OCR Text |
Show new/ A4 TUESDAY • FEBUARY 20 • 2007 Pulitzer-Prize winner Marilynne Robinson Amy Wilson News Writer On Friday Feb. 9, writer Marilynne Robinson read from her Pulitzer Prizewinning book Gilead to an audience comprised of teachers, students and local members of the community in the Ragan Theater. Robinson grew up in the communities of Sagle, Sandpoint and Coolin of Idaho. She studied religion and creative writing at Brown University, from which she received her bachelor's degree, and earned her doctorate degree from the University of Washington. Robinson began her first novel Housekeeping while writing her dissertation, more than 20 years ago, drawing from her experiences of Idaho and its unique landscape and culture. Housekeeping was nominated for the P.E.N7 Faulkner fiction award and Pulitzer Prize, and received the P.E.N./Ernest Hemingway Foundation Award for best first novel and the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Award. After Housekeeping's release, Robinson gained recognition as one of the greatest contemporary writers. After nearly half a century Robinson released her second novel Gilead, a fictional autobiography of a congregationalist pastor in his last leg of life who is writing the begats of and for his seven-yearold son. "I was shocked by its [Gilead's] success, because I was told I ought to be," Robinson joked to the audience in an open question-and-answer session held after the reading. Gilead takes place in the fictional town of Gilead, Iowa, which according to Robinson is based on the real town of Tabor, Idaho. The novel's ideas and themes are Christian based, but many contend that it remains accessible on a universal level. A UVSC student who was in attendance at Robinson's reading, Steele Campbell said, "She overcomes the gap and is honest in her writing, her interaction and her conversation. She makes every moment 'precisely sacramental/ She carries a grace about her which stems from her deep seated religious beliefs— beliefs she does not push onto anyone." Financial aid Department loses Butler Chad Hunt News Writer courtesy photo Author Marilynne Robinson read from her prizewinning book Gilead last week at UVSC. Alexander tackles the Mountain Meadow Massacre controversy Josh Titus News Writer Friday, Feb. 12, 2007 Thomas G. Alexander, the Lemual Hardison Redd, Jr. professor emeritus of western history at Brigham Young University, came to UVSC to address the college as part of the "Turning Points" history lecture series. His lecture was titled, "Brigham Young, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the LatterDay Saint Investigation of the Mountain Meadow Massacre." "The assumption that LDS officials didn't really try to investigate following the Mountain Meadow Massacre is wrong," Alexander said. In his lecture, Alexander tackled the controversial topic of the Mountain Meadow Massacre, a controversial event in the past of The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints. While passing through Utah on their way to California, a large group of immigrants from Arkansas were viciously attacked by Mormon militia dressed as American Indians. A group of Native American Paiutes were present throughout the ordeal and many think they were an integral part of the attack. On Sept. 11, 1857 after a couple days of fighting, Bishop John D. Lee and a Native American agent told the distressed company that they had negotiated a truce with the "Indians," and that the Mormons would escort them safely out of Utah. Almost two and a half miles later the Mormon militia and possibly the Paiutes began to massacre the company. The group led by Bishop Lee successfully murdered 120-140 men, women and children. Only 17 small children survived the massacre. The controversy lies in the question, Did the Mormon prophet Brigham Young give the church leaders in southwest Utah permission to attack the "questionable" Fancher Company? Many claim that he did and many claim that he did not, but there is a significant lack of historical evidence to show proof of either claim. Alexander, one of the experts of new Mormon history, claims he did not give permission for any such act of violence. Alexander said when Young was informed of the massacre by Bishop Lee that he left his office and escaped to his Upper Mill at the mouth of Parley's Canyon because he be- came physically sick. Almost 20 years later on Mar. 21, 1877, Bishop Lee had been excommunicated and convicted, and was executed by a firing squad close to the location of the massacre that he led. Bishop Lee was the only person convicted of any crime associated to the Mountain Meadows Massacre. After addressing an audience equivalent to the amount killed at the massacre, Alexander opened a question-and-answer session. Associate Professor of history Lyn Bennett said, "This is a great opportunity to learn about a critical aspect of Mormon history and to interact with one of the most prominent contemporary Mormon historians today. The lecture series has always been engaging and even revelatory." York Butler who has been with the financial aid deptartment for over seven years completed his final day with UVSC Feb. 7. Butler has acted in many positions within the department, his final position being the assistant director of compliance and training. "I am bitter sweet about leaving UVSC. I really love the people I worked with and the relationships that I developed along the way," said Butler about his departure from the school in an interview on Thursday. Butler will be taking a new job, the details of which remain undisclosed, as Butler refused to comment on his future employment. The only information revealed about the move is that it will be outside the state of Utah. "The bottom line was money," said Butler on his decision to move on. "After I obtained the graduate degree, it was time to seek out and start working in a position I feft would be more of a career for me. Besides, repaying all those student loans will be made much easier with a much higher salary." The financial aid office has replaced Butler unof- ficially, appointing Rheta McCammon to act in Butler's place. But as far as a permanent fix, no official comment could be made. "[McCammon] is acting in his vacancy because we need the work to be completed and she accepted our assignment to fill in as acting," said Joanna McCormick, financial aid's senior director, concerning the replacement. "We have interviewed for his vacancy and selected a candidate for the position. We have not received the paperwork back in our office [...] When the paperwork arrives and we have checked on the status [...] we will officially announce the appointment." Butler confirmed that he feels his replacement is very knowledgeable and will be able to take on the position with ease. According to McCormick, Butler's leaving was a very standard departure. He submitted his resignation, and the office then began to take action to fill the vacancy. There were no serious issues over the departure of Butler. "I will miss working with the friends I've made," said Butler. "The people I got to work with were some of the finest people I've ever met." Volunteer oppurtunities aplenty at UVSC United Way of Utah County is looking for help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA volunteers will help low-income families prepare income taxes. Volunteers are needed to be site coordinators, tax preparers, receptionists and financial educators. No prior experience is required, and training is provided. For more information, contact Jeri at (801)374-2588. Safety Net Mentor Program always has need of mentors who can be a good influence on a child. Volunteers are needed who can commit to spending a minimum of one hour each week with a specific child and can spend recreational, cultural or educational time with the child. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Mentors choose the child which they believe they will be most compatible with. Contact Karla at (801) 374-7637 or ksedillo@utah.gov for more information. Volunteers are needed at the Boys and Girls Club to help with after-school programs for kids ages six to 14. Volunteers can participate in activities with the youth or share their talents and skills. A commitment of four hours per month is requested, and volunteers must attend an orientation and pass a background check. Contact Portia at (801) 371-6242 for more information. The Bean Life Science Museum is looking for volunteers to help with inhouse animal shows, work with children who come to the museum for Saturday Safari, and assist where needed in the museum. For more information on volunteering, contact Katy at (801)422-6355. GEICO Your "Local" Insurance Office Student Discount • Motorcycle Insurance <\ ^ -* Light afire in her. iS'i'toft, GEICO. A15 minute call could save you 15% on car insurance FREE No obligation Rate Quotes • Money Saving Discounts • Monthly Payment Plan J E W E I t ft S Contact our "Local" Office 801-226-2404 1513 North Hill Field Road, Suite #3 "Utah County's Largest Jewelry Showroom" 120 North University Avenue • Provo • 801-375-5220 |