Citadel English Club, Charleston, SC (2022)

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He had served on regimental staff as a senior cadet and he had graduated with the class of 1950. Afterward he took an Army commission and became a wounded and decorated combat veteran. He was an accomplished scholar, one of the English department’s more colorful professors, a fun and interesting conversationalist with a never ending supply of stories, an avid gardener, and a man of quick wit, quicker temper and extremely colorful verbiage. His features were pinched and drawn as if his body strained to contain his spirit on this side of eternity, he didn’t suffer fools, he couldn’t care less what anybody thought of him and he was always deep in thought about something. We called him "Trashmouth."
(from "Leaders and Followers" Copyright © 2017)
(available on Amazon)

When Bryce Perle reported on the first day of his k**b year, he was paired with Earl Cobb. Not unlike most roommates they had some adjusting to do, and for some reason they got off to a rocky start.

“How you doing,” Perle said as he held his hand out to his new roommate. “I’m Bryce Perle.”

“I’m Earl Cobb.”

“Where are you from?”

“Bull swamp,” Earl drawled as he swung his suitcase up onto the top rack.

“Where’s Bull Swamp?”

“A few miles north of Wolfton.

“Where’s Wolfton?”

“Just east of Livingston.”

“Well where’s Livingston?”

“North of Neeses.” Earl was starting to get irritated. “Where are you from?”

“Glynn County.”

“Where’s that?”

“Georgia,” Perle said as he reached for Earl’s luggage.

“I never heard of … hey what’re you doing?” Earl said as he held his hand against his suitcase.

“The top bunk’s mine.”

“Says who?”

“Says me. I like to sleep up in the air.”

“Why didn’t you bring a hammock?”

“How about moving your gear,” Perle said as he gave Earl’s suitcase another yank.

Earl held both hands against his suitcase. “How ‘bout you leave my stuff alone?”

“How about you make me?”

“I would but I won’t on account of it’d be too easy and it might mess up your pretty hair.”

Perle pushed Earl away, grabbed the suitcase and dropped it on the floor.

Earl bounced back and pushed Perle to the windows.

And then they were off. It wasn’t a fistfight. It was more like a slow motion Sumo match … between a couple of skinny white boys. Perle wrapped his arms around his country roommate’s waist and tried to push him back but Earl slammed him into the windows. With his hand splayed-out on Earl’s face Perle grimaced and shoved Earl’s head back. Finally Earl had had enough. Grabbing a handful of hair, he slammed Perle’s head backward into one of the glass panes, shattering it with a loud crash.

Outside the room, a cadre corporal had been making his way down the gallery checking the door cards. Hearing the commotion, he je**ed the screen door thumbed the latch and kicked the main door open.

“What the hell is going on in here?”

It was only the first day and neither k**b had learned to brace yet. But they knew enough to come to attention.

“Well?” the corporal yelled as he pushed Perle to the side and examined the broken glass. “Who did this?”

Neither k**b spoke. Patting his clipboard against his palm, the corporal sucked his cheeks in and narrowed his eyes. “You’re getting off to a bad start, k**bs. Take my word for it. If there’s one thing neither of you want on the first day it’s to make a bad impression. Bad first impressions are harder to get rid of than bad breath after you eat a sh-t sandwich. Now which one of you broke that window?”

“I did it sir,” Perle said as he felt a drop of blood trickle down the back of his neck.

“What happened?”

“Sir … I stumbled into it sir.”

“Stumbled? How’d you manage that?”

Earl held up a hand. “Sir I caused it sir.”

“YOU caused it?”

“Sir yes sir.”

“Would you mind telling me how?”

“He’s wrong sir. I did it,” Perle said.

“No sir, I did it,” Earl corrected.

Perle shook his head. “Sir it didn’t happen that way.”

“Oh yes it did,” Earl said as he looked at his roommate.

“BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP! I’m only gonna ask this one more time. Which one of you idiots broke that window?”

“I did it sir,” Both of them said in unison.

Looking back and forth at the two k**b recruits the corporal finally chuckled at them: “Okay k**bs. I’ll accept that. Both of you did it.”

