Exchange of books and ideas…just a part of mentorship for young poet, linguist

Simon has found in Baus a student whose general enthusiasm and desire to learn have enlivened both her research and teaching efforts.

“Eric has run with the possibilities in my creative writing and linguistics courses, and developed immensely as a creative writer and poet on his own,” Simon said. “He’s a man with a good heart, talents and intelligence that leap out of the water.”

As Baus’ adviser, Simon has written many letters of recommendation that have played a part in his placement with the National Student Exchange program, his receiving a Withers Scholarship and a research grant, and his employment at the IPFW Writing Center.

In fact, during the summer of 2000, he conducted funded linguistics research on identity and language conflict in the copper-mining area of Michigan’s upper peninsula. This work, an outgrowth of Simon’s research, gave him a first-hand opportunity to experience the world of linguistics research. He studied personal letters, newspapers and even inter-office memos housed in the archives at Michigan Technological University.

“Eric is a perfect example of how both students and faculty can benefit from a relationship,” said Simon. “We’ve exchanged books and ideas. I’m proud that at IPFW, students can engage with faculty in a rich exchange in the world of ideas.”

Baus said he appreciates that Simon understands what he is doing and where he can go with it. “In a lot of ways—even with poetry, which is a primary interest of mine—she has recommended books and authors that have become central to how I look at writing. This goes way beyond what happens in the classroom.”