Dr. Rita Gollin

I vividly recall how gratified I was by each academic award I received during what turned out to be a long academic career. And I hope to provide such gratification to each student who wins the scholarship I created.

I’m proud to have been able to share the many pleasures of reading and analyzing countless literary works and pursuing research into each of them, its author, and its period It was fine to know that my own pursuits contributed to the students’ academic lives and emerging careers.

I’d like recipients to know how gratifying it was to teach at Geneseo at a time of its own wonderful beginnings—of the College as part of the new SUNY system, of the English Department as including women as well as men in every rank, and the enrollment of students from near and far. And it was hugely gratifying to receive a statewide honor—being named Distinguished Professor of English.

Throughout my academic life I have enjoyed teaching and doing research, and Geneseo has given me ample opportunities for both. I’m proud of each of my books and essays, and proud that each bears the college’s name, proud too that it appears whenever I’m cited as an officer in a major professional organizations.

I have always felt at home in Geneseo, though with my husband and three children I’ve lived in Rochester the whole time. Geneseo has always been for me a place to make new friends and enjoy old ones among the faculty, administration, and students, and to enjoy the village’s beautiful location and rich traditions.

I hope receiving the Rita Gollin Scholarship furthers each winner’s ability to pursue, expand, and share scholarly interests, attainments, and enjoyments.