As he sauntered back to the door he added, “It’s good to stick together on the first day like that, k**bs. Better for class unity.” Looking at Earl he said, “But I’d wash that blood off of your hand if I were you.” As the country boy looked down at the knuckles on his right hand, the corporal turned to Perle and smiled, “And wipe that blood off of your neck.”

“But both of you remember this: if you start out with little stupid things, they’ll turn into big stupid habits, and stupid k**bs always get the crap racked out of them. Consider this your one and only freebie. If you ever pull a stunt like this again, God help you.”

He looked down at his clipboard. “I’ll file an OS&D report and state the cause as … ‘terminal stupidity and the start of a lifelong friendship.’” The screen door slammed as the corporal left the room.

Relaxing, both k**bs looked at the broken window. “Shouldn’t be too hard for them to fix,” Perle said.

“I wouldn’t think so. Just a little piece of … say that’s a pretty bad scratch on the back of your neck.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ll get you a towel buddy.

”I KNEW I was gonna like you.”

(from Leaders and Followers, ©2017)

Anyone who says or even implies that this regimented corner of the world is small needs to have their head examined. The cadets wear big hats to big parades while carrying big rifles past a big flagpole where they shoot big howitzers that make big noises and blow big clouds of smoke out of big barrels while the big band beats big drums and blows big horns to make a big impression on the big loads of big people who ride in on big tour buses. Their big stadium plays to big crowds who have big fun on big weekends while their big bulldog mascot runs up and down the sideline leaving big presents for the big football players who step in them with their big cleated feet so that they can yell big profanities. Then there are the owners of big mouths who tell big whoppers after big parties where they bring their big girlfriends who have big breasts and drink big mugs of beer that give them big hangovers the next morning. And we haven't even mentioned the big egos with big ranks who love to boss big groups of big guys around so that they can write big letters to their big families where they boast big about how big a splash they are making at the biggest most butt-kicking military college that this big country ever produced. The place is big.
(excerpt from Through Their Eyes, ©2014)

This is what happens when you DON'T PAY ATTENTION IN ENGLISH!!!
#oldschool

I'd like to dedicate this post to Professor Livingston, who ensured that we will never again forget what happened in 1066.

Easter at IHOP with the English club

For the use of the Citadel English Club.

Operating as usual

04/13/2018

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's remains rediscovered in wine cellar

Well well well....

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/apr/12/samuel-taylor-coleridge-poet-remains-rediscovered-wine-cellar?CMP=share_btn_fb

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's remains rediscovered in wine cellar Exact location of the poet’s coffin had been forgotten until recent excavation uncovered the vault

04/05/2018

Let me know if you are interested in this talk!

03/28/2018

U.S. Passports

Passport Day, Extended hours!
· Thursday, 3/29/18
· 9am-3pm & 4pm-8pm
· Mark Clark Hall Reception Room & Lobby, 1st Floor

Need to apply for or renew a U.S. passport? The Charleston Passport Center will be on campus to accept and process passport applications and renewals for the Citadel community! If you do not have a passport, this is a great opportunity to avoid long lines and get any questions answered regarding application process.

Please have all application materials completed and ready ahead of time. Links to application materials and resources are provided below.

Application Materials to bring
Passport Book & Card Comparison
Citizenship Evidence Flyer
Renewing your passport
Passport Fees
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Reminder from the Passport Agency:
Please remember that we only accept original certified documents for birth evidence (no photocopies.) All birth certificates must list parental information on them (we call that the long form.) Some counties will issue a short form and sometimes it does not list the parental information (we do not accept these.)
We accept check or money order only for passport fees. No cash, no starter checks.

U.S. Passports Use our passport Form Finder to make sure you're using the right form. If you already know the form you need, see Passport Forms.

03/26/2018

EC meeting this Friday at noon! Email to rsvp!

03/26/2018

Young lawyer dusts off old evidence to cast doubt on George Stinney's conviction

Citadel English major/grad in the news:
https://www.postandcourier.com/news/special_reports/young-lawyer-dusts-off-old-evidence-to-cast-doubt-on/article_d31c3a90-2928-11e8-b103-33404ec5d9c5.html

Young lawyer dusts off old evidence to cast doubt on George Stinney's conviction At 7:30 a.m. on June 16, 1944, inmate No. 260, dressed in a loose-fitting striped jumpsuit, was escorted to the little brick death house at the state penitentiary in Columbia,

02/06/2018

EC meeting this Friday at noon. Email pilhuj to RSVP.

