Quinnipiac University student Taryn Riley selected as a Connecticut Student Poet

Press release

HAMDEN, Conn. – Dec. 11, 2025 – Quinnipiac University senior English major Taryn Riley has been selected as a Connecticut Student Poet by the 2025–26 Connecticut Poetry Circuit panel. Riley is one of only five undergraduate writers statewide to receive the honor.

Riley said she is “beyond grateful” for the recognition, noting that being chosen as a Connecticut State Student Poet is an honor she “does not take lightly.” Riley added that she has dreamed of writing poetry that resonates with readers and encourages them to consider new perspectives.

Each year, the Connecticut Poetry Circuit enlists a panel of distinguished poets to judge a statewide contest of college-student poetry. Participating colleges and universities may nominate one student.
This year, Quinnipiac English professor Jason Koo nominated Riley, who submitted a portfolio of three poems. From these submissions, the panel selects five student poets to tour the circuit each spring, where they read their work at universities, colleges and literary events across Connecticut.
Riley said poetry has long served as an outlet for her “most troublesome and consuming thoughts,” helping her understand who she is and what she wants out of life. She said it’s important that her writing remains authentic and reflective of her experiences with mental health, family, connection and self-discovery.

Riley’s selection marks the sixth consecutive year — and the seventh in the last nine years — that a Quinnipiac student has been named among the winners of the Connecticut contest, continuing the university’s strong tradition of excellence in creative writing.
“We’re on a great run,” Koo said.

Riley is joined this year by the other 2025–26 Connecticut Student Poets:• Alenka Doyle, Trinity College• Olivia Jascot, University of Hartford• Dan Silva, Western Connecticut State University• Sunny Vuong, Yale University
The poets are scheduled to tour Connecticut from Feb. 9–March 6, with additional dates possible based on availability.
Riley said she “could not be more excited” to tour in the spring and share her poems across the state. She expressed deep gratitude to her professors and supporters in the English Department — particularly Koo — whom she credits with strengthening her love for poetry and instilling confidence that she could achieve something of this magnitude.
“I'm thrilled that Taryn was selected as a winner of the CT Poetry Circuit contest, recognition that she deserves for her brilliant, daring poems that tap into subject matter most writers are afraid to touch,” Koo said. “She's been wowing everyone in the English department with her writing for years now, so this award comes as no surprise. We're so proud that Taryn will get to share her work with other schools in the state through the CT Poetry Circuit tour.”
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, founded in 1964 by the Academy of American Poets and Holly Stevens, daughter of acclaimed poet and Hartford insurance executive Wallace Stevens.
About Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac is ranked 51st in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” and is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges.” The university is expanding innovative programs for both traditional and adult learners and developing dynamic corporate partnerships. Quinnipiac recently completed a significant capital expansion on its main campus, including a state-of-the-art new School of Business and an interdisciplinary science and innovation hub. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook and follow Quinnipiac on X @QuinnipiacU.