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March 26, 2003

Friends of Library Announces Arrival of Colvert Book

Friends of the Library at the University of Louisiana at Monroe announce the arrival of "I think you can, and I believe you will" Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943. The book was edited by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. John A. Knesel and Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership and Counseling Dr. Holly B. Casey. ULM Friends of the Library published the book.

Clyde Cornelius Colvert known as C.C. Colvert was the first president of ULM and remained at ULM 13 years. "I think you can, and I believe you will" Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943 is a book filled with short columns that Colvert wrote for the school paper, the Pow Wow. The book is on sale now at BellTower Books on the fourth floor of the ULM Library. You can also buy it in the ULM Library Director's Office. The book is $11.00 with proceeds going to Friends of the Library.

The following is an excerpt from the book:

"Clyde Cornelius Colvert, called simply 'C.C.' or 'Colvert' by those who knew him well, guided what is now the University of Louisiana at Monroe through the first thirteen years of its development. If an institution's development can be measured in human terms, C.C. Colvert guided this institution through its infancy, toddling steps and brought her to the brink of adolescence.

Dr. Colvert practiced his belief in an available, appropriate education for everyone who had a thirst for post secondary training in his devotion to the students and community of Ouachita Parish Junior College. When he left Monroe to return to his native Texas, Colvert 'fathered' the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin and subsequently influenced the development of the community and junior college movement across the nation.

Dr. Colvert (1899-1991), cast a very long shadow. He dedicated his professional life to the growth and development of his students. He had the seemingly unique ability to make his students believe they could achieve the goals set by themselves and by Dr. Colvert. During his tenure at the small junior college nestled in a bend of Bayou DeSiard in Monroe, Louisiana, Colvert wrote approximately 120 columns entitled "Colvert's Corner," for the student newspaper, the Pow Wow. It is in these writings that the spirit of C.C. Colvert lives as an exemplar of the consummate teacher: supporter, friend, and wise counselor."

"Doing the research for this book was such a pleasure and it was a privilege to make the connection with Dr. Colvert and the students and faculty who were here at the beginnings of our university," said Knesel

Casey, who enjoyed getting to know Colvert through his writings, said, "Working on this book was a labor or love, for ULM and especially for the memory of Dr. C.C. Colvert. In fact, I believe these writings express Colvert's love for learning in general, this community as a whole, and this institution in specific. No wonder he had such a positive influence on everyone whose path crossed his. I wish I had known the man not just his words, "

Friends of the Library (FOL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the ULM Library through fundraising and advocacy in the community and on campus. Members of FOL enjoy these benefits: free subscription to biblioTalk, Friends' newsletter, checkout privileges at the ULM Library, discounts at BellTower Books, and Invitations to members-only events.

Later this spring ULM's President's Speakers Series will present Dr. Thomas Hatfield, famous WWII historian, to talk about the life of C.C. Colvert. Hatfield was a close friend of Colvert's.

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