Distinguished Alumnus of the Year David Ebershoff '87 lends his ear and voice at Poly

This fall Poly had the distinct honor to welcome author and editor David Ebershoff ’87 to campus for an inspiring visit as the most recent winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award. With four of his own highly successful books, including “The Danish Girl,” which became an Academy Award-winning film, and the New York Times bestseller “The 19th Wife,” David also has a remarkable editing career. In 2013, he became the first editor to edit the winners of the Pulitzer Prize in fiction and history in the same year, and books he has edited have received numerous other accolades, including the National Book Award, additional Pulitzer Prizes, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and Oprah’s Book Club.

Whether poring over work by Capote, Mailer, or a breakout novelist, David has demonstrated an ear for authentic voice, which he offered to Poly Upper School students in classes taught by Grace Hamilton and Cynthia Crass. The young writers also sat rapt as David told of his path and process since his own days at Poly. The particular acclaim David has received as an LGBTQ writer encouraged students in Poly’s Queer-Straight Alliance to invite him for a discussion over lunch; and in the evening, fellow alumni, friends, and current and former faculty joined in a dinner celebration in David’s honor. Throughout the day, David’s love of language and the power of writing was crystal clear.

The editors-in-chief of The Paw Print had an opportunity to interview David for their publication. See the interview.