All Undergraduate Studies News

English senior Joshua Capodarco has won the College of Liberal Arts Stark Award, which was created based on a generous donation from Dr. Matthew "Matt" Stark, a former professor at the University of Minnesota and former executive director of the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union. The award recognizes a CLA student who has demonstrated "distinguished service, writing, teaching, involvement, or public leadership in one of more of the following areas: civil liberties, civil rights, public education and social justice." The honor is presented annually at the December CLA Commencement Ceremony and carries with it a financial award of $1000. Capodarco has an extensive background in service learning, taught English in Senegal (he wrote about it here), and is currently serving as undergraduate TA for the English course Literature of Public Life. Congratulations Josh!

The Department is pleased to present the first in our 2009-10 eNow!
series on public engagement NEXT MONDAY OCT 5 at 2:30 pm in Lind Hall 207A.

The Publicly Engaged Classroom: Service Learning & Beyond!
English professors Josephine Lee and Ellen Messer-Davidow, PhD alumnus
Mitch Ogden, and long-time English service learning instructor Eric
Daigre (PhD 2001) will discuss and provide models for courses
incorporating service learning components, publicly engaged scholarship,
and other classroom engagement possibilities.

Professor Lee has included service learning components in drama and
Asian American Studies classes. Professor Messer-Davidow has taught such
publicly engaged classes as GWSS 4502/ENGL 4090 Women and Public Policy
and ENGL 1907W Social Texts (to read her syllabi in advance, email
sutt0063@umn.edu). Daigre has taught ENGL 3505/06 Community Learning
Internships since the course was conceived by Daigre and former
professor Tom Augst, as well as ENGL 3741 Literacy and American Cultural
Diversity. Ogden incorporated a service learning component in his
Introduction to Shakespeare course, as a graduate student here.

Join us for chocolates, a glass of wine, and a lively discussion!

Please join the English Department for various discussions and presentations on Public Engagement and Service- Learning. The following link will bring you to dates and times for these events:

Please Welcome International Exchange Students in English studies for 2009-2010: Xu C. (China), Hyoeun C. (Korea), Jeongwon L. (Korea), Maria F. (Austria), Joo Yun L. (Korea), Manuela N. (Austria), Silvio G. (France), and Morgane D. (Belgium). Some are here for fall semester only, others for the full academic year. They are taking a variety of courses in literature, American Studies, ESL, writing, business, and other subjects.

The Undergraduate Studies Office in the Department of English would like to welcome three new student staff members to its office for the 09-10 Academic Year.

Both Raven H. and Moira P. are working as peer advisors. They are excited and eager to work with our staff and with students! Stop by Lind Hall 227 to meet Raven and Moira and ask them any questions you have about the Department or yours courses.

We would also like to welcome Emily C. as our Research Assistant!

We are thankful to have such great students working with us this semester. Remember to stop by Lind Hall 227 anytime to schedule an advising appointment or just talk with our students and staff.

Are you a creative writer? Have you been published? Now is your chance.

Shooting Star is now open and looking for submissions of creative work. Shooting star is an online journal that is looking to publish undergraduate students' creative work in all genres. Shooting Start is particularly interested in genre-bending creative works!

Are you interested in submitting? You can send all submissions to fusemn@gmail.com.

You can visit Shooting Star's website by following this link

Have you been abroad? Are you currently abroad? Now is your chance to tell everyone about your experience abroad.

The English Department is proud to sponsor a new blog entitled Tales from the Road Tales from the Road is an online resources for undergraduate English majors, minors and International students to contribute creative works pertaining to their experience "abroad." We are now accepting student submissions of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and all other genres that pertain to students international experience.

Did we mention that we are hosting a contest with a grand prize? All students that turn in submissions by May 6th will be entered into a contest to be judged for one of three prizes. The top literary submissions (as judged by our office) will receive a $50 gift card to the University of Minnesota book store. Two runner-up prizes will be given to second and third place submissions (this time its a $15 gift card to the University of Minnesota book store.)

