A new center on campus has students discovering America.
 

The Jack and Stella Kerouac Center for American Studies was unveiled this semester, thanks in part to a gift of $50,000 by Kerouac Estate Executor John Sampas.

Heading the Kerouac Center is English Prof. and Director of American Studies Hilary Holladay, who sees the new center as having a campus-wide impact.

“The Jack and Stella Kerouac Center for American Studies will strengthen the interdisciplinary ties between the Departments of English, History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, RESD, Art and Music,” says Holladay, who adds that there are opportunities for other departments to become involved as well.

The Center will sponsor a variety of projects and events in the humanities and social sciences. It also serves as the home for the Kerouac Writer-in-Residence program, the Kerouac Conference on Beat Literature and Kerouac Scholarships.

“This is exactly the sort of thing Jack (Kerouac) would have been thrilled and honored to be associated with,” says John Sampas. “He was always enthusiastic about nurturing the humanities in Lowell.”

For the Center’s inaugural event, the University is hosting the New England Poetry Conference, April 6 – 7.

“The conference will feature panels on Poetry and War, Poetry and Race, and Poetry and the Marketplace,” says Holladay. “We also have some outstanding poets on campus giving readings during this event.”

The American Studies program began in the early 1970s, under the direction of Cliff Lewis, professor emeritus of English. Lewis shaped and guided the program through two decades before handing the reigns to English Prof. Melissa Pennell and subsequently to Holladay.

Currently, there are about 20 majors enrolled in the American Studies program, which invites students to examine the development of American society and its culture.

In Holladay’s opinion, the program has always attracted a unique brand of student.

“American Studies appeals to high-achieving, imaginative students who want to explore the art, music, literature, politics and experiences which are uniquely American,” she says.

Plans for the American Studies program include the possibility of developing a master’s program.
 

Poetry Conference American Studies Prof. Hilary Holladay’s Biography

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