Presentation by Buffalo State Common Reading Author Victor Villanueva: October 28

As a highlight of the inaugural Buffalo Common Reading, Victor Villanueva, professor and head of the Department of English at Auburn University, will discuss themes related to his article, “Colonial Memory and the Crime of Rhetoric: Pedro Albizu Campos,” Friday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m. in Warren Enters Theatre, Upton Hall.

Villanueva's presentation in Warren Enters Theatre is full; however, seating for a simulcast in Bulger Communication Center North and South is available. All are invited to attend a reception in the Bulger Communication Center lobby immediately following his talk.

Villanueva has authored, edited, or co-edited five books, including Bootstraps: From an American Academic of Color, which received two national awards. He also has written more than 40 articles or book chapters. In 1999, he was declared “Rhetorician of the Year” by the Young Rhetoricians Conference. His body of work revolves around issues of language, racism, and identity.

University College is sponsoring the common reading that began during fall orientation. All freshmen and transfer students received the article over the summer, and several activities related to the reading have taken place in and out of the classroom during the semester.

“A few years ago, we started to look at building an academic component into orientation, and we decided to go with a common reading,” said Michelle Ninacs, assistant professor of English and director of the College Writing Program, who also serves on the common reading committee. “We wanted to create an academic event that begins in orientation and that is tied with what students are studying during the semester and then continues through the semester.”

To choose the reading, the committee asked faculty members for submissions and discussed the benefits of each.

“There were a number of really good articles submitted. Villanueva’s was chosen in part because of its interdisciplinary nature,” Ninacs said. “We felt it addressed issues significant to the campus mission, such as diversity and inclusivity. ”

Along with hearing Villanueva, students have the chance to eat lunch with him if they wish during a meet and greet on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union dining hall.

Villanueva’s presentation will be videotaped and will be available to faculty and staff via Angel.