01/22/2018

Call for Editors! The Shako: The Citadel's Literary and Arts Journal. Contact Natalie Rodgers at [email protected] for more info.

01/22/2018

POTENTIAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

We are hosting an Open House for anyone interested in learning more about Meeting Street Schools next Thursday, January 25th at our Meeting Street Academy-Charleston location. It will be a great chance for you to meet and greet with members of our leadership team and get a tour of our school. We will also provide pizza and cupcakes!

Date: 1-25-18
Time: 4:30-6pm
Where: Meeting Street Academy- Charleston
Address: 642 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403

EMAIL [email protected] by 5pm today to be put on orders.

01/09/2018

Remember the Career Center can be an excellent resource for networking, internship postings, and job prep:

Monday, January 29th 2 – 4pm – The Citadel Career Center: Virtual Student Federal Service Internship Program Learn how you can intern virtually with over 35 federal agencies! Open to all years and majors!

Wednesday, February 28th 12:30 – 4pm – Buyer Auditorium: The Citadel Spring 2018 Career and Internship Fair. Over 55 employers will be on campus to network and discuss full-time, seasonal, and internship opportunities. All students are encouraged to attend!

The Career Center is available this week to help you with all of your career planning and internship obtaining needs. Come see us….

Drop-In Hours: Monday-Thursday; 1-4pm
Resume Blitz: Friday; 12:30-2:00 in front of the bookstore in Mark Clark Hall

11/12/2017

Six Myths About Choosing a College Major

Spread the good word, my lovely minions: English majors do often get excellent entry-level jobs right out of college, that their earning potential and reality is often higher than other majors like Crim J, and that STEM isn't always the answer. You can also show this article to anyone doubting your excellent choice of major.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/03/education/edlife/choosing-a-college-major.html?emc=eta1&_r=0

Six Myths About Choosing a College Major Not all philosophy majors wind up as baristas, and not all engineers get rich. Here’s what you need to know before making this big decision.

10/24/2017

Good morning all,

Please see below for information about a talk to be given by one of the very last Holocaust survivors. I cannot recommend enough that you go to this talk: to hear and speak with someone who has lived through some of the worst humans can do, and has come to represent some of the best we are capable of. My own grandparents were in in the camps, and their stories still inform much of my perspective and outlook. And I know students who have been to Mr. Engle’s talk before and been greatly moved by it.

On November 15, at 3:00 PM, in MCH Buyer auditorium, Jo Engle, one of the very last holocaust survivors in Charleston, will speak about his experience in the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Please encourage your students to attend; it is probably the last time that Mr. Engle will come to our campus. Our students will not have many other opportunities to speak face-to-face with a living holocaust survivor.

Thanks,

Guy Toubiana, Chair
Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

09/28/2017

Disney College Program

RECENT GRADS AND CLASS OF 2018: Disney is looking for young professionals to hire. Check the link to see if there is something that interests you. --From our Career Center.

https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-college-program

Disney College Program Disney College Program

09/19/2017

Some excellent opportunities at The Career Center coming up:

The Career Center cordially invites you to attend the following on campus employer events.

THIS week:
IBM Case Study Prep Session: Thursday, Sept. 21st at 3:30pm – Bond Hall #295
*MBA candidates, Computer Science, and Business Admin students with an interest in finance, accounting, or economics are encouraged to attend.

