vazirani to her friend and colleague, Ethelbert Miller. Also included are materials regarding her death and funeral collected by Miller.
This sub-series contains background information on Ethelbert Miller.
This folder contains two brief articles on Ethelbert Miller, as well as a promotional poster for a reading at Georgetown University.
This sub-series contains correspondence sent by Vazirani to Miller between 1985 and 2003. There are no documents dated between 1987 and 1989.
This folder contains six letters from Vazirani to Miller. The first is an apology for missing a scheduled meeting, while the rest focus on recent events and the process of writing. Some letters include poems. Two of the letters are not dated, but have been kept with the contents of original folder in which they were received.
This folder contains four letters and a postcard from Vazirani to Miller. They include updates about her life and work. The last letter features four poems and expresses Vazirani's intent to study with poet Derek Walcott.
This folder contains 11 letters and postcards, as well as a greeting card from Vazirani to Miller. The letters and cards vary in length, and include updates and information on Vazirani's life and work, as well as references to Miller's achievements as a writer.
This folder contains seven letters and postcards, a holiday greeting card, and a poem submitted to "Yaddo" from Vazirani to Miller in 1992. The letters and cards vary in length and include references to her life and work, as well as a birthday greeting for Miller.
This folder contains five letters and postcards and a Christmas card Vazirani sent to Miller in 1992. The letters vary in length and include details on her life and work. One is written on the back of a rejection letter from the Atlantic and is attached to a draft of a poem titled, "Sunday School."
This folder contains eight letters, cards, and notes from Vazirani to Miller. The letters vary in length and include details on her life and work, along with a newspaper clipping of a photo. Several references are made to funding opportunities, as well as articles, magazines, and authors Miller sent to Vazirani or suggested to her.
This folder contains 18 letters, notes, and cards sent from Vazirani to Miller in 1994. The letters vary in length and include details on her life and work, a request for recommendations for applications to a workshop and graduate school at the University of Virginia, and congratulatory and birthday messages for Miller.
This folder contains four letters, a note, and a postcard from Vazirani to Miller. They vary in length and include information on her professional and personal lives, as well as references to Vazirani's divorce.
This folder contains six postcards, a letter, and a printed email sent by Vazirani to Miller in 1996. The cards, letter, and email are all rather brief and include references to publicity for "White Elephants," the Folger Shakespeare Reading event, a range of professional and personal information, and birthday and get well messages to Miller. Also included is a copy of a letter sent to Vazirani's "White Elephants" publisher, Beacon Press, as well as a response to an open teaching position at the University of Colorado.
This folder contains nine letters and faxes sent to Ethelbert Miller in 1997. Six of the items are copies of letters sent to and from the Folger Shakespeare Library, Carnegie Mellon University, San Francisco State University, Barnard College, and the University of Oregon regarding poetry readings and teaching positions. The two faxes and final letter included are addressed to Miller and relate to Vazirani's reading at the Folger Shakespeare Event.
This folder contains four brief postcards sent by Vazirani to Miller from 1998 to 2000. They make references to New Year's, travel plans, a poetry reading, and Valentine's Day.
This folder contains two postcards from 2001 and a letter from 2003 sent by Vazirani to Miller. They include references to Vazirani's publishing efforts, works in progress, and travel plans.
This sub-series contains a range of Vazirani's professional work, including poetry, resumes, information on reading events, and a signed photograph.
This folder includes two photographs of Vazirani: a signed professional headshot sent in 1990, and a photograph of her with her husband, John T. Jordan, in 1991.
This folder contains a number of poems by Vazirani. They include a collection titled, "Inventing Maya Biswas, My Mother," and five copies of "White Elephants I," among others.
This folder contains a signed copy of Vazirani's manuscript titled, "Whereabouts," and the envelope in which it was sent.
This folder contains multiple versions of Vazirani's resume and various promotional materials relating to her work. Also included is an introduction for Vazirani written by Miller for an event at the Folger Shakespeare Reading festival called "Ascension #127" and a brief letter from Miller thanking her for agreeing to serve as a contributing editor for Poet Lore Magazine.