Are you interested? You can find more information by visiting the website Tales from the Road Please send any questions concerning submission guidelines to englmaj@umn.edu with "Tales from the Road questions" in the subject line.

We encourage all current undergraduates with experience abroad to submit!

The winners of this year's Academy of American Poets James Wright Prize are Shantha Susman and Katie Leo. Both Shantha and Katie are current graduate students here in the Department of English!

Congratulations Shantha and Katie!

Shantha was awared the prize for her two poems "Franklin" and "Umbilicus" and Katie was selected for her two poems "Miss Saigon Wants a Well-deserved Vacation" and "Oppenheimer Dreams and Island."

The judge was poet Kathleen Jesme. Jesme is the author of three booksof poetry:
The Plum-Stone Game - 2009 from Ahsahta Press
Motherhouse, 2005, winner of the 2004 Lena-Miles Wever Todd Poetry Prize from Pleiades Press
Fire Eater - 2003 from University of Tampa Press.

Have you had your creative work published recently? Whether it was in an online journal, literary magazine, etc., you should feel proud of your work!

We are interested in recognizing students with published work by posting their information on our website! If you have had your work published within the last year please send an e-mail to englmaj@umn.edu with "Student publications" in the subject line and outline what you published, where you published it (please include a link to the online resources if available) along with your year in school, major(s) and minor(s) and full name.

We look forward to hearing from all of our accomplished writers!

Congratulations to English Major Mark Brenden for being published in the online literary magazine Pike Magazine! Mark had a short piece of fiction published in April's installment of Pike Magazine. Check his story entitled "Until the Dancer Comes in a Short Short Dress" by clicking on this link.

Mark's work has been described as "dotted with fresh adverbs and adjectives, a talent for which must be attributed to more than simply one's native land."

Congratulations to Mark (yet again) for his success, courage and drive!

---

Have you ever heard of Pike Magazine? Pike Magazine is an online literary magazine created and run by University of Minnesota English alumnus Brooks Doherty! Brook's work, along with Mark's story, are just a few great examples of what English majors can do with their education!

Are you a creative writer too? You can submit works for publication by visiting Pike Magazine's website and clicking on the "Submit your Pike Art."

The Fellowship of Undergraduate Students of English (FUSE) is looking for new leadership for next year's group. Have you always thought of yourself as a leader but haven't had the time to get involved with FUSE? Now is your chance. FUSE is accepting applications from any undergraduate English major or minor that is interested in leadership. You can find a list of the officer positions below:

All Officer Duties
-Regular attendance of FUSE meetings is required. There are approximately 10-15 meetings per semester (negotiable based on class or prior obligations). Officers should be involved or up to date in some shape or form.

-Attendance of Officer meetings at designated by the president (maybe once a month or 3-4 times per semester).

Individual Officer Duties Breakdown
President:
-Collaborate with other officers to make sure tasks are being accomplished.
-Coordinate officer meetings.
-Support/problem solve and oversee tasks
-Oversee the election of new officers for following year
-Maintain contact with English Department as needed for collaboration on activities including Book Exchange or other projects.

Event Coordinator:
-Create and implement events for FUSE
-Coordinate set up/take down for each event
-Work with PR officer to make sure event is well advertised.
-Events can include but are not limited to: FUSE movie nights, workshops, live performance attendance, etc.

Meeting Manager:
-Schedule meeting time and place for weekly Fuse meetings.
-Help guide discussion and topics of meetings.

Public Relations/Marketing:
-Market student group by creating fliers or other forms of advertising.
-Manage Facebook group, blog, and e-mail list.
-Work with all other officers to get information about FUSE programs that should be included in all forms of communication.

Additional Officer (as needed)
-Assist in any tasks needed from other officers.
-Participate in idea generation.
-Help fill in for roles when others are unable to.

To Apply
-Turn in a list of ALL positions that you are interested as well as a paragraph detailing your interest in the position as well as why you think you would do well at this position.
-Please include your name, e-mail, and phone number.
-Applications can be turned in to Stephen or Josh at FUSE meetings or in Lind 227.
-Applications are due by April 24th at 4pm.