NEXT week:
CIA General Q&A Info Session: Tuesday, Sept. 26th at 3pm – Bond Hall #165: The CIA presenter will share insight pertaining to work-life balance, security process, company culture and much more. All interested students are encouraged to attend.
“Einstein as Asset”: Tuesday, Sept. 26th at 4:30pm – Bond Hall #295: This session with focus on the Directorate of Operations (DO). The DO serves as the clandestine arm of the CIA and is the national authority for the coordination, de-confliction, and evaluation of clandestine operations across the Intelligence Community of the United States. All interested students are encouraged to attend.
Ernst & Young Info Session: Thursday, Sept. 28th at 6:15pm – Bond Hall #165: Network with Citadel alumni currently employed with the Big 4 Firm and learn how you be the next Bulldog to get an internship or full-time employment with EY. *Session open to Junior & Senior Accounting Majors
Meeting Street Academy at Resume Blitz: Friday, Sept. 29th at 12:30pm – Mark Clark Hall Lobby: Representatives from the neighborhood school will be giving out resume tips and networking with students on teaching and business opportunities.
Exclusive CIA activity! Space LIMITED to 30 students:
Analytical simulation exercise: Tuesday, Sept. 26th at 4:30pm – Bond Hall #333:
CIA presenters will walk students through the thought process and role of an analyst as students investigate a potential emerging problem that demands critical thinking skills and analysis. The simulation exercise is tailored for students who want to learn how they can apply their backgrounds and problem solving skills to national security issues.

To be considered for the simulation exercise please e-mail [email protected] with a copy of your resume and 1-2 paragraphs expressing your interest in being a part of the simulation.

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, September 20th

Those selected will be notified: Friday, September 22nd

The Career Center is here to help you prepare for these events:
Drop-In Hours: Monday-Thursday; 1-4pm
Resume Blitz: Friday; 12:30-2:00 in front of the bookstore in Mark Clark Hall

02/23/2017

Top 20 Fields for Internships: Get Your Skills On

Top 20 Fields for Internships: Get Your Skills On To get that summer position, here’s what students need to know how to do.

01/12/2017

Those who were in Dr Maxwell's Advanced Comp class last semester: stop by her office ASAP to sign paperwork so your interviews can be added to the Library of Congress!

01/09/2017

Why STEM Majors Need the Humanities

"Because if you really want to have impact in the STEM fields, you have to learn how to tell a story."

http://www.chronicle.com/article/Why-STEM-Majors-Need-the/238833?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=19aff5f4012c46c1b91343e31ac52ace&elq=b9da2c96b0b4413f91198f0282b4e344&elqaid=12042&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=4857

Why STEM Majors Need the Humanities It’s often argued that studying the liberal arts will enrich the life of the mind. For STEM majors, it can also give them a practical advantage in their careers.

11/15/2016

Hey all! If you are looking for additional classes to take this semester, check out Dr. Hutchisson's WWI and Lit and Film class! Very well-received the last time it was taught. Tell other students who may need an elective or fine arts credit.

09/30/2016

Meeting today at noon, Achurch Room.

09/30/2016

www.citadel.edu

PASSPORT DAY IS NEXT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016!
http://www.citadel.edu/root/images/StudyAbroad/passportdayoct616.pdf

Get Started: Applying for a Passport
The Charleston Passport Center will be on campus to accept & process passport applications and renewals for all Citadel faculty, staff, and students. If you do not have your passport, this is a great opportunity to avoid long lines and get any questions answered regarding application process.
Please have all application materials ready ahead of time and come by Mark Clark Hall on Thursday, Oct. 6th to submit applications.

Please bring the following with you:
1. Form DS-11 if you are applying for the first time, or under age 16*. Form DS-82 if you
can submit a previous U. S. passport issued to you in the last 15 years, when you
were age 16 or older.
2. Certified copy of your U. S. citizenship evidence that lists parent(s) name. NOTE:
Photocopies, notarized copies, and hospital birth certificates are not acceptable.
3. Valid photo ID. Examples: driver’s license, state-issued ID, student ID
4. A photocopy, front and back, of your valid photo ID.
5. One color passport photo, size: 2” x 2”.
Passport photos can be taken for free in Mark Clark Hall Room 338 on Wednesday, 10/5/16(throughout the day) and Thursday, 10/6/16 (from 1- 2:30pm.)
6. Appropriate passport fees. NOTE: Only checks and money orders will be accepted. NO CASH!
 Adult passport fees: $110/passport book; $30/passport card
 Minor (under 16) passport fees: $80/passport book; $15/passport card
 A $25 application fee is charged for each application submitted.
*Children under 16 require the consent of both parents, or the parent having sole legal
custody, for passport issuance. Please see our website for more information.

