Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Bio
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
Stories (429)
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Memories of Marian Anderson
The first memory I would like to talk about is of Marian Anderson. My first-grade teacher wanted to encourage me to do well in school along with the other students. And so she promised me that Marian Anderson would teach me to sing at age 6, if I scored the highest grades. I scored straight A's in elementary, and all I remember is having to dress up in a child's tuxedo to meet Marian Anderson. She came to meet me before we went on camera, she wore one of her famous dresses. She called me by my full name and took my hand from the teacher. She introduced me as her prize student and she talks to the news. In awe of her beauty and talent, I was impressed with seeing her. I remember her coming down to my level and closing her eyes. I touched her cheeks on her face. She acted as if I was wrong then she laughed. And as we performed together she told me to sing every note that she sings. And I didn't think I could do it but I did. She said now you know everything I know. The news questioned and debated about whether I was her child that they called me Marian's Boy, she said she hoped that I become like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, or Aretha Franklin. Then she grabs me in her arms and ran to the closest classroom. She explained that she was not my mother, however, she could be related because we look alike and she asked the teacher to make sure I was raised as she was raise me. Before that, she asked me if she should sing one more time in Washington D.C. and I told her she should. She asked me to watch and I said I would. I remember getting home from school and my mother watching it on the news. I tried to run but she caught me and told me that she saw everything. She did not punish me but she told my father and grandparents. I remember my father talking with his parents about my meeting with Marian Anderson. I was the only one in my grandparents' house with my father and we were watching the concert. I remember staying up for most of the concert, where they said that she made a million dollars performing. My grandparents were shocked and said that she should do something special for me because I told her to do the concert. Then after some time, I was asked by my oldest sister to perform a church song with my other sisters. I was nervous and scared because it was my first time performing as the lead. I remember going there that Sunday morning and I saw this older woman that looks like Marian Anderson. She watched me closely and carefully as she was in the front of the church's audience. So I sang the song without any problem and I received full house applause. Marian Anderson asked the pastor to meet me after church because she wanted to say her final goodbyes. She came through the door and hug me tight. And she said you are my prize. I wanted to have a child-like you but I couldn't but God gave me a second chance through you. I wanted you to sing like me everywhere. I know you are gonna be great just keep singing. I told her that I miss her and I watched all the concert. She said you liked when I sing America the Beautiful. The pastor asked if she could tell me the singers she would have been like. She replied Shirley Caesar and Aretha Franklin if she was alive today. And she told me that she didn't have long but that she wanted me to laugh. And I remember when I became older looking up Marian Anderson's pictures reminding me of the last time I saw her with white hair down her back and making a funny face that had me rolling laughing.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Confessions
The Death of Lincoln
There were many undertakings in this investigation of Lincoln's death, I found many peculiarities. Lincoln had bodyguards all around that night. And Lincoln was worried about his wife and his safety, he inquired about a good soldier to protect him, however the soldier decline due to pressure from Lincoln's divided cabinet. Lincoln explained his cabinet like Ancient Greece's times. He saw each cabinet member acting as one of the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. And he suspected that conspiracies were going on under his watch. Lincoln had invited his killer to the White House on numerous occasions. Some say his killer was thinking about becoming the president, although Lincoln's killer was known also to be a womanizer and a crossdresser. Lincoln's killer had popularity and notoriety among Americans, but he seemed obsessed with money and power. And he knew that the president was limited by money and power, so he would not give his heart to politics. Lincoln felt his successor should not be under the control of his predecessor. They should agree and meet only on certain occasions. They should never be seen fighting each other and they should never be seen in dispute. Lincoln had many successors besides Johnson, namely because he was very popular with wins from the war. He knew that the South had still rebels who were going to restart the war however he believed Americans were tired of fighting and ready to move on. He talked many times of his death with his wife and she reassured him that his name will live on. Lincoln's killer was an amazing actor and conspirator because he was able to hide and mascarade his plot. He was not alone, he recruited his gang of actors and actresses. He even knew every part of the