College recognizes faculty authors

Author: Catherine Ahearn

Faculty members who published books in the past year were honored on April 24 at a reception in Special Collections at the Main Library. Eighteen authors were recognized for 24 titles, which were displayed for attendees to browse. The reception formally began when attendees, authors and supporters introduced themselves and said a few words about why they were present.

"I just like to come and see what I'm unaware of - what people have been doing," said Reference and Instruction Librarian Brenda Ellis. "I know about some of these things and I don't know about others so it's great to see them all."

Many, like Charles A. Dana Professor of History of Art and Architecture Kirsten Hoving, joked about their books among their peers.

"I hope it's the first blue book you'll really enjoy reading," Hoving said about her book titled "Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars."

Most of the faculty authors shared stories that allowed attendees to have a bit of insight on their experiences with writing. Professor of Geography Guntram Herb comically spoke about his frustrations while working on the book he edited, "Nations and Nationalism: A Global Historical Overview."

"There were over 150 contributors involved and if any of you have ever dealt with academics - it was like herding cats," Herb said, causing many laughs. "It is most likely something I will never do again. It has been a satisfying project but it is also something that will stay in the past."

Many of the authors treated their scholarship as a way to expand their knowledge and engage audiences.

"Writing is a process of learning, so when I'm writing, I'm typically reading a lot that I've never read before," said Professor of Computer Science Matthew Dickerson.

Dickerson, who co-authored "Narnia and the Fields of Arbol: The Environmental Vision of C.S. Lewis," sought to branch outside of his field.

"I write about what I think is important and what I think I can write about well," said Dickerson. "I'm appreciative of the opportunity to continue to learn. Having finished my Ph.D 20 years ago, I don't have to be a static lump at a desk."

But not every author had his or her focus on academic scholarship. Men's and Women's Squash Coach John Illig spoke about his book, "Man in the Middle: A Continental Trail Through-Hike," which is the last book of a trilogy and a narrative account of Illig's five month hike from the Mexican border to Canada.

"I'm definitely proud of the way the books turned out," Illig said, "and to be able to just come here and stand here in this room is an honor."

The displayed books varied in form as well as subject. Professor of Russian Thomas Beyer published an iPod application and accompanying book titled, "iSpeak Russian Phrasebook." Beyer spoke about the effects technology is having on scholarship and traditional modes of learning, and about his attempts to stay in the game.

"Books and CDs are likely to exist for another 20 years in some format, but new media is already being overshadowed by things like iPhones, iPod Touches and applications," said Beyer.

The reception proved to be a great forum for observing where the scholarship of the College faculty members has taken them, as well as where it is headed.