This sub-series contains materials that relate to Vazirani's death, funeral, and memorializing her life and work. They were sent to and collected by Miller.
This folder contains newspaper articles and printed internet articles on Vazirani's death.
This folder contains multiple programs for Vazirani's funeral, as well as directions to the cemetery. It also includes a tribute, with notes, written by Miller for Vazirani and her son, Jehan Komunyakaa.
This folder contains condolence cards, letters, emails, poems, and an essay sent to Miller in memory of Vazirani.
This folder contains three poems written in honor of Vazirani, including "Cumin in the Eggs" by Ellen Berkovitch (three copies), "No More Suicides" by Sharon Olinka, and "Always Before, Light Gathered" by Jody Bolz.
This folder contains a number of printed emails concerning the publicity surrounding Vazirani's death as well as personal remembrances. Also included are a letter of thanks for a donation made by Miller to the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society in Vazirani's name and a greeting card with a photo from a mutual friend of Miller and Vazirani.
This folder contains three greeting cards and a letter sent to Miller by Heea Vazirani Fales, Reetika Vazirani's mother. They include brief personal details and references to organizing Vazirani's papers. The letter requests Miller's assistance in publishing Vazirani's work.
Note: Additional correspondence between Heea Vazirani Fales and Ethelbert Miller can be found in Box 7 of the collection.
This series contains materials relating to Vazirani's private life such as financial records, family correspondence, information her son, Jehan Komunyakaa, and originals and copies of legal documents. The series also includes a copy of Vazirani's suicide letter, and articles and condolences in regards to her death.
Note: Additional personal items such as inspirational audio tapes, guest book, Vazirani's childhood choir book, sketchbook, and diploma from the University of Virginia may by found in Box 10 of the collection.
This sub-series contains Vazirani's financial records. It includes receipts, bank statements, housing information, and her insurance policy.
This folder contains Vazirani's bank and credit statements and account information.
This folder contains Vazirani's loan and payment records from Wellesley College.
This folder contains various receipts and discount membership cards.
This folder contains receipts and notes from Vazirani's office redecoration.
This folder contains Vazirani's mortgage and loan documents and information.
This folder contains a letter and form confirming Vazirani's status as a Mary Kay consultant.
This folder contains contact information, notes, and two receipts for moving companies.
This folder contains real estate services information and faxes regarding Vazirani's search for housing near Atlanta after she accepted a position at Emory University. Also included is a record of lease termination (she did not take the job).
This folder contains Vazirani's insurance policy. Also included is claim information sent to her mother, Heea Vazirani Fales, after her death.
This sub-series contains letters, notes, and emails written by Vazirani on a range of personal topics.
This folder contains a birthday card and three thank you cards Vazirani sent to her mother, Heea Vazirani Fales. Also included is a Mother's Day card from Vazirani's son, Jehan.
This folder contains letters, emails, and notes written by Vazirani on a variety of subjects to several different people. Of note, a printed email is included that describes how Vazirani was evicted from her Williamsburg apartment while teaching at William and Mary because of a change in ownership.
This sub-series contains a variety of materials relating to Vazirani's personal life. It includes photographs, awards, legal documents, and information on her son, Jehan Komunyakaa. A copy of Vazirani's suicide letter is also included.
This folder contains information and promotional materials sent to Vazirani by World Literacy of Canada.
This folder contains Vazirani's notes and worksheets from the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching program.
This folder contains certificates, letters, and newsclippings relating to Vazirani's personal and professional awards, honors, and achievements. Contents include: a poem on Martin Luther King, Jr. that won first prize in Vazirani's 5th grade class in 1973; information on the song, "Amazing Grace: The Police Officer's Tribute," Vazirani wrote with her former husband; and certificates for poetry awards and teaching positions.
