I had Dr. Zoellnor for my Survey of American Lit; Melville and another author; and Steinbeck plus others in the four years that I was at CSU.  He was the professor who taught me how to appreciate American writers, to delve into the topic more thoroughly during discussions, and to write with conviction and support of my ideas.  His teaching has helped me with my career as a middle school English teacher.  Since I began teaching in 1967, I have shared my story of how devastated I was when my first mid term exam was returned with a number of “rough” terms across the front!  I realized that none of my high school teachers had taught me how to be specific in my support.  As a sophomore, I was lucky to receive a C from him.  My junior year, I earned a B, and finally, in my senior year, I was pleased to have an A for his course.  I am fortunate to have attended CSU as I have a strong background in our English language as well as the American writers dating back to the pilgrims!

Share your Department of English story with us during our celebration of 80 years as an independent academic department! More at english.colostate.edu/english80.