Common Reading Scholar-in-Residence

As part of the BGSU 2017 Common Reading experience, the University will welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Clarence Page, syndicated columnist and senior member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board, as the Common Reading Scholar-in-Residence. Page will participate in a number of events and give a public presentation at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, followed by a question-and-answer time.

Like J.D. Vance, author of this year’s common read “Hillbilly Elegy,” Page grew up in Middletown, Ohio, where “Hillbilly Elegy” is set but a generation earlier, attended Middletown High School and went on to a successful writing career.

In his Oct. 26 presentation, Page will address issues of culture and identity in the United States and share his perspective on topics raised in “Hillbilly Elegy.”

Also during his visit, in a session designed especially for faculty and graduate students, Page will participate in a faculty panel discussion on “Migrations and Cultural Populations” from 3-4:15 Oct. 26 in 207 Union. Moderated by Dr. Ray Swisher, sociology, panelists include Drs. Melissa Miller, political science; Andrew Schocket, American culture studies; and Larry Smith, humanities and English, BGSU Firelands.  

Two other events will expand the focus on Appalachian culture chronicled in “Hillbilly Elegy.” Phil Jamison, scholar of Appalachian dance, will present a lecture about African American influences on dance in Appalachia at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 in 1007 Business Administration Building, and Dr. Michael Ann Williams, chair of the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology at Western Kentucky University, will speak about “Appalachian Cultural Landscapes” at 6 p.m. Nov. 2, also in 1007 Business.

Vance will be on campus Nov. 29 to discuss his New York Times best-seller, “Hillbilly Elegy.”