This folder primarily contains various professional photographs of Vazirani. They vary in size, pose, and photographer, and most are not dated. There is a set of prints of Vazirani, Yusef Komunyakaa, and their son, Jehan. Photos from John Henley Photography have been removed from the envelopes, and there is a letter and an email included from the studio. Also included is a candid photograph from 2002 taken at a workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
This folder contains a fax copy of the divorce settlement between Vazirani and John T. Jordan.
This folder contains birth records, social security card, health records and information, insurance documents, and care instructions for Vazirani's son, Jehan Komunyakaa. He also died July 16, 2003.
This folder contains the following documents: Vazirani's social security card, voter registration card, a photocopy of her Certificate of Naturalization, vehicle registration information, and personal contact information.
This folder contains a photocopy of Vazirani's suicide letter. She died July 16, 2003.
This sub-series contains materials concerning Vazirani's death, funeral, and efforts to remember her life and work.
This folder contains news articles on Vazirani's death. They include a section of The Washington Post, photocopied news clippings, and a printed version of an online article from an Indian American newspaper, India West.
This folder contains materials relating to Paula Span's Washington Post feature on Vazirani. They include Span's request for an interview with Vazirani's mother with two photocopies of previous issues of the Post Magazine, a transcript of an online chat with Span, and two copies of the front page of the Washington Post promoting the magazine.
This folder contains four issues of the Washington Post Magazine, dated February 15, 2004. The profile on Vazirani, "The Falling Light," is on pages 16-21.
This folder contains nine copies of a 2004 issues of Callaloo vol. 26, no. 2, published in Vazirani's memory.
This folder contains a variety of published memorials to Vazirani. They include seasonal publications by Copper Canyon Press, an issue of Arts & Letters Journal of Contemporary Culture, a copy of the Association of Writers and Writing Procatioms Job List, and three copies of "Poet's Choice" by Edward Hirsch.
This folder contains letters and newsletters concerning donations and memorials made in Vazirani's name. They include letters from the William and Mary Alumni Association, Wellesley College, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Also included is a copy of the score for the song "Avatar," composed by Martha Mooke and dedicated to Vazirani's son, Jehan. A note from Yusef Komunyakaa is attached.
This folder contains condolence cards and letters sent to Vazirani's mother, Heea Vazirani Fales.
This folder contains letters, notes, emails, and poetry Ethelbert Miller sent to Heea Vazirani Fales. They focus primarily on coping with Vazirani's loss and remembering her life.
Note: Additional correspondence between Heea Vazirani Fales and Ethelbert Miller can be found in Box 5 of the collection.
This series contains a number of Vazirani's career-related and personal items, including floppy disks, a journal, index cards, name cards, a guest book, choir book, sketchbook, and a diploma.
This envelope contains four floppy disks that hold a varity of Vazirani's work-related computer files. They include resumes, course syllabi, letters, essays, and a grant proposal.
This notebook includes journal entries, course notes for English 405/Anthropology 430: Descriptive Linguistics, French 406: Contemporary Spoken French, lecture notes, notes for Emory University, and drafts of poems.
This gray box contains a set of index cards that hold details on Vazirani's submissions to publishers and their contact information.
This box contains a set of four inspirational audio tapes by Dr. Al G. Salazar of the Divine Science Church. The titles are as follows: “A Plan for Living,” April 27, 1997; “The Great Healer,” June 22, 1997; “You Can Change Your Life,” August 24, 1997; “The Road to Fulfillment,” November 1997.
This box includes a set of 13 name cards that read "Reetika Gina Vazirani."
This box contains an undated purple and gold guest book.
This black three-ring binder contains Vazirani's childhood choir workbook from the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh, New York. A note included by her mother dates the book from July (?) 1967 to October 1968, and mentions her birthday on August 9, 1962.
This sketchbook contains a number of Vazirani's drawings for “Beginning” and “Beginning/Advanced Art” courses at the Watkins Institute.
This box contains Vazirani's diploma from the University of Virginia for her master's degree in Fine Arts for Creative Writing.