Seeking to reacquaint Minnesotans with the U's impact on "every one of Minnesota's 87 counties," University President Eric Kaler published a July 2 opinion in the Star Tribune listing recent accomplishments. Second on his list is the granting this spring of the Rea Award for the Short Story to Edelstein-Keller Professor of Creative Writing Charles Baxter. Kaler goes on to mention an English alumnus: "In Minnesota, 'above average' is important, but with apologies to Garrison Keillor (class of '66), this university is excellent--and far better than many realize." Kudos to Kaler for celebrating the importance of English and the humanities along with the University's technological and scientific achievements.