Tag: fond farewells

Professor Mary Janell Metzger is retiring. An expert in Early Modern British Literature, critical theory and gender studies, MJ, as she was dubbed by her students, has taught a wide range of courses in Early Modern British Literature, gender and race studies, critical and cultural theory, philosophy, literature, and pedagogy. Winner of Western’s 2006 Peter J. Elich Award for Excellence in Teaching, she is known for teaching challenging courses marked by engaging and active discussions and is widely respected among students and colleagues for her careful preparation of rigorous reading and writing assignments and the detailed and extensive responses she provides to student writing. Her career spanned 30 years—27 of which she spent at Western.  

Dr. Metzger earned a BA in Literature from the University of Washington and her PhD from the University of Iowa. Her scholarship has made internationally recognized contributions to Shakespeare scholarship and to research on the teaching of Shakespeare. She was a frequent contributor to the Shakespeare Association of America and published widely on teaching Shakespeare for social justice, on the use of antiracist teaching practices, and more broadly on pedagogical emphases on ethics, social justice, gender, and race. Her book, Shakespeare Without Fear: Teaching for Understanding, has been in print for almost twenty years. A new collaborative project, Teaching Shakespeare Inclusively, is slated for publication in 2023.  

In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Dr. Metzger regularly chaired departmental committees, served as a member of several key college-level committees, taught as an affiliated faculty member in the Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies program, and served as the department’s Associate Chair. She was a founding member of the university’s Social Justice and Equity Committee under the leadership of Dr. Trula Nicholas, and regularly facilitated cross campus and intercollegiate interracial discussion groups as part of the committee’s work. In the past year, she launched with Aric Mayer Western’s Critical White Studies Group, a forum exploring institutional racism and approaches to recognizing and addressing white supremacy in university settings.  

Colleagues and friends have established an annual scholarship in honor of Dr. Metzger’s service and teaching at Western. Contributions to this award can be made via the Western Foundation and the award’s name, the Grace Dunbar-Miller Award, named after the first African American English graduate to be chosen as a presidential scholar. 

With much appreciation, we wish all the best to Cathy McDonald, who is retiring this year after nineteen years of teaching and serving the department. Known for her joyous smile, generous and fun-loving spirit, as well as her always-open office door (where anyone could pop in and help themselves to her jar of peanut butter pretzels), Cathy has continually demonstrated that teaching and learning are about cultivating relationships, both in and out of the classroom. 

Cathy came to Western in 2003 when she was hired to serve as the Assistant Director of Composition (AD), a position she held for nine years. As the AD, Cathy was much beloved by the many cohorts of graduate student instructors who frequented her office to seek advice or just plop down in her comfortable chair to talk about their teaching and graduate studies work in the presence of a good listener.

Cathy earned her PhD from the University of Washington in Language and Rhetoric in 2006. A specialist in rhetorical genres studies, discourse, and language, she has been an essential member of the writing studies team. In 2009, she was awarded the Ronald Kleinknecht Award for Excellence in Teaching.

For the last decade, Cathy has continued to teach a range of writing studies and language courses while also developing new GUR courses in young people’s literature and disability studies. She has assisted with summer advising and been an advocate for the department’s teaching faculty.

When she departs Western, she’ll enjoy time with her grandchildren, volunteer at the Humane Society, and continue to foster kittens.  However, don’t be surprised if you see a woman in a purple wig skydiving out of the Bellingham skies (yes, it’s on her to do list). Or perhaps, she tells me, she’ll just take a trip to Egypt. She’ll probably do both.

For years, Cathy donated paintings created by her husband Kevin to anyone looking for some art to liven up their workspace. Long after Cathy has moved on to her next adventures, these paintings will continue to brighten the walls of TA, faculty, and staff offices, reminding us of her colorful and magnanimous presence. (And Cathy, we apologize for using too many of the “Mr. Rogerism” platitudes that you taught generations of students to avoid. We are happy to have been your neighbor.)

We will greatly miss Professor Suzanne Paola’s presence here in the English Department. A woman of many talents, she writes in a wide range of forms—poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and hybrid work—and her work has been internationally recognized for its originality, merit, and impact, especially in the field of disability literature. Her latest book, The Terrible Unlikelihood of our Being Here, interweaves explorations of spiritualism, mental illness, and physics with what one reviewer dubbed “her deeply, stylistically recognizable authorial voice, replete with iconoclastic brilliance and compassion.” Her other books include the “kinetic” novel Entangled Objects: A Novel in Quantum Parts; Make Me a Mother: A Memoir; and A Mind Apart: Travels in A Neurodiverse World. She has had her short-form work appear in media such as the Huffington Post, Ms., the New York Times, The Hill, and many other others. Her scholarship received Western’s coveted Paul J. Olscamp Research Award, a recognition of a Western faculty member’s “impressive record of achievement in scholarship and research during their time at Western.”

