Lockport Public Library | John S. Koplas Memorial Lecture Series

John S. Koplas Memorial Lecture Series
The family and friends of John Koplas established this Memorial Lecture Series through the Lockport Public Library to honor his devotion to teaching and to celebrate his lifelong passion for learning.
The family would like to express its appreciation for all contributions which established the John S. Koplas lecture series. For continued support of this memorial, please contact the Lockport Public Library.

JOHN KOPLAS graduated from Niagara University with a B.A. in accounting and a M.A. in English. He taught at Lockport High School from 1959 until 1987, and his love for the written word was evident in both his English classes and his personal collection of books. He helped found the Lockport Schools Federal Credit Union, where he remained active on the organization's Board of Directors.

After retirement, Koplas was still actively teaching literature courses at Niagara University, Niagara County Community College, and local community classes at Kenan Center and the Lockport Public Library. Koplas was not only a beloved teacher, he was also a student of the global community who never passed up a chance to travel. His travels include a sabbatical year spent in Canterbury, England, numerous Elderhostel programs, and trips to Europe. His standard of excellence and love of teaching and learning leave a valuable legacy not only for his students but also to his family, friends, and the Lockport community.

Past lectures:

October 2009: Joyce Carol Oates, one of our country's most prolific and versatile contemporary writers. With a writing career that spans 25 years, she is the author of more than 70 books, including novels, short story collections, poetry volumes, plays, literary criticism, and essays.
Selected works by Joyce Carol Oates