That's right, you've got a fun summer homework assignment! Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom, is the true story of a man's reconnection with his cherished former professor and mentor. Read it over the summer - when you return to campus in the fall, you'll have a rare treat awaiting you. Mitch Albom, author, sports columnist, and ESPN commentator, will address new students, live, during the Chancellor's Convocation on September 1.
About 'Tuesdays with Morrie'
At the age of 37, Detroit Free Press writer Mitch Albom had been named
America's top sports columnist for ten years in a row by the Associated
Press Sports Editors. Yet, a nagging sense of discontent propelled him to
rekindle a friendship with his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz.
Dying of Lou Gehrig's disease, the feisty and compassionate Schwartz had
been profiled on Nightline, an appearance which inspired Albom's call. His
weekly visits to his former college mentor's bedside allowed Albom to soak
up a worldview filled with humor and hope..."love is how you stay alive,
even after you're gone." As a result, he reduced his workload and
reconnected with his wife and family. In short, Albom learned to live from
a man who was about to die. Both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same
time, Tuesdays with Morrie has been on the New York Times bestseller list
for over 30 weeks.
About Mitch Albom
Originally from Philadelphia, Mitch Albom graduated from Brandeis
University with a sociology major and earned Master's degrees in journalism
and business administration from Colombia University in New York City. His
background includes stints as an amateur boxer, nightclub singer, pianist
and stand-up comic. He once played as a warm-up act for Gabe Kaplan. This
year, he again won first place in the Associated Press Feature Writing
Competition-the fourth time in five years. In addition
to his column, Albom hosts two nationally syndicated radio shows from
WJR-AM in Detroit, Albom in the Afternoon, and the Sunday Sports Albom. On
ESPN-TV, heads a weekly panel on Sports Monday, and is a regular
on the Sports Reporters. Albom currently resides in Franklin, Michigan,
with his wife, Janine.
Summer reading assignment
Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom,
available at your local library or bookstore.
The Chancellor's Convocation is sponsored by:
the Chancellor's Office
the Dean of Student's Office
Mr. Albom's appearance is sponsored by UW Credit Union