Professor Paola also co-wrote, with colleague Brenda Miller, the iconic textbook Tell it Slant: Creating, Refining, and Publishing Creative Nonfiction. The first textbook in the field (in 2002) to combine readings, instructions, and writing exercises, Tell it Slant has now become the foundational instructional text in creative nonfiction. Her passion for creative writing pedagogy shines through this book as well as in the courses she taught. A popular teacher known for her facilitation of deep discussions, exciting writing assignments, and keen feedback on student work, Professor Paola taught a wide range of courses, from introductory creative writing classes to graduate seminars on topics such as “The Prosody of Prose,” as well as many literature courses, such as Women and Literature.

A beloved teacher for over 26 years at Western, she mentored hundreds of students to success in their writing and careers. She also transformed the Bellingham Review under her editorship, widening its scope to include international work and the voices of marginalized communities. She also contributed in so many ways behind the scenes, serving on innumerable department and university committees, providing astute leadership and unwavering support for her colleagues. She cannot be replaced, and we wish her all the best in her future chapters!

The English Department is pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Dr. Julie Dugger, who concluded her work with the English Department this spring. Next year she will work as Honors Senior Capstone Coordinator and teach classes in the Honors First-Year Sequence. She will also be part of the Honors advising team during Fall Advising and Registration.

Dr. Dugger has been a valued member of the English department since the fall of 2006, and has taught a variety of classes including introductory courses in writing about literature, women’s literature, and British literature, as well as advanced courses in Victorian literature, Irish literature, and critical theory. She has also taught at Fairhaven College and Global Humanities and Religions, a testament to her versatility and wide-ranging interests. Dr. Dugger consistently receives rave reviews from her students and colleagues alike, who all praise her for her infectious enthusiasm for her work, her compassion for and support of her students, and her deep knowledge of her academic fields. Students appreciate the way she brings historical literatures to life, and her faculty peers admire her sophisticated and effective course design. Dr. Dugger has performed important departmental service on behalf of the English Department’s non-tenure-track faculty, served as Occam’s Razor advisor, and also served for two years as Director of Writing Instruction Support for WWU Libraries. Dr. Dugger has also been running a very popular study-abroad program to Ireland, where students travel to Dublin, Sligo, Galway, and Inishmore to study the language and literature. 

The English department has been lucky to have a professor of her caliber at Western, and we are looking forward to celebrating her good work in the Honors College going forward. Good luck, Julie – we will miss you!

The English department is both pleased and saddened to announce the departure of our current Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Jemma Everyhope-Roser. 

Jemma started at Western in the Communications department in 2014, and transferred to the English department in 2017.  She was admitted to the graduate program in fall quarter 2019, and began working on her MFA while employed at Western full time.  In her capacity as Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Jemma tended to the ultra-complicated schedule and managed the work-study students who staff the front desk. Probably most of our recent alumni know her best, though, through advising. Jemma advised literally hundreds of students, shepherding them through the process of declaring and then fulfilling their English majors and minors. Students regularly commented on Jemma’s patience, her deep knowledge of our department’s curriculum and many degree programs, and her skill at helping students navigate Western’s processes and resources. We are grateful to Jemma for all she has done to support faculty, staff, and most importantly our students. 

In June, she will be leaving the English department staff for full-time employment as a writer, while remaining in the MFA graduate program. Jemma has been consistently cheerful, helpful, and welcoming to students, staff, and faculty in her time in the English department, and her kindness and personal flair will be missed by all.

This year, the English Department sadly says goodbye to Creative Writing faculty member Tiana Kahakawila. She has accepted a new position with the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl into their family in May!

We also bid farewell to two long-time Senior Instructors: Nicholas Margaritis has retired, and Christopher Patton will be moving on to new opportunities, beginning a Master’s Program in Museum Studies.

Also departing is our office manager Michelle Stach. Though Michelle was with just a short time, she was a bright star in our administrative staff, and she will be missed.

Margi Fox has been teaching in the English Dept. since 2006, with a specialty in professional and technical writing. She will retire at the end of the 2018-19 school year. We caught up with Margi to ask her a few questions as she embarks on this next phase of life!
How long did you teach at WWU? What brought you here?

I came to Western in 1974 and earned my undergraduate degree from Huxley in 1976. During my senior year, I took creative writing classes and realized I should have been an English major. In 1984, I returned to Western, caught up on English classes and went into the master’s program, where I discovered my love of teaching. I taught here for a few years after graduation, then moved on to professional writing–as a writer, editor, and teacher.

When a position came open in the professional and technical writing program in 2006, I came back to Western and the English Department. The past thirteen years here have been the most wonderful of my career.

