JENNA JAUREGUI
FEATURES EDITOR
They lecture you on psychology theories. They test your knowledge of differential equations. They show you how to analyze poetry. They assign you pages of reading assignments. They make you write lengthy papers.
Your professors are the captains of their college classrooms, yet how many students truly know their professors beyond the credential abbreviations that accompany their names? You may see them throughout the week, but few students take the time to discuss anything besides class material with their professors. If asked to list a few of their professor’s professional accomplishments, many students will offer a blank stare. Most are unaware that published works by their very own professors line the shelves in Kellogg Library.
Before and during their carers as college employees, many CSUSM professors proved their scholarship in the professional or creative world. Scholarly articles, research studies, scientific experiments, and entire books are the “feathers in their caps,” bolstering their resumes and qualifying them to educate future scholars in their chosen fields.
Gerardo Gonzalez, Ph.D, saw the gap between faculty accomplishments and student awareness of these merits. As the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Associate Vice President for Research at CSUSM, he spearheaded the Celebration of Faculty Scholarship and Creative Activities, an annual event that allows students, faculty, and the community to share in CSUSM faculty research, writing, and other achievements. Professors have the opportunity to present their projects in an informal group setting— each faculty member sets up a display and discusses their work with interested passersby.
On April 1, the second annual celebration event took place in the Clarke Field House Sulpizio Family Grand Salon from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Over 30 faculty members shared their accomplishments. Given the chance to chat about subjects they are passionate about, the familiar professors beamed with fresh energy. They eagerly conversed with the students and other community members who visited the event, sharing their professional expertise with interested attendees.
Dr. Natalie Wilson, who teaches in the Literature and Writing and Women’s Studies departments at CSUSM, recently published a book titled “Seduced by Twilight: The Allure and Contradictory Messages of the Popular Saga.” She presented this book during the event, and offered some comments regarding her experience:
Were people interested in your presentation of “Seduced by Twilight?”
“Yes, many people expressed genuine interest. At ‘Twilight’ fan events interest is understandable, but at an academic research event such as this, I was happy to talk to people from all across campus and the community – Deans, faculty, students, and community members – about how the saga reveals a great deal about the contemporary cultural moment.”
What was your favorite thing about sharing your work with staff and students?
“I particularly enjoy speaking to people outside the ‘target fan base’ regarding what they make of the phenomenal success of ‘Twilight.’ One man compared it to Beatlemania, and a fellow professor lamented that Bella Swan is nothing like her favorite female heroine, Nancy Drew. I also enjoy getting those who feel the series is ‘just entertainment’ to take a deeper look and consider what messages this undeniable cultural zeitgeist is sending us about love, romance, gender, and sexuality as well as about two areas people rarely consider race (via the representation of Native Americans as werewolves) and religion (the author is Mormon).”
The event was a unique chance to see CSUSM professors “in their element,” discussing topics they enjoy and sharing their knowledge with others. Wilson declared the celebration a success, saying the room was “buzzing with conversation.” Organizers expect a third annual event next year, hoping to expand to a larger location and schedule it on a day when more students can attend.
If you missed this fun opportunity, try talking to your professors about their work during their office hours. Many would love to share their interests with eager students, and you may learn something more than the lessons they teach in class.
Photos courtesy of Jenna Jauregui