Erin J. Gruwell
2005 Distinguished Alumna
![2005_da_education_erin_j._gruwell_.jpg Erin J. Gruwell](/sites/default/files/images/2005_da_education_erin_j._gruwell_.jpg)
Erin J. Gruwell
1994, M.A. English;
1993, Single Subject credential in English
The College of Education and Liberal Studies now honors its Distinguished Alumna Erin Gruwell (gru-WELL). She earned her secondary teaching credential in 1993 and her master鈥檚 in English in 1994.
Erin has been the face of 鈥淭he Freedom Writers.鈥 Through the power of writing a book, a group of Wilson High School students who were written off as failures, proceeded to graduate high school and attend college. In the last six years, their inspiring story has been featured in such media as 鈥淥prah,鈥 鈥淕ood Morning America,鈥 鈥淟os Angeles Times,鈥 National Public Radio, and 鈥淐osmopolitan.鈥 A film adaptation of 鈥淭he Freedom Writers Diary鈥 starring Hilary Swank as Erin is projected for release in 2006.
鈥淭he Freedom Writers Diary鈥 was selected as Long Beach Reads One Book in 2004, where she and her students spoke at dozens of schools, libraries and community venues. Their other speaking engagements has taken them across the nation at over 500 events.
For her work, Erin has won numerous educational and humanitarian awards and media accolades. The 黑料网 Distinguished Teacher in Residence is the founder and president of the Erin Gruwell Education Project, a non-profit organization that assists her former students through college.
From Alumni Awards 2005 program