2008 Woodie Awards
Silas House enlightens with college experiences
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Features
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Features Editor
David Borum
Contributing writer
Instead of paying attention in college math class, Silas House chose to block out algebra lessons while crafting his first novel, which would later become the chosen book for this year's Freshman Reading Experience.
Incoming freshmen were welcomed Tuesday by Kentucky-native House. The lecture focused on his fiction novel "Clay's Quilt."
The Millennial Gathering of Writers at Vanderbilt University recently selected House as on of the South's "Ten Emerging Writers." House has also published other novels such as "A Parchment of Leaves" and "The Coal Tattoo."
FRE emerged in 2001 as an effort to encourage all incoming freshmen students to purchase and read a selected text prior to arriving on campus to facilitate the commencement of their secondary education experience.
The goal is to develop a profound joy for reading among students, simultaneously endorsing a community of young intellects.
According to the FRE Web site, the program is used as a tool to provide a common academic experience for freshmen, introduce students to academic life, create a greater sense of community among students, faculty and staff, emphasize and improve reading skills and make connections between reading and campus cultural events.
General education courses incorporate common themes and lessons from each selected text into standard curriculum.
Bonnie Higginson, associate provost for academic programs and member of the FRE text selection committee, said that the FRE texts are a student's first encounter with the attributes of a Murray State graduate. Each FRE text focuses on one attribute in particular.
Higginson said the FRE selection committee consists of English affiliates including coordinator Kelley Wezner, Don Robertson, Gary Brockway and Cynthia Gayman.
House said "Clay's Quilt" serves different purposes and addresses different themes. Higginson said the targeted attribute addressed in "Clay's Quilt" is sound judgment promoting healthy lifestyles.
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