play that was to be performed. Even though he played a waiting game with the soldier at the door till he had to use the restroom and reload his gun. He was determined to climb to Lincoln's box and execute the president. When Lincoln's killer found outside that the door leading to Lincoln was locked, some believed he had more than one gun, he took a gun to open the door when the crowd was aroused from the performance so no one could hear then he quietly came to the president and took his little cannon gun specially made for the assassination and shot the president in the ear after wrestling with the soldier in Lincoln's box. Some believed Lincoln built that box specially for him since he was friends with the Ford Theater owner. His killer knew that he could jump on stage probably practiced the jump many times. Lincoln's killer was a much younger man than Lincoln and in his stage life has played many roles that require him to do much acting. Before that, Lincoln gave a speech about the play, some believed Lincoln wanted to ease tension about the war. He wanted to heal the wounds of the nation. He felt that everyone should enjoy themselves now that the war is over. The play American Cousin talked about a citizen who is distraught about his past and finds out that he has relatives that he does not know about. It was a comedy about England and America and it brought out stereotypes that each country had about each other and their people. Lincoln invited celebrities such as Emily Dickinson and her boyfriend. Lincoln felt that entertainment is key to binding the wound and showing our differences. Lincoln's wife advocated for presenting harsh issues through enjoyment that people learned a lesson besides entertainment. Lincoln wanted to show them how to get past the war and celebrated the victory. Lincoln's killer fled quickly because it was late but Grant was not too far from them. Lincoln had Grant wait for the killer and Grant wanted to be at the play but Lincoln named him a successor. Lincoln's killer had a broken leg that his co-conspirators helped him escape in a wagon. Lincoln's killer words on the stage were deceptive because he wanted to instill fear about the rise of the South, he did not know that the South was tired and embattled, which is why Lee turned the victory over to Lincoln and promoted his presidency. Lincoln's killer went to a farmhouse after being caught in pursuit. And when Grant ordered its burning after reading him his charges, then the killer surrenders. Now the trial is inevitable in convicting Lincoln's killer. Lincoln's killer has been executed with a first shot to the ankles, a second shot to the knees, and a third shot to the shoulder ending with a final shot to the head. Lincoln's killer body is believed to be placed underneath a jail. Before his death, Lincoln after his shot was somewhat unconscious, he was still alive but the pain kept him from seeing and communicating. In Lincoln's last words, he talked to his wife about seeing his angel, which he usually referred to as his mother, and then he died. Lincoln designated that his casket is carried on a train around the country to signify that the division has ended and we all must mourn our losses from the war and keep the union moving forward in its pursuit of existence.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in The Swamp
King's Philosophy
We both see greatness in its massive derision and in its will to refuse to be diminutive. Struggles lead to victory if the focus maintains on the goal of the mission. The purpose-driven attitude to refuse to back down and give in to the inevitable fate and set your hopes on higher standards. Dr.King showed resilience in his fight for justice. Even with the horror of dying alone and isolated, he fought with precision. When he set his mind to the task at hand, he did not let up until the results were delivered. See when someone lets up, it signals weakness and an unstable mind, Dr.King knew his mind and he trusted his will to go forward. When hurdles are in your way, you must strive over them. You have to use conscience, will, and endurance. He used conscience when he thought of ways around the incidents. Those countless hours of debating and reinventing the will of the people led to greatness. When you considered your way, you plan carefully and think thoroughly. You master out the plan and prepare your mind and heart for the intense fight. Even if it means jail, if what you fight for is right then prison can't keep you from attaining your goals. Conscience calls for dedication to serve and respect to earn from completion. The conscientious person does not what they want to do but they do what they are earnest and fervent about doing. And the will, the mind is what sets people apart from other living beings. Human beings can imagine and think of solutions. Their minds are limitless. And when they are back by a will that they care deeply about they become unstoppable. The strongest will is built by love, nature by hope, and strength by faith. Love is the first emotion and it is driven by common ground and unity. We are supposed to get it from our families and friends to stabilize our lives and nurture us. When we feel love, it casts doubt to fear. Dr. King used imagery and a peaceful demeanor to show that he and his followers were about the love of humanity. And that fear and death are what they faced for showing that they wanted the promised benefit of love of country. When you understand love, you can be reflected on hope. When fear is