Professor Olsen presents at University of Vermont Tolkien Conference

The Fourth Annual Tolkien Conference at the University of Vermont included Washington College's Professor Corey Olsen's presentation on "The Song of the Ents and the Entwives."

The theme of this year's conference was on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion," in honor of the thirtieth year of its publication.

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Liam Daley '07 to return to University of St. Andrews for graduate study

From the English Department Website:

English and Drama major Liam Daley will return to the site of his undergraduate study abroad experience to pursue graduate studies in Shakespeare: the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland. He is enthusiastic about returning, noting that St. Andrews, with its rich history and culture, makes for an ideal place to study Shakespeare.

Daley, a member of Sigma Tau Delta and the Writers' Union, is very involved in the literary community at Washington College, hosting prospective students for the college's annual Sophie Kerr Weekend, and writing for The Collegian.

Professor Sandra Hiortdahl named Conference Director for 2007 Gardner Conference

Professor Sandra Hiortdahl of Washington College is the Conference Director for the 2007 John Gardner Conference and 25th Memorial John Gardner Festival, held in Susquehanna, PA, on April 21st at the Genesee Community College. The event is sponsored by the Genesee Community College and the John Gardner Society, of which Professor Hiortdahl is an active member.

In March 2007, Professor Hiortdahl also gave a talk entitled "What English Professors Expect" to the Chesapeake Home School Network. Her dissertation at Catholic University centers on John Gardner and the Beowulf monster. Professor Hiortdahl has recently been filmed in an interview for an upcoming movie about Gardner, made by Gardner's son, Joel.