Professor’s Passion for Poetry Inspires Students
Professor Emeritus Gordon Johnston pays a visit to current Trent students
As professor emeritus Gordon Johnston read poems about loss to students in Dr. Margaret Steffler’s “I am Canadian” course (English-Canadian Studies 3501H), his spoken words “evoked emotions strong enough to silence fifty students.”
The class enjoyed an informative and passionate guest lecture where Professor Johnston talked about his poetry, specifically addressing where it comes from—a topic that both fascinated and moved his audience.
“Gordon Johnston's return to the lecture hall made it obvious why he was a beloved professor for decades here at Trent,” said Heather Somerville, a fourth year English student. “Professor Johnston demonstrated how his poetry is written with elements from both internal and external influences using personal triumph, tragedy and the everyday world as subject matter.”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have Gordon Johnston share his passion for poetry and his own writing with the class,” said Jody Ackerman, a fourth year English student. “He’s candid, thought-provoking, and real which is apparent in his poetry, but is particularly evident when one has the pleasure of hearing him speak.”
Prof. Johnston advised aspiring teachers to read poetry aloud with students and creative writers in the class to read widely.
“Trent’s Department of English Literature is very fortunate in the many ways it benefits from the continued involvement of recently retired faculty, who provide guest lectures and talks, hire research assistants, visit classes and meet and mingle with students at Writers Reading events,” said Prof. Steffler. “It is particularly gratifying to witness my students being inspired by the passion and expertise of faculty members who played an important role in mentoring me as a teacher here at Trent.”