Whether you live in the area or will be traveling to Fort Collins for the weekend, we would love for you to join us in our homecoming festivities on October 16th. Come help us celebrate our return to the new and renovated Eddy! Drop by our open house between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the third floor of Eddy Hall, where there will be a band, tours of the new building, refreshments in the Whitaker Conference Room, and a special presentation at 3 p.m. Please RSVP to Louann.Reid@colostate.edu so we can be sure to have enough refreshments on hand.

In the days leading up to the English department’s “Homecoming Celebration” (October 16th from 2-4pm),we will be highlighting some special memories from our alumni. Here is a special memory from alumna Guo Hua (Georgette) Yang  (MA 1994): 

Georgette Yang

I am now a teacher teaching Chinese with the Alaska Anchorage School District.  I have been able to make some life changing steps with the help and guidance received from Louann Reid and others at Colorado State University. Fifteen years ago I was applying for my English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching license. Louann Reid sacrificed much time during her summer vacation evaluating my teaching credentials.  I cannot thank her enough for her effort and kindness in helping a student like me. I remember and I will never forget what she did for my professional career.  Thank you so much Professor Reid.

I also want to thank others in the English Department.  First, I want to thank Professor Neil Petrie who helped me choose the book that I wanted to translate – translating part of May Sarton’s “Journal of Solitude” from English into Chinese as my graduate thesis. Professor Charles Smith was my adviser. I want to thank him for his help and guidance. I remember that Professor Smith insisted I translate the introduction (I wrote) about May Sarton from Chinese to English, sentence to sentence, to him.  When in 2001 my translations of Sarton’s “Journal of Solitude” and “The House by the Sea” were published in the People’s Republic of China, this introduction was praised greatly by Chinese readers.  Then I realized that without Professor Smith’s conscientious and dedicated guidance, it would have been impossible for me to write such a thorough introduction.  Dr. Richard Henze also gave me much help and encouragement when I wrote my thesis.

After graduation, I was able to continue the translation project and finish translation of the two books.  They were both published in the year of 2001. Today the books are in great demand in China.  A popular publisher in China will be releasing second editions later this year.  This accomplishment is indebted to these professors and their help and guidance.

I extend further appreciation for Drs. Trembath and Palmquist. In Dr. Trembath’s class I remember how he insisted on using my Chinese name instead of my English name.  Even today I appreciate him treating foreign students with kindness and respect.  Likewise, Dr. Palmquist worked with a group of graduate students on a project.  I do not forget his friendliness and how hard and seriously he worked with us.  His encouragement and easy, friendly attitude left a strong impression.

As the years pass we all age, but my memory remains fresh and my appreciation stays strong.   I remember the dedication, academic integrity and kindness as I reflect back on those years.  I have much appreciation.

To read more memories from our alumni in honor of Homecoming, you can find the whole series here. If you would like to share your own memory from your time with the CSU English department, please send a description of your favorite memory and an accompanying photo to Joelle Paulson at jpaulso2@gmail.com. We’d love to hear what you remember!