driven out the way, dreams come back again. Life comes back again. Vision becomes apparent again. You have to inspire others to walk with you and beside you. You have to break through the barrier of ignorance with mutual respect. Hopes lead to faith. Hope takes you to the front door and doesn't lead you to the backdoor. Hope re-trains the mind to believe and feel again. It leads to the gift of life and emboldens love. Love becomes the action that leads to hope. And faith, faith is the verb that means something in action. Faith completes hope and love. While love encourages, hope gives the reason, and faith fulfills and completes the purpose. Fear is defeated in this process. This process is the power that every man and every woman have to win the battle over their mind, life, and soul. Endurance is repeating the process until something breaks. This includes the resistance, the fighting, and the stumbling block. Even if you stumble along the way, endurance means to keep getting back up and trying to finish the race. A runner is only going to get better and faster if they practice harder and harder. Dr.King knew that as he practiced track and field in his college days. Walking representing one of the first major rites of every human being in that it significances strength. Endurance is getting up and walking in hope, love, and faith. Fighting every battle prepared, focused, and strong. And the longer we hold up, the longer we can overcome. Overcoming is an action and a verb meant to inspire us to go forward. We can go forward even with trauma and abuse. We can go forward even with hatred and illusions. We can go forward even alone as long as we remember the why we have overcome and how we have overcome. Memory is so powerful too. It discerns the winner from the loser.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Humans
How Violence Begins
There is an epidemic that starts and appears hidden. It is the trauma that makes a troubled child into a criminal. This has remained unknown and yet to be discovered. I believe the epidemic of a troubled child starts from the womb. All the violence that the mother goes through as the baby is inside of her. The child may feel and hear while inside the mother’s womb. They begin to learn violence at an early age and reciprocate that violence as a young child. The parents have to recognize the violence and seek counseling from pediatricians and psychologists. It has to be constructive advice that will curb the child’s learning stance because learning is the key to breaking their road of violence. Corporate punishment is swift but it has to be repetitive and a lesson must be learned with the punishment. A parent must keep their child busy in doing something good. They must give them something inspiring to do and watch. Children at a young age want to learn about themselves and the world. They are afraid of many things besides death. And they do things because they don’t know right from wrong or wrong from right. Another issue is their body changing quickly, children can’t keep up with their body changes and sometimes they don’t know what changes but they feel different. Parents have to explain to them what changes and why they are changing. Change can cause aggression. Having a new brother or sister? Missing an old toy? Being treated differently? These are some of the changes that affect a child’s growth. Parents have to keep re-introducing their children to change and show them that it is okay and natural. They must show them that the world is full of changes and what to accept because not every change is good. It has been studied that boys' milestone change is when their balls dropped no later than age 6. Most boys become aggressive and devious. They begin a life of crime and start taking whatever they want. They begin wandering and ignoring and even fighting their parents. They begin attacking their siblings. It is like their body and mind are in outrage because they are growing up and changing. Some boys don’t go this extreme until puberty starts and some are in the middle of puberty. The way to stop this is to spend time with the child and try to understand their world. You must have meaningful fireside chats about their behavior and you must coordinate your response with a direct punishment. Even if you have to begin showing the punishment for bad behavior and set timeframes of when the child ought to be back home, no parenting is perfect. It’s a give-and-take relationship if the parent is giving more and receiving less respect then give less for less. Eventually, the child is going to ask for more and then you can make them earn their place in the world. Girls start puberty early around age 9 and that is when they may become devious and divisive. Girls require the freedom of owning things while boys require the freedom of doing things. And this may vary with genes and parenting, you must show them that you can be fearless and strong. And let them know who rules the house because when parents give up authority, their child gladly takes the place and will rule the household. Parents must never give up that much authority, a strong hand does not have to be stern all the time. It can be swift with judgment and concentrating on responsibility and accountability. It has been recommended that teaching boys about strength and introducing them to exercising and sports can dramatically change their perspective and strengthen their manhood. For example, they can start from watching television and listening on the radio to playing