Are you interested in FUSE? You can check them out by visiting http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=17727084512.

Warda G.!!! Warda is a junior double-majoring in English and African American and African Studies. She has been involved in community work through Jane Addams School for Democracy and Bryant Coyle Center. Warda has also been and active participant in the Al-Madina Cultural Center. Thank you Warda for your commitment to excellence and we hope that you continue your studies and community engagement!

Here is what she has to say about getting involved:

• Why is it important to you to get involved?

It is a great way to discover myself. Getting involved in the Twin Cities area has helped me see the diversity of this community and how I can both learn from it and contribute to it.

• How has getting involved changed your education?

Getting involved has broadened my frame of reference. Being a participant at Jane Addams School has changed what I thought of learning and teaching. The cross-cultural discussions and the diverse participant I have met there have influenced my decision to major in English literature and African Studies. I am also planning to study abroad in Kenya Fall 2009 and hopefully that experience will be useful in shaping my senior thesis as well as relating what I have learned here in the US to that part of the world where I come from.

• Has getting involved changed your career path?

Yes. When I transferred to the University of MN I was registered as Political Science major, during orientation I was with a group of CLA-English majors and I spent my first year taking Biology, Society and Environment major requirements and I did not know exactly what I would do with any of this! Working with Jane Addams School for Democracy and Brian Coyle Center has helped me understand my potential and set attainable goals. I still have not decided on exactly what I want to be, but being involved has helped me see what that could look like. I am hoping my experience in Kenya next fall will continue to influence my interests and lead to fulfilling career.

• What suggestions do you have for other students that are interested in getting involved?

Community Engagement Scholars Program (CESP) is a great program that helps you make the most out of volunteering. Talk to your professors or professors from your major, it’s a great way to find out major related areas that you can get involved in.

Thank you again Warda! Do you think you have what it takes to be next Month's Engaged English Scholar of the Month? Talk to one of your English professors and ask them to nominate you for this recognition. Also, you can contact Josh Capodarco (capod001@umn.edu) if you feel that you should be nominated but you can't find a professor. We look forward to hearing from all of you doing great community work.

FUSE is sponsoring a Book Exchange in Lind Hall 227. What, you may ask, is a book exchange? Simply put: Take a book, leave a book. Got any books you don't want anymore? Don't throw it away, put it in the book exchange box in Lind Hall 227 and check out the shelf in Lind Hall 226 for books that you might want in exchange (it's so literal!).

Now that Spring Break is over and you've had the chance to reflect on your semester (right?) why not look into some interesting things happening in the English Department this semester?

As always, the Fellowship of Undergraduate Students of English meets every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Coffman Union. Plus, on March 31st FUSE will be powering a special MOVIE NIGHT. FUSE will be showing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (a film adaptation of Ken Kesey's famous novel) in Coffman 305. This showing is open to all students. Come for some snacks, some drinks and some Jack Nicholson! You can find more information by visiting FUSE's website.

Also, if you haven't already you might want to look into attending one of the Chair Search talks. This is your chance to get your voice heard about what the Department will look like in following years. Please contact Rebecca Aylesworth for more information regarding this opportunity.

As always, one of the best ways to get involved and meet staff and faculty is by attending events within the Department. One event that might interested potential writers is the event Celebrating New Books by English Faculty. This is your chance to meet with professors such as Maria Damon, Ray Gonzalez, Timothy Brennan and more! You can find more information by clicking on the following link here

On Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 the Undergraduate Studies office hosted Cross-Cultural Ties: Students bringing the world together. This was a panel discussion geared at international and intercultural engagement. Students that attended had a chance to hear from Professors with experience abroad, Undergraduate students with experience abroad and International Students that are now studying in the U.S.

Panel members spoke about how their experience has changed their life and perspective! For example, on panel member said "the greatest thing about study abroad is that it does give you a new perspective on the world...it gives you a critical perspective. When you come back from abroad you can become a better citizen." This was just one of many amazing insights and suggestions that panelists expressed.

