Pacific Mourns Acclaimed Writer, MFA Professor Katherine Dunn

Internationally acclaimed author Katherine Dunn, a professor in the Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program, has died at age 70.

The Portland writer was a National Book Award finalist and author of the best-selling novel, Geek Love. In addition to her fiction and poetry, Dunn also wrote about boxing and a number of other topics. Her work appeared in such publications as the Paris Review, New York Times, Los Angeles Times and many others.

“Katherine Dunn was a shining star, an incredible intellect, and a fine human being,” said Shelley Washburn, director of the MFA in Writing Program. “This is a great, great loss to our program and to the world.”  

Private funeral arrangements have been made by Dunn's family.