Second CWU One Book, One Campus Project Underway

October 31, 2006

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- During Central Washington University's 2006-07 academic year, faculty, staff and students are learning "A Short History of Nearly Everything." That is the title of the book selected as the reading for the second annual "One Book, One Campus project."

Bill Bryson's general science work, which outlines scientific areas in plain language, won the prestigious 2004 Aventis Prize for the best general science book published in England. In addition, it was the top-selling popular science book in the United Kingdom in 2005. The work is a departure for Bryson, a best-selling author most associated with his humorous travel books. While the CWU "One Book, One Campus" project is designed to cultivate reading and critical-thinking skills among first-year Central students, all university-community members are invited to participate. The program was established and funded through the Office of the Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

"A shared reading experience like this is a way to generate discussion about issues and ideas presented in this book that are relevant to our community and world," says Dr. David Soltz, CWU provost. "We hope that many lively discussions will be generated both inside and outside the classroom."

In addition, a variety of forums and events related to the book will be held throughout the academic year.

CWU faculty members proposed the "One Book, One Campus" program as a way to emphasize the importance of reading and discussion as significant elements of CWU's academic life.

For more information about the program, visit www.cwu.edu/~provost/one_book.