Scenes from an Inauguration Party

This morning's inauguration-viewing-party, hosted by the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, was a huge success, with wall-to wall attendance estimated at 600 people. The history department was well represented, with Professors Klein and Schackel bringing their classes (Jill Gill's 200-student section watched in their lecture hall, fearing they would overstuff the Jordan Ballroom).

Patty Pierose (II)

Part II of an interview with Patty Pierose, who tells us about one of those moments in class when you say to yourself, "Aha!":

"Holy Cow Moments...the one that leaps to mind happened in Todd Shallat’s class. I was researching the Oakland fire in the early 90’s, and I was stunned to find out that Proposition 13 came into play. A cap on taxing of the especially valuable homes in the foothills left fire services woefully underfunded. Then the wealthy homeowners turned on the city for not protecting them. So, in the aftermath, a great number of changes came into play; insurance prices rose, which meant everyone had to pay for the wealthy to have left their cities in disastrous shape. Also, the 1989 earthquake had an enormous impact on homes in lower income areas, but no one rushed to help them out (of course). Jill Gill is fond of pointing out that the sin of greed is mentioned more times in the Bible than any other one. I mean the thing is, I would not have picked the topic as near and dear to me, but I ended up teaching myself so much about a relatively recent event…"

Student Focus -- Patty Pierose (I)

Periodically (very periodically) we will be posting interviews with history students. Brian Lawatch gamely answered some questions for us earlier in the semester, and now it's the turn of Patty Pierose. Today, the first installment. The question (drumroll...) "What drew you back to the university, and the study of history, after a bit of time away?" Her answer:

"I really just began at Boise State because the description of Dr. Gill's American Religious History interested me….I took it for graduate credit as that was the only spot open. I had already done some reading about American religion and how and where denominations took root, so it was an avocational interest with me….Gill is a great professor: she's organized; she is wonderfully enthusiastic; she can handle a delicate classroom question with great skill and finesse….After that is was "Katy, Bar the Door" to quote my farmer father. I decided to get a third degree, an undergraduate degree in history. For THE Fun OF IT. People crack up when I say that. Zirinsky and Gill told me I should go for a Master's Degree in History, but my ancient 20 credits of mostly American History left me feeling like I didn't know enough. I should have done it… I'm still having a wonderful time….I can't really have a bad instructor or class because as an adult learner, I know exactly how to learn and I don't stop at the grade. I mean, I want to be challenged and held to a decent, strong standard, and I'll keep reading everything, so mostly it's on me."

Come back soon for Patty's history class "wow moment"...

Idaho Council for History Education, Oct. 2-3

On Thursday and Friday of next week, the Idaho Council for History Education meets at Boise High School for its annual conference. Among BSU historians, Shelton Woods, Michael Zirinsky, Bart Barbour, and Bob Sims will speak on Thursday, while Lisa Brady and Jill Gill will be there on Friday. The keynote speaker on Friday is award-winning historian of the Great Plains, Elliott West. This conference is always a huge draw with informative and entertaining lectures -- make your way over to Boise High if you can!

Late Add: Elliott West will be speaking at the Fettuccine Forum the evening of Thursday, Oct. 2 for those who won't get to see him Friday, or who can't get enough. His talk will be at 6 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. in the Rose Room. For more information, call 426-1255.

Jill Gill Speaks at the City Club

Today, Professor Jill Gill discussed the role of evangelical Christians in American politics to a full house at the City Club in downtown Boise.

Graduation Day

Professors Lisa McClain, Nicanor Dominguez, Nick Miller, and Jill Gill, at graduation, May 17, 2008. It only seems like it took a long time for them to get their degrees.

Summer Plans: Gill

Jill Gill is scheduled to give a few talks this summer: the first set will be in Sun Valley in July, where she is doing a series of 3 talks on American religious history for a Jewish-Episcopal alliance that brings in speakers every summer on religion-related topics; then, in August, she'll be giving a talk on religion and politics for the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in Boise. Jill will also continue working her book manuscript into shape for publication, and preparing for a new fall class of graduate students.

Phi Alpha Theta Sends Students, Professor to Spokane

Professor Jill Gill is accompanying four of our students (Dane Vanhoozer, Tamara Mackenthun, Pankhuree Dube, and Brian Lawatch) to Spokane this weekend to take part in the regional conference of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honors society. The conference, hosted this year by Gonzaga University, provides an opportunity for students (undergraduate and graduate) to present their research in a formal setting.