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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterKate Hill and William & Mary Special Collections Research Center Staff.
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Box 9 is restricted until 2043. All other portions of the collection are open to researchers. Consult a staff member for details. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Reetika Vazirani Papers, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.
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 an 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. Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .
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. There are also books from her library in Rare Books.
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
Audiocassettes and floppy disks from this collection have been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.
Items added to the Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03) include:
Red Leather Purse (Mss. 2014.130.01), Sequined Red and Silver Purse (Mss. 2014.130.02), Olivetti Lettera 35L Typewriter and Carrying Case (Mss. 2014.130.03)
All audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.
Items added to the Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03) include:
Red Leather Purse (Mss. 2014.130.01), Sequined Red and Silver Purse (Mss. 2014.130.02), Olivetti Lettera 35L Typewriter and Carrying Case (Mss. 2014.130.03)
Electronic records which are part of this collection require a computer with appropriate software for viewing.
This series provides a general overview of Reetika Vazirani's personal and professional life. Contents include her resume, brief biography, a photograph, a magazine profile, and obituaries.
5 versions of Vazirani's resume as well as two brief biographical descriptions, probably for promotional use.
12 photocopies of a profile on Vazirani written by Renee H. Shea, published in Poets and Writers Magazine. The article contains images and extensive background information.
Scope and Contents 2 copies of an issue of Poets and Writers Magazine, January 2003 which includes a a profile on Vazirani written by Renee H. Shea containing images and extensive background information (pp. 38-44).
Newspaper clippings and photocopies of Reetika Vazirani's obituary.
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.
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.
Emails relating to Vazirani's involvement in Catamaran, a journal for South Asian literature.
Schedule for the San Miguel Poetry Week, in which Vazirani participated.
Emails, a letter, a fax, and reviews pertaining to Vazirani's work on the literary journal "Calloloo."
Materials on the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop that Vazirani attended at Texas A & M University in May, 2003.
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.
Thank you letter and two application forms (one partially completed, one left blank) for the Yaddo Artists' Community in Saratoga Springs, New York.
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 William and Mary. It includes student writing exercises, course instructor evaluations, and course syllabi and notes.
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.
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.
Syllabi and notes for the English 470 writing course on Michael Ondaatje Vazirani taught at William and Mary in the Spring of 2003.
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.
Contains emails relating to various poetry readings given by Vazirani on her work.
Letters, emails, brochures, and notes concerning the readings Vazirani gave and was scheduled to give in 2003.
Promotional materials for a reading Vazirani gave at Smith College on March 11, 2003.
Letters, resumes, letters of recommendation, and requests for references for positions Vazirani applied for.
Materials relating to a teaching position at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia that Vazirani accepted, then later declined.
Three copies of Vazirani's application for a teaching position at Barnard College in New York City.
This sub-series contains contact information, articles, promotional materials, and letters relating to colleagues and friends of Vazirani.
Materials relating to Vazirani's network of colleagues and publishers, as well as brief online biographies about her.
Scope and Contents Email addresses and contact information collected by Vazirani.
Scope and Contents Papers removed from books included in the 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 and 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).
Scope and Contents Copy of "Clio Rising and faxed in February 2003, with notes.
Request from Jay Wright to give a poetry reading at Sweet Briar College, as well as his resume.
Essay, correspondence, and a brochure for the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Virginia that are from or regard Vinay Dharwadker.
Materials about artist Ambreen Butt and his work.
Party invitations, a family newsletter, and an email from poet Rita Dove. A letter from Vazirani to Dove is also included.
Brief profiles on Ethelbert Miller and Austin Clark. Note: Boxes 4 and 5 of this collection contain further materials and correspondence in a relation to Ethelbert Miller.
Postcard and poem sent to Vazirani by Ethelbert Miller. Note: Boxes 4 and 5 of this collection contain further materials and correspondence in a relation to Ethelbert Miller.
Personal and professional letters, cards, and emails sent to Vazirani.
Letters, cards, photographs, newspaper clippings, and emails relating to a variety of professional and personal issues postmarked to Vazirani in 2002.
Letters, cards, photographs, newspaper clippings, and emails relating to a variety of professional and personal issues sent to Vazirani in 2003.
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.
Background information on Ethelbert Miller.
Two brief articles on Ethelbert Miller, as well as a promotional poster for a reading at Georgetown University.
Correspondence from Vazirani addressed to Miller between 1985 and 2003. There are no documents dated between 1987 and 1989.
6 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.
4 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.
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.
Scope and Contents 7 letters and postcards, a holiday greeting card from Vazirani to Miller, and a poem submitted to "Yaddo." The letters and cards vary in length and include references to her life and work, as well as a birthday greeting for Miller.
5 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."
8, 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.
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.
4 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.
Scope and Contents 6 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.
9 letters and faxes sent to Ethelbert Miller in 1997. 6 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 2 faxes and final letter included are addressed to Miller and relate to Vazirani's reading at the Folger Shakespeare Event.
4 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.
2 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.
2 photographs of Vazirani: a signed professional headshot sent in 1990, and a photograph of her with her husband, John T. Jordan, in 1991.
Poems by Vazirani. They include a collection titled, "Inventing Maya Biswas, My Mother," and five copies of "White Elephants I," among others.
Signed copy of Vazirani's manuscript titled, "Whereabouts," and the envelope in which it was sent.
Scope and Contents 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 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 memorial of her life and work. Collected by Miller.
Newspaper articles and printed internet articles on Vazirani's death.
Multiple programs for Vazirani's funeral. Also includes a tribute, with notes, written by Miller for Vazirani and her son, Jehan Komunyakaa.
Condolence cards, letters, emails, poems, and an essay sent to Miller in memory of Vazirani.