with siblings and friends to actively playing in school sports. It has been recommended that teaching girls about beauty and introducing them to role models can dramatically change their perspectives and womanhood. For example, that represents the woman you want them to become and have them imitate the smart part of them. Then the vice versa training, where boys get introduced to beauty and girls get to introduced to strength, girls and boys need to know that they will become women and men having mates and changing the world together. Hopefully, this helps end the epidemic in society. As we continually materialize. We must not forget every place at the table of society. We must forge a new generation of changers, world changers from the beginning. And they don’t all have to be geniuses, they just have to be themselves and make a difference in the lives of their society.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Families
The Legend of Bourgnew
Way back in the days of where horseback riding was prevalent. There stood a kingdom apart from other kingdoms, it was the kingdom of Bourgnew. Bourgnew was a land of wonder and awe built by the ideology that people should be given freedom to be who they want to be. A beautiful semi-island land near the coast in the Atlantic Ocean, the people yearned for a king to complete their ambition of building an empire. Gaius' father could not become king because he created a distance within the people. He did not know how to bridge the gap of division. All he knew was the past, so he married a princess-like woman from the other parts of Bourgnew. Gaius’ mother, was very peculiar and witty. She too could not separate herself from her people and this troubled her authority. Both of Gaius’ parents hoped in him to bring together the people of Bourgnew. When Gaius was nine years old, they forced him upon a horse to get him comfortable with being king. Gaius remembered how frightful and terrified he was of horses. His parents told him that he only has to sit upon the horse for a little while. He did and he felt compassion for the animal. He was driven to be curious about horses. Although he never rode another one in his childhood, as Gaius grew up he forgotten about what he learned on horses and his compassion. He became determined with being king. He would not hang around anyone who would belittle him. He would easily fight over his crown, which would be given to him on his 18th birthday. His father was proud of him and boasting to those who doubted him. Gaius proved that the kingdom can be united and strong. His will reflected that of power and unity. His mother secretly worried that the power might get to his head. She sought to give him a wife to level his thinking. At first, Gaius rebelled against his mother and his father supported him. He would spend all his time with women who loved him for his power and prestige. He would dine and wine every beautiful woman in the kingdom. His mother after years of toils, gave his father an ultimatum. His father requested to see Gaius and he drove him to choose a wife. He told him that he was born to unite the kingdom and bring unity to our people. He told him that he cannot keep messing around with women who will break our unity. And if he is to become king, he must rule with a conscience. Gaius understood and obeyed, he promised on his 16th Birthday but it happened that he got lost in unknown territory. He could hear the wolves gathering from the distance and he cut himself as he ran with the sword. He cried in agony. At the same time, a sire got loose from its master running briskly toward Gaius. The wolves were gaining on Gaius as he bandaged his wound. And as soon as the wolves were approaching sensing fear and smelling blood. The sire kicked and charged each wolf wounding them severely after the wolves scatter, the sire bow and lower its back so Gaius could get on. The sire’s master finally caught up with the sire. The sire’s master bows to Gaius and he asked for the horse. The Sire’s master asked Gaius for a price and he said that he would be given a place in the kingdom and be well taken care of if he let the sire be his horse. The sire’s master guided the sire with Gaius on him. And when Gaius came into the city of Adlu, he was hailed as king and cheered as the sire’s master proclaimed his legend. Gaius returned to the compassionate son for horses. His mother and father told him to honor his promise to marry a woman who would unite the kingdom. Gaius had one requirement that the sire must approve of her first, so they held a banquet for women of the kingdom. Gaius did not know which woman but he hesitates with the sire to see which one he liked and preferred. He would crouch upon his humble throne while petting his sire. Each woman explained why they liked horses and they told of their experience. Many came but many followed because they lied and tried to mislead the future king. After many days and weeks, the sire led Gaius on a journey to a village that he knew, where he would meet a fair lady. Gaius followed and he was surprised at the sire’s pick. The maiden was lovely and her face glow. Even though she did not have any princess-like clothing, she enthralled the king to be that he did not wait to ask for her hand in marriage. However, the maiden did not exactly approve of the king to be. Gaius was hurt and stay awhile at the local inn. The sire persistently woos the maiden and she talked her doubt over days until finally the king-to-be gave her a golden flower. And Gaius was