Archives: English

Frank Monaco’s mother told him she would only pay for college if he went to a Catholic school. So, Frank dutifully enrolled in the College of Steubenville, majoring in English— and never regretted it.

Nicole (Rust ’11, MSE ’13) O’Connor’s Franciscan University experience can be summarized in one word—trust.

As assistant professor in Cancer Population, Control, and Population Health at Georgia Cancer Institute, Marlo has won awards from the American Public Health Association, the American Association of Cancer Research, and the Georgia Public Health Association.

“I would encourage anyone to study literature with an open mind and open heart,” says Joseph Cunningham.  “Regardless of the career path you choose, it will enrich you. ”Joseph earned his BA in English with a writing concentration.  He counts among the program’s strengths Dr. Mary Ann Sunyoger’s writing classes. “She has a passion for the English language and good writing. She loves what she teaches, and that made me want to be a better writer in all the different styles, from creative nonfiction to expository and others. ”Dr. Justyna Braun helped Joseph understand that good literature is crucial to forming a good writer. 

“At Franciscan, it’s possible to explore every side of a work of literature in a way other universities can’t — in the light of truth, in the full context of the author’s intent, with no fear of that exploration,” says Julia Keena. “To scholars serious about literature, that is priceless.”Julia earned her BA in Western and World Literature with a minor in writing. “The faculty here is extraordinarily helpful. They were as excited about learning as I was,” she recalls. She describes the department as being very involved in students as individuals and committed to the pure exploration of art. “It’s an intimate learning process where teachers give unique guidance,” she explains.“The big works are important to me, like Crime and Punishment. Dostoyevsky always has a special place for me.

In her senior year at Oxford University’s Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Victoria Bonutti studied in the city where J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Gerard Manley Hopkins, John Henry Newman and many other great Christian intellects lived, worked, and wrote.“To study at Oxford was one of my dreams. Through this partnership with Franciscan University, I found myself part of that great chain of Christian tradition and devotion,” she marvels.A native of Woodstock, Georgia, Victoria majored in English Literature with a concentration in British and American Literature.“Working as stage manager for Hamlet in my sophomore year convinced me that literature was what I wanted to focus on,” says Victoria.“Literature came alive for me!