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Professor Emeritus of English Bert Stern and writer Earl Arnett ’62 returned to campus to lead "Journeys," a session that explored their own lives and invited stories from the audience, as well. Here, Stern talks with Paul Wampler ’57.

"When I came to Wabash, I didn't plan to stay, but the teaching swept over me," Stern said of his arrival here in 1958. Years since his retirement, he continues to teach in the Changing Lives Through Literature program, where he teaches men on probation. "I love those flashes when something turns on that wasn't turned on before."

"I've been blessed in my journey to have discovered a second life," said Stern, who in addition to teaching, is the co-founder of Off the Grid Press, a small publishing house specializing in the works of poets over 60.

Stern is greeted by former faculty colleague, Professor Emeritus of Political Science Ed McLean. "I've been back to Wabash twice since my retirement; both times I've experenced an incredible depth of feeling," Stern said. "Our journey is about the depth of time that gathers around us. As I grow older, I realize not only the weight of time, but also the depth; the mystery deepens for us."

A freelance writer, former reporter for the Baltimore Sun, a former cultural ambassasor, along with his wife, jazz musician Ethel Ennis, for that city, and now head of the Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council, Earl Arnett said, "For the last five years I've been trying to bring my community together. You knock on doors, you keep persisting."

"I was always getting lost." Arnett laughed. "As a kid, I took of on my tricycle and got lost, and the police had to find me and bring me home. As life continues, the deeper the mystery becomes; by surrendering to that mystery, I still get lost, but I always find my way home again."

Having primed the audience with thoughts from their own journeys, Stern and Arnett invited alumni to share their stories—and enjoyed hearing them.

Jamie Cunningham listens to the stories.

Professor Emeritus of History Jim Barnes H’91 shares a story of his own.

Larry Slagle ’56 and Bert enjoy conversation after the colloquium.

The Wamplers talk discuss the presentation with Bert.