Monday, May 23, 2005
One Grammar Maven Salutes Another
Jim Vanden Bosch, English extraordinaire, incoming department chair, contributor to this blog, and recent grammar celebrity, talks to the Grand Rapids Press about being mentioned by name in President Bush’s commencement speech on Saturday:
Professor surprised by president’s mention
Calvin College English Professor James Vanden Bosch wasn’t forewarned President Bush would single him out in his commencement address. “I bring a great message of hope and freedom to Calvin College Class of 2005,” Bush said. “There is life after Professor Vanden Bosch and English 101.” Sitting in the front row with other faculty members, Vanden Bosch said later: “I laughed. I thought it was very funny. I enjoyed it very much, but it was a complete surprise.” Watching on television at home, Vanden Bosch’s wife, Maria, and daughters, Christina and Anjean, were equally surprised. “We were jumping up and down and laughing and saying, ‘My dad’s a celebrity,’” said Christina, 19.