Collegiate Professor Lecture

On September 13, 2011, Alan gave a lecture in association with his position as a U-M Collegiate Professor of English Literature and American Culture, to which he had been appointed in 2007.  This is a named chair, and Alan had chosen to use it to honor H. Chandler Davis, a world-renowned mathematician and one-time political prisoner in the US (who refused to "name names" in the McCarthy era, which resulted in his being fired from U-M, imprisoned, and blacklisted).  The eighty-five year old  Davis came down from his home in Toronto to attend the event, at which he was graciously welcomed by LSA Dean Terry McDonald.  Alan's sister, Sharon, and older daughter, Sarah, were also present, along with Angela's parents, Marilynn and Paul Dillard.  Below are photographs of Alan and Chan, Alan and Terry, Alan speaking, and the official conference poster.  Underneath  are numerous photographs of Alan speaking, the audience, and others at the event.  The red button I am wearing reads "No Passaran!" and was obtained in Nicaragua following the revolution.