Many panelists suggested that international experience was essential for understanding your own role in our global system!

Do you want to know how you can get involved? You can always visit the Learning Abroad Center for more information about traveling abroad. Also, you can experience many cultures right here in the Twin Cities. Through service experience you can work with diverse communities without leaving the state. For service learning opportunities and volunteering you can visit the Career and Community Learning Center.

Thank you to all of our panelists for their knowledge and insight. We hope to hear from other English majors with their experience abroad and in Minneapolis.

If you would like to share your story about your international experience, or your experience here at the U please send an e-mail to Josh C. (capod001@umn.edu). Also, if you would like more information regarding the event please send an e-mail to Josh C.

On Thursday, February 26th, Students met with Study Abroad Alumni, Professors and Learning Abroad Center staff to learn more about the Study Abroad Process. In case you missed this event here is a run down of information you'll need to know.

If you're interested in Study Abroad you'll want to visit the Learning Abroad Center to learn more about where, when and how you can go!

If you are unsure where you want to go, and you may be scared about going for a full semester, you might be interested in a Global Seminar. Global seminars are 3 week long programs that introduce you to an geographic area, its culture and its language. Just a few examples include:

Global Seminar in Montpellier France (no previous experience in French required!)
Global Seminar in Grenada Spain (no previous experience in Spanish required!)
Global Seminar in New Zealand
Global Seminar in Dubai
Global Seminar in China

Also, you can prepare for a short trip through SPAN. SPAN helps you to design research abroad!

Also, here is what a few students have to say about studying abroad:

Allie R. "Learn as much about the program and the city you want to go to. That way you can make the most of it!"

Atoni T. "The year I spent abroad was the best experience of my life, the best year of my life."

Jeff. B. "The time I spent abroad was the best time of my life! I got to see amazing sights, travel to Ireland and France, and absorb new cultures all while earning course credit!"

Sam O. "My time abroad was life changing and enormously fulfilling. The relationships I developed and the experiences I had will be with me forever."

If you still have more questions about how you can study abroad, you can always visit your academic adviser!

The English Department Graduate Student Organization is holding a book sale! The Book Sale begins on Thursday, February 26th 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Lind Hall 1.

A rock bottom economy means rock bottom prices! Paperbacks are selling for 50 cents. Hardcovers and Anthologies for $1. And they said you can't get anything for a dollar.

Also, a special bag sale will occur from Noon to 2:00 p.m: All you can fit into one bag for 2 dollars!

Read your way through the recession! Stock up on cheap books.

The Undergraduate Studies Office in the Department of English is excited to host two new events this semester!

On Thursday, February 26th between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. the English Department is sponsoring In Pursuit of Study Abroad Info Fair! This event will occur in Nolte 140 and will include free Mesa Pizza, drinks and snacks from Holy Land. The Learning Abroad Center will also be hosting a First Step Meeting during this time. Students will also be able to meet with Study Abroad Alumni, Professors with experience abroad and Learning Abroad Center members to go over all the logistics.

On Tuesday, March 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The English Department is sponsoring Cross Cultural Ties: Students Bringing the World Together. This will occur in Rapson Hall 56. This is your chance to listen to a panel discussion focusing on intercultural engagement in the English Department. Study Abroad Alumni, International Students and professors will all talk about their experiences! Free food and drinks will be provided!

If you were unable to attend the UROP meeting last Thursday, then you missed some amazing presenters (Thanks again!) and some fabulous Pizza Luce (Support local businesses!). Unfortunatly, we cannot recap the Pizza Luce experience. However, we can fill you in on some of the important details that you missed!

The submission deadline for UROP proposals is Monday, March 2, 2009. A great source for information, as well as the application, is available on the UROP website: http://www.urop.umn.edu/. Rebecca Rassier, the CLA UROP coordinator, who spoke at the panel, is a great resource for answers to questions and help along the path towards the application process. She can be contacted at rassi003@tc.umn.edu.

