1. Announcements
A very special kudos to English Department graduates, the humblingly undeterrable and indefatigable Erick Gallegos, BA in Literature and Creative Writing, and the phenomenal mother/daughter duo, Dana Cobern Kullman, B.A. in Literature, and Ilyse Kullman, B.A. in Literature and Art, for being three of the seven featured graduates in this year’s commencement festivities. Read all about them at http://csuntoday.csun.edu/media-releases/determination-hard-work-for-cal-state-northridges-newest-graduates/. They are impressive.
And kudos, as well, to the following recipients of this spring’s English Department Awards:
Nina Moon Ahn: the Anamarie Peterson Morley Award, given each spring to a student currently enrolled as an English major at CSUN, who plans to enter the teaching profession at any level.
Chelsy Berry: the Lesley Johnstone Memorial Award, given to an undergraduate CSUN student who is the author of the best written work on some aspect of the natural world or environment.
Freddy Garcia: the Linda Nichols Joseph English Merit Scholarship, awarded each year to up to four undergraduate English majors who have demonstrated excellence in their studies (one of two given in spring 2013)
Eun Hae (Jennifer) Lee: the William L. Wilson Award, given each year to an undergraduate major in English who plans to teach at the secondary level.
Danielle Orozco: the Linda Nichols Joseph English Merit Scholarship, awarded each year to up to four undergraduate English majors who have demonstrated excellence in their studies (one of two given in spring 2013)
Trista Payte: the Professor Mitchell Marcus Prize in English, given each year to the graduate student whose achievements in the study of English are considered by the faculty as the most distinguished.
Sean Pessin: the Mahlon Gaumer Award, given to a CSUN graduate student who is the author of the best critical essay on English or American literature-with an emphasis on the use of language.
Laurisa Reyes: the George Morley/Annamarie Peterson Scholarship Award, given each spring to a student, currently enrolled as an English major at CSUN, who demonstrates the need for financial support to continue his or her studies.
Gina Srmabekian: the Henry Van Slooten award, given to any student in English 258, English 259, English 275, or English 355 who has written an essay (open topic) that best demonstrates “a passion for the English language.”
Nicolas Wheaton: The Philip E. Love English 205 Scholarship, given each year to the student whose achievements in the study of Business Communication are considered by the faculty as the most distinguished.
We are proud and pleased for these students, and for all our graduates, who make teaching at CSUN a true pleasure and honor. And we’d also like to note that the competition this year for the various rewards was especially keen, and to thank all the faculty who took the time to nominate students and write letters on behalf of their students.
On a sadder note, Ian Barnard will be on leave of absence next year while taking on a teaching and research opportunity at Chapman University. Surely we will miss him, but wish him the best of luck.
And in case you missed it, the Critical Theory Club had a wildly successful final event of the year — Critical Theory “Death Match” on The Dark Knight Rises with Drs. Ranita Chatterjee and Charles Hatfield, which by all accounts went swimmingly. There were about 45-50 people in attendance and fun was had by all, with debate style presentations and a lively group discussion with students with students not only from the English department, but from all over campus! What a way to end the year!
2. Reminders
Finals started on May 13 and run through the 18th, and grades are due 5 working days after you give the final. The very last day to turn in grades is Friday May 24 at noon. We’ll spend the afternoon here on the 24th tidying up any issues that arise (there are always a few of us who forget to hit “submit” after completing the roster, for example!) It’s extremely helpful for the staff for you to get your grades in as soon as you can.
Here’s another warning that parking could be tough next week. Remember to plan extra time to find parking and/or arrive at work early. The most impacted parking areas will be the “B” lots and structures between Darby and Etiwanda avenues. If your normal parking area is not available, consider main campus parking areas away from the Commencement ceremony at that time, such as the “G” lots on the east side of campus, the D6 lot along Halstead Street, and the large lots north of the University Park Apartments along Lassen Street. And if you do find yourself in a trying situation, maybe think of it as an opportunity to develop greater empathy for our students.