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News ReleasesAuthor of "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" Wins USM's O'Donnell Distinguished Service Award in Literacy May 24, 2007 USM's Literacy Education program will honor Donn Fendler, author of "Lost on a Mountain in Maine," during a ceremony slated for 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 31, in the University Events Room of the Glickman Family Library, Portland. Fendler will receive the Michael P. O'Donnell Distinguished Service Award in Literacy for his book, which documents his boyhood experiences while lost for nine days on Mount Katahdin in 1939. Fendler, a seasonal resident of Newport, coordinates his annual return from Tennessee to Maine so he may visit Maine elementary schools to promote reading, inspire children, and share his story. "Donn is a tremendous role model for children," said Professor Henry Amoroso, co-coordinator of USM's Literacy Education program. "In addition to surviving a terrible trial as a young boy, Fendler has dedicated his life to using his heroic celebrity to encourage youth to be active readers and authors of their own stories." The award is named for USM Professor Emeritus Michael P. O'Donnell, a developmental literacy expert who authored and coauthored several literacy textbooks including "Becoming a Reader" (Allyn and Bacon) and "In the Know" (New Readers Press). In addition to his scholarship, O'Donnell's most lasting contribution to the field was his creation, and 34-year stewardship, of USM's Summer Reading and Writing Workshop for literacy graduate students and Portland-area K-12 readers. So impressed by the Workshop, Mrs. Karen Baldacci visited last summer to read "Blueberries For Sal" to the K-12 participants. "USM honors Mr. Fendler," said Dean Betty Lou Whitford, "for his lifelong commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences, and for encouraging young people to be readers." She went on to say, "The world needs more role models that inspire children to love reading and writing." MORE INFORMATION: Call Judie O'Malley of USM Public Affairs at 839-6402 or |
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