Ernest Gaines

[NewsCopy]

A new approach to architecture in south Louisiana's changing landscape has earned one UL professor international recognition. Michael McClure, associate professor of architecture at UL, has been chosen as a recipient of a 2008 Rome Prize, one of the most highly regarded awards in the arts and humanities. McClure shares the award with his wife, Ursula Emery-McClure, an architect and LSU professor. Awarded annually by the American Academy in Rome, the prize is given to 30 emerging artists and scholars in the early or middle stages of their careers. Winners of the prize spend time in Rome, refining and expanding their work alongside fellow Prize recipients. The rest of the story Cody Daigle news@theadvertiser.com

[CajunFun]

UL News Services and the local media have COMPLETELY missed the boat on this one.

When I found out about it last Friday, I about had a conniption. No one outside of the arts & humanities has ANY idea how big this is.

It's as big as Ernest Gaines, the basketball teams of the '70's, John Breaux, and almost as big as John Kennedy Toole posthumously winning the Pulitzer. If all goes well, my article for ultoday.com will come out tomorrow, and then you'll all have a better idea of what this means.

[CajunFun]

I spent some time digging up info on Erny. I think you guys will like this article. I know him personally, and I didn't know a lot of this stuff.

He really is a big fish...

[NewsCopy]

  Legendary fiction writer Ernest Gaines and Baton Rouge nonfiction author Mary Ann Sternberg will be recognized for their work to promote justice and harmony at the 46th annual Brotherhood and Sisterhood Awards Banquet Thursday, Aug. 21.

The rest of the story

[CajunFun]

Does UL pay Ernest Gaines a salary, office space, a home or other perks? I guess I'm asking how writer-in-residence works?

To answer a 2 year-old question, yes, he got all that stuff, in exchange for teaching one small 3-hour class every year. He lived in a nice home that UL owns in Arbolada.

I don't know how much we paid him, but a senior official one time told me, "Not much." I would guess that means more than the average English prof makes, but a lot less than someone of his calibre should.

Erny was named Louisiana's first Humanist of the Year. When they awarded him the prize, the Dept Head of English at State came up to him and said-- in front of everyone-- "I don't know how much they're paying you, but we'll double it."

Erny, always the gentleman, replied "Where were you when I needed you?"

[NewsCopy]

  UL — The University of Louisiana's plans for an international research center focused on the works of acclaimed writer Ernest Gaines is building momentum.

The Board of Regents granted conditional approval of the center in February, but required the university to secure external funding.

Since then, a board of directors has been chosen to oversee the progress, and next week it is expected to review, and possibly approve, design plans for the center.

The rest of the story

By MARSHA SILLS
Advocate Acadiana bureau

[CajunFun]

Ernest Gaines will be signing his new book Sunday, This Thing That Drives Me http://ultoday.com/node/879 The proceeds will benefit the new Gaines Center at UL.

Please pass the word on to any literature fans you know...

[LFTCajun]

Thanks for the great write up Fun! I'll be sure to make it over to Dupré Sunday. I've been wanting to meet Dr. Gaines for a while, if only to shake his hand.

He's a true asset, not only to UL and this area, but to the literary community in general. He's certainly made us proud being the landmark author that he is and making this his home...

[geo_cajun]

About 5 or 6 years ago, the UL performing arts department put on "A Lesson Before Dying" play at the theater on campus. Dr. Gaines was there and spoke about it before and after. Then had a book signing. It was pretty cool. It's funny that this comes up because I was cleaning my house and found my autographed copy of A Lesson Before Dying in a box of books last week.

[Sonsissymia]

_ Ernest Gaines will be signing his new book Sunday, This Thing That Drives Me http://ultoday.com/node/879 The proceeds will benefit the new Gaines Center at UL.

Please pass the word on to any literature fans you know... _

'fun, do you think it would be bad form to show up and buy/get signed the new book, but bring along my first of miss jane pittman for autograph on that one as well? i've never been to a book signing on campus, and need to know the etiquette.