Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

In the Spotlight: Margaret Benshaw ’11

Margaret Benshaw ’11 earned her bachelor's degree in English literature with certification in secondary education at Lycoming College. Today, Maggie is a creative writing teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools and was recently named the next poet laureate of the City of Annapolis.

1. What made you choose to attend Lycoming College?

Having grown up in Williamsport, actually on Union Avenue — hearing the roars and booms from Lyco football games my entire childhood — I honestly never thought I would attend Lycoming College. But once I toured the campus and actually saw and felt the tight-knit community there, I knew my experience at Lyco would be memorable. I was also drawn to smaller colleges and wasn't interested in attending a large university with hundreds of thousands of students.

2. What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Lycoming College?

This is tough! As a member of CAB and an RA, I always enjoyed my time with those classmates and friends. I had so much fun working with Larry Mannolini and planning events to bring to campus!
I also loved late night breakfasts during finals week. I never missed out on those! Oh…and Chef Nate’s cornbread!

3. How has your education at Lycoming College influenced or helped you in your life and career?

The tight-knit community and positive relationships that students had with professors at Lycoming is something that I try to recreate with my students in my classroom. Creating positive relationships with my students has helped them grow into better students and become more confident individuals.

4. What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from Lycoming in which your education really played a role?

1) Creative writing teacher for the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program at Annapolis High School, Annapolis, Md., and 2) poet laureate for the City of Annapolis, Md. (2021-2023) [read more here].

5. What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow Lycoming alumni?

Don’t be afraid to take a leap! Push yourself or you’ll never know how great you can be.

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.