Dr. Donald Ross, who has worked with several English students in the past on UROPs and is in the process of working with another student on a UROP currently, spoke about how to approach professors as potential faculty advisors. Before you submit your UROP proposal, you have to have a faculty advisor that approves your proposal and has agreed to work with you. Dr. Ross cautioned against being afraid of cold-calling professors. It is all right to approach a professor about working with you on a UROP that you have never had a course with as long as the topic that you want to explore directly coincides with the professors own personal research – the more recent the better. Dr. Ross suggested checking the English faculty page (or the faculty page of any humanities professor) to see if their research compliments the work that you want to do in your UROP proposal. It may also be a good idea to have written your three-page topic proposal before you meet with your potential faculty, so that they have something concrete to approve. It is advisable to do a UROP on a topic matter that you have studied in at least one previous course. This will greatly strengthen your UROP application.

Sara Cohen, Josh C, and Adam Schrag spoke about the opportunities available through the Voices from the Gaps website, which is currently being remodeled. It’s an exciting time to get involved with VG, which specializes in researching the often underrepresented multicultural feminine voices of the 21st century. If this sounds exciting to you, contact Sara Cohen cohen224@umn.edu, Josh C capod001@umn.edu, or Adam Schrag atschrag@umn.edu for more information.

Direct general questions to Larisa G. gars0020@umn.edu

Have you heard about the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program? The UROP is your opportunity to work with professors on a research project. This is your chance to build your research abilities (something that would look great on a Graduation School application). UROP's are open to all Undergraduate students with options for self-guided or professor run projects.

One unique opportunity within the Department of English is:
The University of Minnesota's award winning project Voices from the Gap is willing to host UROP students. For more information about UROP you can come to the UROP information panel on Thursday February 12th. Also you can check out opportunities by visiting the UROP opportunities website.

The Undergraduate Studies office in the Department of English is looking for students that are interested in event planning for two English Department events. We are currently looking for 10 students interested in helping to plan, coordinate, set up and staff two events focusing on Study Abroad/International Exchange.
The Undergraduate Studies office recently received two grants designed to increase awareness of study abroad opportunities and increase awareness of intercultural engagement within the Department. Below are brief descriptions of the grants and activities included in event planning:

The Innovation for Broader Engagement grant will introduce students to Learning Abroad Center (LAC) opportunities, to other students who have returned from abroad and to other ways to include international study in degree programs. Event planning for this event will include:
- coordinating a time and location
- contacting students, LAC staff, professors and other individuals as possible presenters
- buying material and food for event
- advertising the event.
- recording and documenting the event toward publicizing the possibility of international study within degree programs at the U of M.
Students with previous experience abroad are encouraged to apply for the Innovation for Broader Engagement grant event.

The Intercultural Engagement grant will introduce students and staff to the intercultural exchange happening within the Department. Event planning for this event will include:
- coordinating a time and location
- contacting students, staff and other individuals as possible presenters
- working on a creative project for presentation at event.
- buying material and food for event
- advertising the event, and
- recording and documenting the event toward publicizing the intercultural exchange happening in the English Deparment
Students with multicultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the Intercultural Engagement grant event.

These positions are unpaid and completely voluntary. However, this is your chance to get to know members of the English Department, work with professors and build your resumé with event planning and management experience. Five (5) positions are being offered for each event. These positions include:
- Chair – oversee all event planning and coordinate all members.
- Public Relations/ Communications – Contact students and staff members, design and put up posters, advertise event,
- Event Planning – setting up event/ pulling down event, staffing event
- Budget – Obtaining material, coordinating payments
- Recording – Written and visual recording of events, transferring written and visual material to Department website (must attend events). Students with technical experience in audio-visual programs will be given special preference.

