Students and professor speak at annual lecture

September 11 evokes somber thoughts of a tragic day seven years ago. For obvious reasons on this date Americans pursue commemorative activities to honor outstanding achievements of ordinary individuals. This year the English department continued in this tradition with the Sixth Annual Eugenia L. Hamner Lecture for the graduate program in the English department. Hosted by interim English chair, Robert Coleman, in the library auditorium. The occasion is presented once a year to showcase the recent success of the department's faculty while paying tribute to the legacy of Dr. Eugenia " Genie" Hamner, distinguished emeritus of the South Alabama English Department. This year, instead of focusing around the sole accomplishments of English faculty members, graduate student, Jeannie K. Holmes, was given equal praise. Holmes is a recent recipient of a two-book contract with Random House. Holmes read excerpts from her forthcoming "Crimson Swan" fiction novel. Presented by her friend, mentor and acclaimed USA writing instructor, Carolyn Haines, who stated " I can teach my students' elements of fiction, but I can't them teach story or voice," which were unique qualities she discovered early in Jeannie's writing. Jeannie gave a brief discussion on her journey from a bored child in Smithville, Mississippi to a signed author at a major literary publication. What began as an undergraduate assignment, "Crimson Swan," titled after the hospital code for blood donors, revolves around the seedy vampire underworld in Jefferson, Mississippi. Jeannie's accomplishment reflects both her personal success and the quality of South's English program. "It is encouraging to see a student from the school succeed outside the classroom," USA English major, Natalia Cochran, noted. Also honored was assistant Renaissance and Poetry professor, Dr. Richard Hillyer, for his sardonic commentary on Charles Lamb's criticism of Sir Philip Sidney's "The Invention of Po[e/l]itics." Indeed a complex topic, it is a merger of poetry and politics. These opposing views, explained by Hillyer, in fact reinforce one another. The basic edict of this amalgamation is that poetry exists by way of commentary on the cause and effect of political ideas, ambitions and agendas. The poet expresses his/her opinion based upon their reaction to socio-economic factors. The lectures ended with a short question/answer session, after which Dr. Coleman rewarded Jeannie Holmes and Dr. Hillyer with presents and a floral bouquet to Dr. Hamner. At the end a reception was held in the library atrium. For upcoming events by the English department check www.southalabama.edu/english. Expect Crimson Swan in stores next fall and you can contact Jeannie Holmes at www.jeannieholmes.com or on her Myspace page www.myspace.com/jkholmes. If you are interested in learning more about Po[e/l]itics, Dr. Hillyer can be reached at rhillyer@usouthal.edu.