More than 400 guests attended the star-studded
20th annual Authors Luncheon sponsored by Mercer University Press on Dec. 12.

Four all-star presenters wowed the audience: New York Times bestselling author, Mercer alumna and Trustee Nancy Grace; New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Stockett; popular author, priest and professor Barbara Brown Taylor; and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins, who read several of his poems, including “The Lanyard” and “Litany.” Guests were able to purchase autographed copies of books from the featured authors as well as Russell S. Bonds, Melissa Conroy, William S. Duffey Jr., Richard A. Schneider, John Ferling, Lauretta Hannon, James L. Hunt, Philip Lee Williams and Virginia Willis.

A painting by nationally celebrated artist Steve Penley, who attended the luncheon, was auctioned for $8,000; all proceeds went to Mercer University Press.

Luncheon attendees included singer-songwriter Eugene Ruffolo, Georgia House Minority Leader Rep. DuBose Porter, Georgia Supreme Court Justice George Carley, Georgia Insurance Commissioner and Mercer alumnus John Oxendine, painter Steve Penley, and Mercer alumnus and author Dr. Ferrol Sams.

In addition to the 20th anniversary of the Authors Luncheon, this year marked the 30th Anniversary of Mercer University Press.