Veritas, Vol. 30, No. 04, December 1989

              DECEMBER 1989 • VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 4 • FOR THE FACULTY AND STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
James Michener bids University goodbye
James A. Michener, author of 36 books detailing the history and culture of many of the world’s civilizations, bid the University community goodbye on November 5 during “An Evening with James Michener,” an informal question-and-answer session held on the eve of the publication of his latest novel, Caribbean.
Michener has spent the last three years at the University, using the extensive Caribbean collection at the Otto C. Richter Library to research his new book while lecturing about writing to English students.
“Miami is effectively the capital of the Caribbean and Latin America,” he told more than 300 people packed into the law school auditorium. “The University of Miami was an excellent base from which to research Caribbean — the library has a fine collection of materials on those regions.”
Recently published by Random House, Caribbean — number 37 on Michener’s long list of literary achievements — traces the history of the entire region and details European influences from Columbus’ discovery through the Spanish, French, and English claims throughout the area.
The 82-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning author charmed the audience for 90 minutes with stories about his travels and how he approaches writing. He says the only place he hasn’t been is the South Pole.
“You have to have an idea that will keep you enthralled for three years,” he told the crowd of students, faculty, and community members. “I am more a geographer than anything else. The first book I read is the best cultural geography book about a region I can find.”
Michener does all of his own research. He read more than 400 primary works from the Richter Library, and scanned many more. “I’m one of the world’s best readers of indexes,” he mused.
A 1929 graduate of Swarthmore College, Michener did more than take advantage of Miami’s Caribbean-oriented milieu. As distinguished visiting professor of English, he extended his literary knowledge to students in the university’s creative writing program.
As a best-selling author whose works have been translated into 32 languages, nine movies, four TV miniseries and one musical, South Pacific, Michener team-taught two creative writing courses in the Department of English and gave weekly lectures.
“I’d like to see the University of Miami have a writing program,” he said. “The University of Iowa is the only school in the nation with a major program in writing. It will take Miami some time to decide which direction it will go, but I’m sure it will be first rate.”
It wasn’t until he was 40 years old that Michener began grinding out his lengthy sagas that blend fact and fantasy. His novels generally hit the top of the best-seller list within a week of their publication, and they don’t stop there. Amazingly, every one of Michener’s books is still in print in hard-cover.
A wide variety of these books were carefully clutched by members of the audience as they hoped for one last chance for Michener’s signature. At the end of his talk, he patiently autographed more than a hundred books.
—Chris Dudley
During “An Et>ening with James Michener, ” held in the law school auditorium, the renowned author listens to a question from the audience.
When dozens of uniformed firefighters recently descended upon the Coral Gables campus, onlookers might have immediately looked for smoke. But these City of Miami employees were heading for the Writing Center, a haven for students who need help with their writing, and, most recently, a place for community members to get the same kind of service.
“We found this was an excellent way to help the community and to generate revenue for the center at the same time,” says Pat Wellington, director of the center, who hopes to use the income for computers, books, and other reference materials. “We are growing so fast that our budget can’t keep pace.”
The center, which began as a one-person
operation in the Department of English, has grown to a staff of 23 full- and part-time employees who work with about 2,000 students each month. From teaching basic grammar and composition to offering specialized services, such as helping broadcasting students write oral reports and manning a 24-hour grammar hotline, the center has seen a boom in attendance as more and more professors are directing their students toward better writing skills. And now the community is becoming involved as well.
In the case of the firefighters, Captain Richard Sylvestri, coordinator of continuing education for the City of Miami Fire, Rescue, and Inspection Services Department, found the firefighters needed some training in writing reports and other
to community
necessary documents. After looking into three programs as far as cost, facilities, and expertise, the department chose the University of Miami.
“We were very impressed with UM,” says Captain Silvestri, a UM graduate. “We got a quality program at an affordable cost.”
The Writing Center also has presented seminars to technicians at Florida Power & Light and is currently planning a legal writing seminar for attorneys.
“Our chairperson has given us his full support in reaching out to the community,” says Wellington. “It’s fun and it’s a good way for people to sharpen their writing skills.”