A number of University of Windsor instructors and graduates are among the featured authors and presenters during BookFest Windsor, which runs October 15 to 18 in the Capitol Theatre.

Former writer-in-residence Nino Ricci—recipient of a 2012 honorary doctorate—will launch his new book, Sleep, during a grand opening Thursday.

English professor Karl Jirgens, editor and publisher of Rampike magazine, will launch the journal’s final edition on Friday.

On Saturday:

• professor emerita Susan Gold Smith and alumna Collette Broeders of the visual arts program will conduct an interactive book art project;
• psych grad Robin Greenall will moderate a studio for writers for young readers; professor Stephen Pender will preside over a Poetry Café;
• author Vanessa Shields (BA 2002) will present the winners of a student writing contest;
• a panel on editing and peer review will feature drama professor Erica Stevens Abbitt, librarian Dave Johnston and alumnus Cal Murgu;
• former writer-in-residence Judith Fitzgerald will discuss her latest collection of poems, Impeccable Regret, with professor Tom Dilworth;
• Sara Elliott (BSc 1997) will moderate a panel discussion entitled “Confidence isn’t necessarily Harmless”;
• French professor Judith Sinanga-Ohlman will lead a conversation on Traduction et histoires; and
• cartoonist-in-residence Scott Chantler joins David Collier, Josef Bastian and Mariko Tamaki for “Aspects of the Book: Graphic Arts.”

Resident writing professional Marty Gervais will act as master of ceremonies for a brunch Sunday at the Canadian Club Heritage Centre, featuring readings by authors including alumnus Michael Januska.

Find more information, including a full festival line-up and ticket information, at bookfestwindsor.com.