On the occasion of Dr. Brian K. Whitlock's promotion to Professor
E.O. Wilson wrote in his book, Letters to a Young Scientist, "The ideal scientist thinks like a poet and only later works like a bookkeeper. Keep in mind that innovators in both literature and science are basically dreamers and storytellers." The writings of C.S. Lewis, especially his fictional work, like the allegorical/suppositional style in which he wrote The Great Divorce, cultivate my imagination and grow my passions, even as an adult.
On the occasion of Dr. Brynn Voy's promotion to Professor
I had to read Winesburg, Ohio as part of my freshman English course and to evaluate it for deeper meaning, which was something I had not been asked to do at that level during high school. After first being baffled with this assignment, I wound up doing well. The sense of accomplishment stuck with me!
Department - Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures
On the occasion of Wanessa Velloso's promotion to Distinguished Lecturer
Clarice Lispector is my favorite Brazilian author. The beauty and power of her writing have kept me company in every moment of my adult life. In 2016, the Department of Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures accepted my suggestion to celebrate the work of the author who is considered one of the greatest Jewish writers in the world. The translator of The Complete Stories, Katrina Dodson, was the keynote speaker of the event, and for a week we held events at UT, the Lawson McGhee Public Library, and The Central Collective. Participating so closely in the organization of the Lispecorfest is one of the many wonderful memories I will keep when the time comes for me to leave UT. To have The Complete Stories book-plated in my honor humbles me.
Department - Modern Foreign Languages & Literatures
On the occasion of Rossy Toledo's promotion to Distinguished Lecturer
This book is relevant to all Americans as it explains the social problems we are experiencing today. The sooner we come to terms with this new reality, and we act to remediate these social problems, the sooner we will start creating the New America we all dream to have.
Department - Mechanical, Aerospace, & Biomedical Engineering
On the occasion of Dr. Stephanie TerMaath's tenure and promotion to Associate Professor
Dr. Harry West has been an adamant supporter throughout my career journey since I met him at freshman orientation when he helped me choose my first semester courses at Penn State. While I thoroughly enjoyed his courses in structural analysis, his seminar on a structural repair to Beaver Stadium was paramount in my decision to pursue a career in structural engineering. I choose this book because it represents the beginning of my road to tenure at UT and honors Dr. West's profound impact on my professional development. I would not be where I am today without his unwavering encouragement, passion for teaching excellence, and most importantly, his example of utmost integrity.
