Jesse Waters' mind works in unusual ways, and that's a good thing for the community. Thanks to his out-of-the-box thinking, the Bowers Writers House at Elizabethtown College has hosted a slew of interesting visitors. There's been Justin Sight, a blind magician who specializes in sleight of hand. Waters has brought in Richard Blanco, Barack Obama's poet laureate. He enticed Peter Mehlman, the head writer of "Seinfeld," to visit.

All of these guests have been perfect choices to come to campus, because although Waters is the director of the Bowers Writers House, the building's name is a bit misleading. "Our mission is to be an interdisciplinary venue for presentations, performances, expression and study," Waters explained. Since becoming the director 12 years ago, he's organized almost 400 events - featuring scientists, artists, historians and more - all of which have been open to the community.

"The only requirement for me when I invite people here is that they are people who have a personal and professional passion," Waters said. He also seeks out guests who are open to meeting with students and members of the community. Typically, guests offer a craft talk and question-and-answer session, often followed by dinner in the house and then a larger event either in the home's great room or in a venue on campus.

Although the Bowers Writers House is located on the Elizabethtown College campus and Waters also teaches courses at the college, its programs are open to anyone. "This is a 'writers house,' but it's an experiential house for everyone in the community," Waters stated. "It's their house."

Several community groups use the house for meetings and events, and Waters wants to collaborate with more local organizations. "If an organization like Kiwanis or the Lions has someone they'd like to bring in, they can let me know, and I'll work to bring them here," he said. The house features space for small group seminars, a full kitchen, offices for students and faculty and a suite for out-of-town guests. It can also be rented out for conferences or other special events.

Waters came to Elizabethtown College as a visiting professor in 2008 and planned to stay for one year. He was asked by the departing college president if he'd be interested in starting a writers house, and despite no experience with one, he jumped at the chance. An award-winning poet and author, Waters visited other writers houses on college campuses to get ideas for how he wanted to run the Bowers Writers House. The house is named for Elizabethtown alumni Kenneth and Rosalie Erb Bowers.

When Waters is not working, he loves to hang out with his dog and cook; before going to college, he worked his way up the ranks in the restaurant industry, eventually becoming an executive chef. However, he's most passionate about the opportunities the Bowers Writers House offers, and he hopes the public will take advantage of the building's programming, noting, "Everything we do is for the community."

For more information on the Bowers Writers House and a list of upcoming events, visit http://www.etown.edu/centers/writershouse.