Apply for a position (you may apply for multiple positions) with a resumé outlining your event planning experience and also a short letter (informal) describing the position(s) you wish to apply for and your qualifications. Please send all material to Joshua Capodarco (capod001@umn.edu) no later than February 12th. Thank you all for your interest and we hope to see all your applications

Samone !!! Thank you to Samone D. for your commitment to excellence! Samone is majoring in English and Communication Studies. She has been actively involved in several student groups and organizations such as [Shades of Red] HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, Orientation and First-Year Programs, and the Queer Student Cultural Center. She had also been a Community Engagement Scholar for almost three years, volunteering at the Minnesota Internship Center.

Here is what Samone said about getting involved:

• Why is it important to you to get involved?

I don’t think our education should exist in a vacuum. If you want to work for and with others to “make the world a better place,” there are plenty of opportunities for that right here in the Twin Cities.

• How has getting involved changed your education?

As a university student, it was easy to get wrapped up in academic achievement or my ability to get employed after college, but the volunteer work I’ve done gives me a “reality check” and helps me question the material I learn in the classroom.

• Has getting involved changed your career path?

I didnÂ’t become an English major because I wanted to teach, but IÂ’ve come to realize that I may only be happy if I work in an educational environment. Working on scholarships, housing, and college applications with students can be difficult work but I really enjoy doing it, so my future plan is to become a school counselor.

• What suggestions do you have for other students that are interested in getting involved?

I would recommend anyone who would like to make volunteering part of their college career to take a service-learning class and/or become a Community Engagement Scholar. You can reflect on experiences, brainstorm with other volunteers, and make friends. Who doesnÂ’t like that?

Do you think you have what it takes to be nominated for the Engaged English Scholar of the month? Contact one of your professions and ask them to nominate you. If you don't have a close relationship with a professor you can nominate yourself by sending an e-mail outlining your credentials to Josh C. at capod001@umn.ed. We encourage you to go out volunteer, attend student groups and more!

Happy Holidays and Happy 2009 to all Undergraduate Students. At the Undergraduate Studies office we would like to wish everyone a happy new year and hope that all students will continue to bring excellence to the U of M English Department. This time of year is full of new things: a new year, a new president (!!!), and a new semester. This is your chance to improve on or change your involvement here at the U of M.

Just one of many ways to get involved this semester is to stop into the Undergraduate Studies office located in Lind Hall 227. You can meet with your academic adviser to discuss different ways to get involved and personally shape your education.

Also, you may want to check out the recently formed Fellowship of Undergraduate Students of English (FUSE). FUSE is a way to meet other English majors and have fun. This semester FUSE is looking for students that are interested in creating student interest groups. FUSE is open to all students and any interest. Please contact Stephen C. (cour0096@umn.edu) if you are interested.

This is just one of many ways to get involved. Feel free to stop by Lind Hall 227 and ask for the Peer advisers if you ever have any questions. Thank you to all students for their commitment to excellence this past semester!

Now that finals are almost over everyone will have a little bit more time to...READ! Yes, now that you don't have to read 100 pages a night for all your literature classes we know you'll be starting on that pile of novels you've been waiting to read all semester. Since you'll be reading anyways, why read alone? Try joining FUSE's Book Klub!

Book Klub is your chance to join other English majors/minors and regular people who just enjoy literature and talk about what books you're reading (and maybe even decide what books everyone else will read). Book Klub is open to all interested students and extremely interested in hearing what books students want to read!

You can find more information by visiting:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=35454372486

Also, please contact Ben Thur (thur0139@umn.edu) for information relating to the schedule for next semester.

On a side note, if you haven't seen the student group you've been searching for why not start one? FUSE is looking for students that are interested in starting projects under the FUSE name. We are open to any subject matter and interest. If you'd like to talk about a project or join FUSE please contact Steve C (cour0096@umn.edu)

Never fear, below is a brief synopsis of what you my have missed. All of out panelists expressed a willingness for students to contact them with further more in-depth questions. So, if you have a burning question, contact Larisa G. gars0020@umn.edu and she’ll pass on the contact info. for any and all of our fabulist panelists.