on his way home until she said, wait. She thought that because he was the king to be that he would set her aside and never noticed her. She asked for forgiveness. The music of the villagers interrupted the conversation and the sire chuckled. The sire pushed Gaius and the maiden to dance. And after that brief instance together, they kissed and the sire laughed. Gaius told the maiden that he must be returned home immediately to tell his parents. And they rushed through the forest without hesitation. Gaius’ parents were excited and relieved to see him and they asked who he brought with him. Gaius said his wife and he explained how he did not know how to be a leader. He did not know how to be a friend until the sire came. He learned to be a man and fight with heart and that is what he brings to the kingship. And this fair maiden is the sweetest woman he knows. She loves beyond division and seeks true love and unity. She like my mother and I am like my father. We are one and we are united and ready to bind the wounds of this kingdom and move forward in anew faith. Bourgnew rose to new heights and freedom became its motto. With the king ready to lead and his kingdom awaiting their destiny, the empire is ready to established unity.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Fiction
The Dread of Saint Martin
As the eyes of a soldier from Saint Martin, I saw this slave girl who I liked. She was pretty with beautiful dark brown eyes. She had a curvy shape. I thought she was too young but I heard it deep in her voice, her maturity. Her parents were way back in Africa when the slave traders came to their village. She remembered her father giving his life for her mother and her. Her mother resisted being alone with her because she needed protection. Her father had to force her mother to leave and hideaway. Her father was able to stop an approaching trader and the fight went on for a while. Her mother was able to flee to the mountains. And all she knew was a gunshot and a scream that could be heard a mile away. Her mother was alone with her for days and she hoped that the slave traders were gone. She began searching for food and water. She found a nearby village that had not yet been ravaged. They gave us both shelter and food. We stood there by the shores for months and months. Everything seems normal and fine. And we forgot about the slave traders and then out of nowhere the village was under siege. My mother was tired of running and force me to leave. She gave me enough supplies but the village was surrounded and I could not escape. They made me and my mother and the men and the women of the village stripped to nothing while they examined us with guns. The same day that they caught us was the same day that they chained us from head to toe. And within a week, they had us travel together through the forest to the shore. Some old women begun to chant, I did not know all the words but from the time I spent there. Their language was not too different than our own from the village where I was born. We chanted the same words day and night and it grew louder until the slave traders forced us to silence. Every time we stop walking in chains in our day's journey, the slave traders would set up camps keeping us highly guarded against wild beasts. My father told me once that only the people of the land understand the fierce and viciousness of the beasts. We heard some slave traders and even though we did not understand their language. Some of them sound very frightened of the African nights, I was hoping that we would be freed. Their dogs were always watchers and they had a bunch of them sleeping outside. They would howl every night if they see something. Sometimes the beasts would approach the dogs, the dogs provided enough distraction for the slaveholders to kill the beasts. The slave traders began teaching the young how to speak their language so they could communicate with the rest of the people. They would have the young to interpret what the head slave trader was saying. They warned anyone of us that if we try to escape we would be caught and bound further. They stated that we would be in chains until we are sold and have new masters. And that this is the last time, we would see this land and be free. Then the other slave traders celebrated being at the shore, they asked the young women to dance with them and they gave them a little more food. They then would take them away just a little further being them back after a while. I never approached because I was so young and not a woman yet. Our women would come back crying and confused. They would only tell their close relatives. My mother approach by a slave trader who wanted her. However, the head slave trader made her a slave under his cook and the approaching slave trader could not touch her. Onboard, some of the men slaves were bound to help the ship sail, they had to pull the ship to the waters with guns aimed at their heads. The slave traders would alternate with weapons. Many became diseased with the lack of hygiene and water. Bodies of children and older people were unchained and dump into the ocean. This happened over the months that it took for the voyage to Saint Martin. Some of the children I had known and they were good to me. Some of the older people were welcoming and friendly but their lives were cut short by the crowd and diseases that the slave traders brought. Most of the time, slaves ate little food, scabies of food, and the rest of a meal that the slave traders did not want. And most of the time, they