Passport Fees, https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html

Reminder from the Passport Agency:
Please remember that we only accept original certified documents for birth evidence (no photo copies.) All birth certificates must list parental information on them (we call that the long form.) Some counties will issue a short form and sometimes it does not list the parental information (we do not accept these.)
No cash, (please check or money order only ) – no starter checks

If you have any questions about Passport Day, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Ashley Dudley
Assistant Director for Study Abroad
The Citadel
843.953.1821

www.citadel.edu

09/09/2016

Hey all! Remember to RSVP ASAP to the following events so we can start planning. Ghost Tour: a Wednesday in late September/early October; Cumberbatch's Hamlet on Monday 29 Nov; art lecture on book art Friday 16 Sept. Email KP please.

04/26/2016

EC Party tonight! 5-630 in Achurch. Bonus points if you get the Henry Rollins reference.

02/22/2016

Building a Bridge Between Engineering and the Humanities

Building a Bridge Between Engineering and the Humanities Remarkable opportunities exist at the intersection of the two fields. It is time to seize them.

02/22/2016

We don’t need more STEM majors. We need more STEM majors with liberal arts training.

"A scientist trained in the liberal arts has another huge advantage: writing ability. The study of writing and analyses of texts equip science students to communicate their findings as professionals in the field." https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/02/18/we-dont-need-more-stem-majors-we-need-more-stem-majors-with-liberal-arts-training/

We don’t need more STEM majors. We need more STEM majors with liberal arts training. The ability to draw from other disciplines produces better scientists.

01/22/2016

Timeline photos

01/21/2016

Meeting tomorrow at noon in 109 Capers. If you haven't RSVPed...you'll have to see if there is any pizza left over.

10/12/2015

Meeting this Friday at noon; email pilhuj if you want to be on orders. There will be pizza.

08/31/2015

Timeline photos

TICKETS ARE ON SALE TOMORROW GUYS!
Consider this your personal invite from our super heroes: Melissa de la Cruz, Margaret Stohl and Blue Bicycle Books owner and mastermind, Jonathan Sanchez!
http://yallfest.org/2015-festival-info/

04/28/2015

www.citadel.edu

Check out the latest edition of The Shako!

Congrats to Editor-in-Chief Eddie Brasher and all the authors!

http://www.citadel.edu/root/images/English/docs/shako2015.swf

www.citadel.edu

12/08/2014

EC End-of-semester Party tomorrow night, 6pm, Achurch Room. Pizza and cookies! Take a de-stress break in the middle of writing papers and studying!

05/06/2014

Hello Members! Finals are officially over, and the year is coming to a close--as is my time here at The Citadel. I have thoroughly enjoyed being the creator, and admin of this page. A message to my fellow seniors: It has been an outstanding four years. All of us together in the same classes. Growing and getting to know one another. Coming together as a group, and setting a higher standard for those who will follow in our footsteps. Our time has come to walk across the stage and leave this place as Citadel Men and Women. At a school were only a few survive the trials it offers, we survived the toughest trial of them all...graduating as English majors. This is my final post as admin of this page, and to my fellow seniors--and all other members--good luck in all your future endeavors. Remember, you are English majors, and in a school where we are proud to be the few we have to honor of being the fewer.

05/03/2014

As finals come to a close I'm sure most of you feel like this.

04/29/2014

This photo was created by one of our members. She created this in honor of another one of our members, William Buckner.

Photo credited by Missi Fredette.

English majors have the best sense of humor!

04/24/2014

Hello fellow members! It has been sometime since you've heard from me. No worries! This page is still going strong. As some of you know tonight was the English Departments senior dinner. Many awards were given in honor of the achievements made by the class of 2014. We are proud of these young men and women, and we will enjoy seeing them accomplish more during their final weeks here.

04/17/2014

Today was our poetry outing, and what a spectacular turnout. We have such an amazing group of individuals who are creative, intellectual, and fun to be around. It's things like this that show just how awesome being an English major is!

04/03/2014

Good evening members! As I suspected my dates are off on my calender. I have been corrected, and I'm sorry for giving you false information. Even your awesome admin can be wrong sometimes. Our next English club meeting is actually on the 11th and the poetry outing is the 16th. My last message gave all of you the information prematurely. As always I will send out a reminder next wednesday. Just think of the last message as build up for the future awesomeness that is to come. (For those of you that saw it)

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