Kowles publishes book about teaching experiences

Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus of biology, has published a book titled, “A Passion to Teach: 58 years of humorous, weird and engaging tales.” Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina produced it. A large portion of the book talks about experiences at Saint Mary’s.

“A Passion to Teach” is mostly a series of stories about the author’s desire to be a teacher, working his way through college with terrible jobs, and teaching for 14 years in three different high schools before entering resident graduate school pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics.  The graduate school episode took place with a wife and five young children and required unbelievable financial craftiness. Much of the book also deals with teaching at the college level following the doctorate degree in genetics, along with chairing a biology department, conducting research, and engaging in scientific communication.  Most of the stories are about humorous events; however, a few others are more serious situations.  The last three chapters offer personal opinions, viewpoints, and biases regarding pedagogy along with more of the ever-present fun events and the throes of teaching.

The book can be purchased from the SMU Bookstore, the Book Shelf in Winona, Amazon, or directly through Dr. Kowles at Gilmore Creek Press, 1293 County Dr., Winona; (507) 452-1758.