Comments:
My two years with you weren't just my first job; they were the beginning of a wonderful life and career I never knew possible. With you I discovered my obsession with language and my love of teaching. Together we worked toward finding our better selves, and I can never tell you how grateful I am to all of you, to your families, and to Dimmitt itself. I take such pride in you that I always list DHS at the head of my personal/professional histories. I have carried you with me always, and here's where. The University of Texas at Austin (1968-1973), where I taught writing, literature, philosophy and finished my M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English, Linguistics, and Poetics. Grinnell College, in Iowa (1973-1975), where I taught Poetry and Creative Writing. The University of Iowa, in Iowa City (1975-1982), where I became a professor and taught courses in poetry, poetics, creative nonfiction, stylistics, and the teaching of writing. The United States Air Force Academy (1982-1983), as part of the Department of Defense Distinguished Visiting Professor Program. The University of Iowa (1983-2004), where I established and directed the Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Nonfiction until my medical retirement in 2004. I've given lectures at scores of schools, colleges, universities, institutes, and at almost all I would speak of some aspect of my time with you and how that time has shaped my life.... Of a town with two 'M's and two 'T"s and its own bumper sticker, dammitt; a school where music was bigger than football (and I love football); a school where the Home Ec facility was bigger and better appointed than most grand houses I've seen; a school where the state champion basketball coach was one of the best mathematicians I've ever known; a school where the Homecoming windmill burned brighter than Texas sun; a place where young adults supported each other far better than most. Along the way I discovered that writing is really thinking, feeling in slow motion. Now I think in slow motion as a certified expert witness in matters of language for the Federal Circuit and as a national consultant for NPOs, mostly in education. I feel in slow motion, mostly with memoir and poetry. That's how Elaine found me on Google, a link to one of my poems on an Iowa City bus.
I've never been tempted by class reunions, but then the classes have never been yours. I'm so grateful to have been invited back by my once students and friends, by my now friends with grown-up lives and families of their own. Please bring lots of photos, lots, but more importantly, please bring yourselves.
See you soon,
Paul
(Mr. Diehl has left the building)