Scope and Contents 3 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.
Printed emails concerning the publicity surrounding Vazirani's death as well as personal remembrances. Also included are a thank-you letter 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.
3 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 on 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.
Bank and credit statements and account information.
Loan and payment records from Wellesley College.
Receipts and discount membership cards.
Receipts and notes from Vazirani's office redecoration.
Mortgage and loan documents.
Letter and form confirming Vazirani's status as a Mary Kay consultant.
Contact information, notes, and two receipts for moving companies.
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).
Insurance policy and 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.
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.
Letters and notes written by Vazirani on a variety of subjects to several different people. Of note is a printed email 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.
Information and promotional materials sent to Vazirani by World Literacy of Canada.
Vazirani's notes and worksheets from the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching program.
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.
Pprofessional 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.
Fx copy of the divorce settlement between Vazirani and John T. Jordan.
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.
Inclued are: Vazirani's social security card, voter registration card, a photocopy of her Certificate of Naturalization, vehicle registration information, and personal contact information.
This sub-series contains materials concerning Vazirani's death, funeral, and efforts to remember her life and work.
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.
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.
4 issues of the Washington Post Magazine, dated February 15, 2004. The profile on Vazirani, "The Falling Light," is on pages 16-21.
9 copies of a 2004 issues of Callaloo vol. 26, no. 2, published in Vazirani's memory.
Scope and Contents This folder contains a variety of published memorials to Vazirani. They include seasonal publications by Copper Canyon Press, an issue of Arts and 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.
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.
Condolence cards and letters sent to Vazirani's mother, Heea Vazirani Fales.
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.
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.
4 floppy disks that hold a varity of Vazirani's work-related computer files. They include resumes, course syllabi, letters, essays, and a grant proposal.
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.
Set of index cards that hold details on Vazirani's submissions to publishers and their contact information.
4 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.
13 name cards that read "Reetika Gina Vazirani."
Purple and gold guest book.
Three-ring binder containing 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.
Sketchbook containing a number of Vazirani's drawings for "Beginning" and "Beginning/Advanced Art" courses at the Watkins Institute.
M.A. Diploma from the UVA for her degree in Creative Writing.
Bookmarks, notes, business card and photographs that were removed from the books, which have been added to our Rare Book Collection. For each item the book and page number where the materials were found have been noted.
Artifacts housed in the Manuscript Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03).
Scope and Contents 1-red rectangular purse. The purse has a red leather heart shaped tag on the handle the front of which bears a decorative silver heat and the back of which has "Genuine Leather and printed in gold block letters. The purse features an alligator skin pattern on the outside. There are also decorative silver hearts on the clasp, in the middle of the top flap, and on either side of the handle. There is also a pocket topped with a zipper on the back of the outside of the purse. The inside of the purse has four folding pockets lined with a brown, beige, and black cloth interior. The third pocket can be zipped and features a small mirror and pockets for pens, pencils, and credit cards. The fourth pocket, at the back of the purse, has another smaller pocket topped with a zipper located within it. There are four snap clasps located on the interior of the handle for the purse to which a red, leather strap, found in the third pocket, can be attached. The purse belonged to poet and Writer-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary Reetika Vazirani. The purse measures approximately 9in. (height including handle) x 10.375in. (width) and is in excellent condition. The plastic on the mirror in the third pocket is smudged and peeling off near the right corner. Also, the main clasp on the purse has multiple scratches on it. Gift of Heea Vazirani-Fales and E. Ethelbert Miller. Located in Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03), Mss. Plastics/Rubber. Mss. 2014.130.01
Scope and Contents 1- large parabola shaped purse. The purse is made of red leather and has round silver straps tied in a knot at the bottom. The purse also has four cone shaped "feet and at the bottom of the purse. The front of the purse has a long panel in the middle that features a series of gold and silver sequined circles. The inside of the purse has black cloth lining and four pockets. The front and back pockets are lined with red leather and the pockets at the back of the purse and in the middle are topped with a zipper. The purse belonged to Reetika Vazirani poet and Writer-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary. The purse measures approximately 20.25in. (height including handles) x 15in. (width) and is in good condition. The bottom of the purse is creased in the front. The handles are bent and there are red stains on the front silver strap. Gift of Heea Vazirani-Fales and E. Ethelbert Miller. Located in Manuscript Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03), Mss. Plastics/Rubber. Mss. 2014.130.02
Scope and Contents 1-Olivetti Lettera 35L portable typewriter and carrying case. The typewriter is brownish beige and has a black with a black paper tray and white align measure. The key board has white keys with black letters and one orange key. The typewriter ribbon is still intact inside the typewriter. The carrying case for the typewriter is black and has green images of the typewriter all over it. "olivetti and is also printed in green all over the carrying case. The carrying case has three black handles and Velcro top by which the carrying case can be closed. inside the bag there is a brand new typewriter ribbon inside a pink and yellow box that says "super quality typewriter ribbon." There are is also an instruction manual within the carrying case. The typewriter belonged to Reetika Vazirani poet and Writer-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary. The typewriter measures approximately 14.5in. and is in good condition. The keyboard has dirt and lint on the keys and the silver ribbon holder is tarnished. The carrying case measures approximately 22in. and is in good condition. There is evidence of wear and tear at the bottom of the carrying case. Gift of Heea Vazirani-Fales and E. Ethelbert Miller. Located in Manuscripts Artifact Collection (Mss. 1.03), Mss. Metals (typewriter) and Mss. Plastics/Rubber (carrying case). Mss. 2014.130.03
Series contains manuscript for The Other Woman by Reetika Vazirani with handwritten notes. The series also includes aemail correspondence to and from editor Michael Wiegers and Heea Vazirani Fales, mother of Reetika Vazirani.