What were some of your favorite moments from your career at WWU? 

There are so many favorites! Here are a few:

• Interactions with students are at the top of my list. I’ve met so many engaged, kind, thoughtful, smart students who’ve inspired me.
• Hiking field trips with students were terrific. We roamed the trails in the area together, discussing the effectiveness of trail signs, and a wide assortment of other topics. I only wish I could have done more of the field trips!
• Having the opportunity to do a TEDx talk about wills in 2015 was a highlight.
• I have also loved interactions with colleagues. I’ve never had a day on campus without a meaningful conversation. I’ve also appreciated how much faculty and staff in the English department care about students and find joy in the subject matter.

 

What is your secret “super power”?  Tell us something that others may not know about you. 

I was on the first women’s trail crew in the United States Forest Service in Idaho’s Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness. In 1973, I spent five months out on trail without ever returning to civilization. My superpower is that I’m happy living outdoors for long periods of time, comfortable with eating terrible food and being dirty, and able to pace myself when climbing high mountain passes. Most importantly, I’ve been able to immerse myself in what writer Sigurd Olson called “The Great Silence.” (These abilities apply to the final two questions.)

What stirs joy within you outside of your work?

I love being out hiking, whether it’s deep in the wilderness or in the nearby Chuckanut Mountains. I’m so grateful for all the public lands in our area and in the country.

 

What will be your next adventure? 

• I hope this summer and fall to backpack as much as possible. Depending on the fire season, I plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington (or Oregon or California).
• During the next year, I intend to try writing fiction, something I haven’t done for decades. I’d like to infuse my research and insights about wills into imaginary worlds.
• Finally, I’ll explore where I can make a contribution. Right now, it’s a little like graduating from college as I try to figure out what to do next with my life.

Nancy Johnson has been a professor in the English Dept. for 25 years, with specialties in English Education, and Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She retired at the end of Winter quarter 2019. We caught up with Nancy to ask her a few questions as she embarks on this next phase of life! (See also the “Gratitudes” page for information on a new Endowment set up in Nancy Johnson’s honor.)

How long did you teach at WWU? What brought you here?

In 1993 Seattle hosted the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Convention. Bill Smith approached me at the conclusion of a session I moderated suggesting I apply for an English Education opening at WWU. I didn’t know Bill at the time but was flattered that he sought me out and charmed by his kindness (which I appreciated even more as his colleague). But, the timing? It just wasn’t right. I had recently received tenure at Seattle Pacific University. I was getting married in a month. And we just bought a house. But … Bill persisted, contacting me one month later and flattering me with “you’d be perfect for this job and our students” praise. I applied, was hired, and started what became a 10-year commute from Seattle to WWU and a 25-year career. No regrets!

 

What were some of your favorite moments from your career at WWU?

More than moments, what will linger a long, long time are relationships. Students. Colleagues. Amazing educators, librarians, writers, and artists in the community. I’ve loved the everyday “work” of inviting, nudging, supporting, and sharing challenging experiences in the classroom, often ignited by responses to literature. I value the hours we worked side-by-side on big projects: creating WWU’s nationally recognized Children’s/Young Adult Literature Conference, collaborating to host a lively Poetry Camp (for grown ups!), and hosting renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s Arbuthnot Lecture on WWU’s campus. None of that could have happened without dedicated relationships to shared dreams.

 

What is your secret “super power”?  Tell us something that others may not know about you.

I hope to live long enough to see my beloved Seattle Mariners return to the playoffs (will I jinx it all if I also hope for a World Series?). I aim to attend games in all 30 Major League ballparks (so far, I’ve visited 19). And, this summer I’ll return to Cooperstown to see Ed-gaaar inducted into the Hall of Fame. While not a super power (my batting average is well below the Mendoza Line), I do claim to be a super fan.

 

What stirs joy within you outside of your work?

In addition to family, my life is so much richer because I’ve left home. In terms of joy, this comes from: Unexpected, unplanned, sometimes eye-opening, often jaw-dropping moments when I travel. People stepping in to help when I’m lost or confused (usually due to language mismatch). The kindness, grace, rich laughter, and shared humanity I’ve discovered whenever I step outside the USA. Filling every page in my passport before it expires.

 

What will be your next adventure? 

Travel. Travel. And more travel. Isn’t there an adage, “So many places, so little time”? I want to take full advantage of this one life I have to life. This includes some exciting new ventures that will nourish my learner/teacher soul. I just started a multi-year consulting partnership with English/language arts teachers in the Lynden School District and, in the fall I’ll travel to the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany for a two-month fellowship. More immediately, I’m eager for lazy, sunny days reading on my deck until the sun sets, long walks on Bellingham’s amazing trail system, time with family and friends, and — did I mention? — travel.