© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

From L.A. to Marquette: UP Poet Laureate Andrea Scarpino

Andrea Scarpino photo
Courtesy photo
/
Andrea Scarpino
Andrea Scarpino is Poet Laureate of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Andrea Scarpino of Marquette has been named poet laureate of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Scott Pohl talks with her about her work and life in the U.P.

People who love the Upper Peninsula of Michigan often find inspiration in the natural beauty to be found there. Those who live there celebrate the U.P. in many ways, including one you might not have thought of before: poetry.

Andrea Scarpino is the poet laureate of the Upper Peninsula. She moved to Marquette from Los Angeles about six years ago. That’s a short time compared to lifelong Yoopers, but her work has quickly adapted to her surroundings.

Current State producer Scott Pohl talks with Andrea Scarpino about serving the people of the Upper Peninsula as poet laureate.

Scott Pohl has maintained an on-call schedule reporting for WKAR following his retirement after 36 years on the air at the station.
Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.