Morgan Kingsted, a former English undergraduate Peer Advisor and English major who graduated in May 2005, is currently a high school English teacher at Sage Academy, a charter school in the Twin Cities. She spoke about the differences that she has experienced first-hand between public schools (more money for basic class room items like staplers and pencil sharpeners) and charter schools (less red tap, more freedom to tailor the curriculum to students’ needs). She discussed the importance of internship opportunities at the U of MN and how much receiving an internship scholarship from CCLC (the Career and Community Learning Center) helped her finance her unpaid internship. Ms. Kingsted recommended taking a service-learning course, such as Engl 3741, if you think you might have an interest in teaching. She would be happy to talk with any interested students.

Academic background: English BA May 2005, 5-8,9-12 Communication Arts and Literature Teaching License (2006), Masters in English Education (2007) K-12 Reading License (to be completed Fall 2009), just started 9-12 Biological Sciences License (to be completed a few years down the road)

Chris Sullivan, a former English and Computer Science major who graduated in 1993, began his career in the non-profit sector, which eventually led him to pursue a law degree. After graduating from the William Mitchell College of Law in 2005, Mr. Sullivan joined the firm of Lindquist & Vennum PLLP where he handles patent, trademark, and copyright issues. One of his recent cases involved a copy write dispute over an elk sculpture (no, we’re not kidding). He would be happy to talk with any interested students.

Academic background: Education: William Mitchell College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2005); assistant editor, William Mitchell Law Review, University of Oxford, England (International and Comparative Intellectual Property Program, 2003), University of Minnesota (B.A., Computer Science, English, 1993); Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society

Academic background: B.A. (summa cum laude) in English and American Studies from the University of Minnesota Spring 2007

Congratulations to Thomas D. to being nominated for this month's Engaged English Scholar of the Month recognition. Thomas is a sophomore English Honors English major. Along with his serious work inside the classroom he is a Community Engagement Scholar( http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/cesp/programdetails/index.html), agreeing to perform over 400 hours of community service. Thank you Thomas for your commitment to excellence. We hope that you continue your hard work in the classroom, at the U and in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community!

Here's what Thomas says about getting involved:

• Why is it important to you to get involved?

Getting involved with extra-curricular activities, such as research or community-based volunteering, builds a diverse education. Work done outside the classroom encourages creativity and builds personal character. Creativity defines “scholarship� and necessitates a diverse education!

• How has getting involved changed your education?

I have been actively volunteering at a local library teaching English-language-learners the basic tenants of American life. Though the classroom elevates my thinking and builds intellect, volunteer work grants a sense of accomplishment and humility unobtainable in school. It is uniquely gratifying and contributes to my education by cultivating social skills necessary for future study and occupation.

• Has getting involved changed your career path?

Though I had planned since a young boy to become an attorney, my volunteer work and English studies have led me to pursue a teaching and research career in English Education. Volunteer teaching and research has changed my career path indefinitely!

• What suggestions do you have for other students that are interested in getting involved?

First, I would recommend the Community Engagement Scholars Program (CESP). The program requires volunteer work and engages many social issues according to one’s areas of interest. Second, I would certainly encourage students to “get-tight� with their professors. Their wealth of knowledge motivates scholarship and stimulates our learning. Get the most out of your education by getting involved!

Thanks for your commitment to excellence Thomas! Think you have what it takes to be nominated? Contact one of your professors and tell them to nominate you!

English and philosophy senior Sarah Choy was honored at the 2008 Equity and Diversity Breakfast November 20 at the McNamara Center with a $1000 Sue W. Hancock SEED of Change Award. The awards go to students engaged with issues of equity and diversity through outstanding academic achievement and activism. Choy is involved with the English Undergraduate Studies Committee, Minnesota Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, and Mu Daiko Theater. Along with her major coursework, she has taken American Sign Language classes. "Although my main fields of study are English and Philosophy," notes Choy, "I find myself pouring a lot of my energy into the American Sign Language Department as a tutor. A few years ago, my mother found herself on her way to Deafness which drove me to learning the language; the University has given me the skill to communicate with her."