Lectures March 17, 2004 Minutes

Minutes for the Symposium Committee – 3/17/04

Committee members present: Betsy Smith, Alicia Carroll, Bert Hitchcock, Penny Ingram, James Truman

Betsy Smith begins: Anthony Hecht’s talk was a success, but for the lack of food, which will be sorted out with the museum.

Dr. Smith then brings up the UG studies committee’s consideration of separating Robyn
Wiegman’s talk from the awards reception. The general consensus was that this was a terrible idea for this year, though it could be considered next year (given sufficient planning).

Wiegman’s schedule was then discussed, with dinner Wednesday and lunch Thursday. The situation was declared “under control” by Dr. Smith.

Options for next year’s speakers were then discussed: James Buzard will be contacted, and Donna Tartt’s agent has contacted by Dr. Smith though email.

Dr. Smith then asked for feedback on asking Barbara Mowat to speak in conjunction with Phi Beta Kappa, which was generally approved of.

Dr. Smith then floated the idea of asking Ann Rivers Siddon to speak, since she has Auburn roots, like Barbara Mowat.

Dr. Carroll suggested the author of Stones of Morning Creek as another local author who might be invited.

Options for bringing in authors with local connects were discussed, as were connecting these talks to football weekends. Dr. Hitchcock suggested a series of non-English department writers,

All suggestions were met with general approval.

Dr. Smith thus ended the meeting with the declaration that she will try to contact some of the aforementioned authors, and we’d see how things worked out for next year.

 

Submitted by James Truman

 

 

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Last updated April 6, 2004