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K-State Today

December 5, 2013

K-Staters publish book about K-State, fund future K-Staters

Submitted by Patrice Scott

Alphabet book cover

Family, friendship and fun are at the heart of a new book published by two College of Education faculty members who are donating their profits to support scholarships for preservice teachers.

 “K-State: An Alphabet Journey Across Campus” was written by Debbie Mercer, dean of the college, and Lotta Larson, associate professor of curriculum and instruction. And it literally covers campus from A-Z.

“As former elementary teachers and literacy researchers, we thought this would be a creative way to promote K-State and literacy,” Larson said.

The concept of this book came to life after Mercer visited several Big 12 campus bookstores and discovered many institutions had captured their heritages through children’s books.

“I was amazed at the number of books for children, introducing customs and traditions to young readers about a particular school,” Mercer said. “As I researched what was available about K-State, I was a little disappointed. Thus, the idea to write one ourselves.” 

The process started three years ago and included many hours of research. Larson said numerous undergraduate and graduate groups were queried for their input. Groups were given a page with a list of the letters of the alphabet and asked to fill in words they associated with that letter and K-State. The most frequently identified words were used for the corresponding letter in the book, and the background of each page is sprinkled with highest-ranking words.  

“We are so grateful to each person who helped make this book possible,” Mercer said. “Our greatest hope is that each person who reads this books sees a familiar face or can be reminded of a special day or event on campus and it brings back fond memories of K-State.”

The book is $19.95 and the authors’ profits will be donated to a scholarship fund for preservice teachers in the college. Copies are expected to arrive in 6 Bluemont Hall the week of Dec. 16. To check on availability, please call the dean’s office at 785-532-5525.

Books can be ordered online with additional charges for shipping and handling.

Mercer and Larson invite readers to post comments about the book on their Facebook page.

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