Tom Isern, NDSU

Some of us at NDSU recall that last spring, when it came time for the members of the Senior Seminar in History to present their papers, Dylan Christopherson's paper was read for him by a colleague. This was because near end of term, Dylan's guard unit was deployed to Iraq.

I've said so long, good luck, and God speed to a number of young men and women like Dylan over the past couple of years, and always with mixed feelings. In every case I have thought, if we need people to defend us and extend democracy in the wider world, then this is the person to do it. Of every one of them I have thought, I am proud to be represented abroad by this soldier. On the other hand, I always have thought, too, I hate to see a good man or woman like this sent into dangerous service.

Right now we have reason to be doubly proud of Dylan Christopherson--both because of his service to his country, and because he continues to write with distinction. For those who missed his dispatch from Kuwait to the NDSU Spectrum on 14 January, here it is. Careful, it's a big PDF file.

To my students and advisees: this is an invitation to any of you who may wish to present a paper at a regional professional meeting, let me know right away, and I'll set it up. There are two good venues for presentation coming up this spring.

1. Student History Conference, USD, Vermillion, 21 April

2. Dakota Conference on History, Sioux Falls, 22-23 April

There will be transport, and lodging should be covered, too.

Why would someone want to do this?

1. Are you just naturally a show-off?

2. Are you interested in pumping up your resume in preparation for graduate school or professional employment (gasp!)?

3. Do you like stale coffee and doughnuts?

Really, it's a pretty good time engaging in this sort of professional activity with friends and peers. Do let me know if you're interested.