VALLEY COLLEGE : Book Signings Feature Faculty

Valley College has taken a cue from major universities by offering a book-signing program featuring faculty members who have had books published.

English instructor William Wallis conceived the program, which began in November and has produced four signings to date.

“The idea was to bring faculty and students together,” Wallis said, “and emphasize faculty accomplishments in a field that is not especially encouraged, that community college faculty are not specifically encouraged to take part in.”

He added that community college instructors, unlike their counterparts at four-year universities, are not under pressure from their superiors to be published.

The fifth signing, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30, will feature Marvin Zuckerman, chairman of the English department.

Zuckerman is an expert in Yiddish language and literature and also has been a publisher of English textbooks. He has authored a Yiddish grammar textbook and has co-authored several volumes of Yiddish literature and essays, as well as a vocabulary book that is used throughout the country.

Wallis said the book signings are exciting for him. A published poet, he was part of the first signing.

Two of the signings have been “social and academic successes,” he said, while the other two were sparsely attended.

“‘But we have high hopes for the future,” he said.

The signings are free and open to the public.