ate the same food every day. The men slaves were almost exhausted in the trip to Saint Martin, so the slave traders celebrated they would free some of the women slaves and give them a little wine in their ship rooms then they would bring in a men slave after they were done with them. We heard the women screaming and yelling and harsh speaking their native language but it did not matter the actions happened as if certain. The pregnant slave women were forced to clean and cook on the ship. As the ship moved closer to the shore, it cracked everybody had to get off quickly otherwise they would be engulfed by the rising tide. My mother refused to exit and she was lost in the ship as with other slaves who could not escape. I cried like a baby because I was alone. And the head slave trader was angry about the ship and that he lost hundreds of slaves even so thousands to Saint Martin. Nevertheless, he made us all stand on the block preparing us to be sold. He said, "For all slaves remaining on this island, they would be forced to work until they are sold and accounted for." I've been working on this wall with the others for most of my time here. It has no purpose but to divide. My life has been used to satisfy the wants and needs of a slave driver. My people's blood and lives have been shed for this wall. If you come to rescue me then I will give you my all. For I have nothing, no family, no friends, only the little life I have left. And the soldier made her his slave to save her from the dread of Saint Martin.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Fiction
When Harry Met Sally
Harry was working 9 to 5 in his office as usual. He could not figure out why his life was an upheaval. All he knew was work and he did not know how to get out of this world. With his eyes heavy on the computer and doing nothing but the usual every day. He was the only one in the workplace who did not take regular breaks. Work was his life and life was work. And one day he was invited by some young guys at work to go out, they wanted to personally get to know their boss. At first, he refused but after a sad birthday, he took the offer in the City of Lights, Paris, France. Harry wanted to see the places first and whatever, whoever caught his eyes that is where he and the guys would go at. So they looked and looked on the weekend. The young guys cheered and jeered at the young women gently but Harry was not buying it. Until in the sunset he saw this braying beauty walk from the beach into an upcoming bar, she shines in the sun. And Harry told all the other guys that's his and he would pay for all their drinks if they help get that girl.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Fiction
The Sportsman
Ci was a regular student in high school. He didn't have any brothers or sisters, he was an only child raised by his father. Ci's father had different ambitions for him. He did not like him into sports that much because he thought sports was a waste of time. He wanted Ci to become a doctor or a scientist but Ci's grades weren't up to par. He kept barely passing on his exams and his father thought that he spent too much time in sports. Ci's favorite sport was basketball, wrestling, and football. Ci's father was franked by the coaches of these sports, they begged his father to let him play. The high school coaches went behind the back of Ci's father and made Ci try out their sport in gym class. And when they saw that he was good at all of them, they made him play with the varsity team unofficially.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous4 years ago in Fiction
Toni's Papa Noel Letter
Today class, its that time of year. That time to be joyous, that time to be happy and loving our friends, neighbors and family. Before you leave for this weekend I want you to write a letter to Papa Noel. Let him know what you would like for Christmas. Heart counts and being honest, thankful and caring counts too. Let him know what you are feeling about life and your hopes and dreams. All letters will be going to Papa Noel. Class Dismissed.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous5 years ago in Fiction
Artagus the Oracle
In the times of the Ancient, there was a severe famine. The famine cut through the land like an iron sword. Even the rich in the land, their wealth was quickly drying up. They consulted the king and complained about their situation. The King heard so much that he refused to allow anyone before his presence. He thought it would passed if he continued to ignore it but the famine ate away much of the vegetation. And soon the soldiers begin to argue with their commanders. The commanders complained to the king and the king was much distressed. He felt an overthrow of power might be at hand with his nation. His fathers before him warned of riotous people and uncommon disasters hoping he would wise up to the ocassion before he took the throne. As sole ruler of the land, the King sought numerous requests to the Oracle to tell him a time when the famine will cease. The Oracle predicted that only war can end the famine and that at the hand of a warrior will there be peace in the land. The king tried to plead with the Oracle that he did not want to go to war. His people have not warred since decades and he did not have a plan for battle. The Oracle refused to relent his predictions, so the king made the Oracle stated their prediction in front of the commanders and the wealthy of the land.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous5 years ago in Fiction
