One Young Soldier

Many people once they get to be my age think they have it in them to write a book--certainly we are old enough to have experienced something and studied something worth writing about. But most of us don't do it because writing a book takes long term commitment that must compete with the daily responsiblities (and distractions) that engulf us. But some people with regular jobs and families do find time to write a book.


Earlier this week, one of our long-time adjunct professors in the Helzberg School, Gary DeRigne, had a book signing for his first novel, One Young Soldier. Gary says that it is mosly a memoir of his experience serving in Vietnam. I was happy to receive a copy and happier still to have my proceeds for the book be designated to the Wounded Warriers charity. I guess it was appropriate that Gary who teaches corporate social responsbility for Rockhurst would think of such gesture.


One of the strengths of Rockhurst, especially in the Helzberg School, has long been its adjunct factuly. Gary is an IT professional in our community who not only uses his non-work time to write books, but teaches courses for Rockhurst. Adjuncts are a strength because they are real business professionals who can bring that practicing expertise into the classroom. Ironically, in working with adjuncts for over a decade I have found they are most interested in their role as teacher and anxious to learn how to be a better teacher and not simply a talking head expert.

Another thing I have learned from adjucts is that they get immense satisfaction in the classroom. In fact, some of our fulltime faculty started out as adjuncts. When I asked Gary how he likes writing, he said he likes it enough he wants to do more of it--seems this can get in your blood, too. Best of luck Gary with your next book.