Twenty-three U students are in England studying Shakespearean theater because of a newly created endowment in the name of Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
From May 11 to June 1, these students will study at Regent’s College in central London as part of a British studies program established last year.
The endowment was created to honor President Hinckley, said Norman Council, English professor. “This endowment will, when fully funded, enable the department to develop several related projects that will enhance the quality of education in all areas of British studies.”
In 1998, during his commencement address, Hinckley discussed his days as a U English student.
“I brought a book with me today, my old Shakespeare text from which I read so long ago in English 171. It is filled with wisdom,” Hinckley said, holding up the worn book for all to see. During his speech, Hinckley cited passages from “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Tempest” to inspire the graduating class.
In 1932, after receiving a bachelor’s of arts degree in English from the U, Hinckley went to England where he served as a missionary.
“Go Forward with Faith,” Hinckley’s biography, states, “?the literature Gordon had studied became more meaningful as he lived in the land of their origin” and his “?personal literary efforts may have increased his appreciation for the exposure he received in England to some of the world’s finest literature.”
Now, more than half a century later, a group of U students are traveling to England to study British literature in the country that inspired it.
The English department hopes to make a tradition of a yearly trip abroad for English students with a British studies emphasis. The department is also looking to increase the endowment to provide endowed professorships and scholarships for students, Council said.