Sanford Sternlicht G'62, professor of English in Syracuse University's College of Arts and
Sciences, has been appointed "Speaker in the Humanities" by the New York Council for the
Humanities. As part of his appointment through 2012, Sternlicht will present a series of
statewide lectures titled "The Immigrant Saga: A Memoir of the Lower East Side and Early
Jewish-American Writers" and "All Things Herriot: James Herriot and His Peaceable
Kingdom." Both lectures are free and open to the public, and are drawn on similarly titled
books by Sternlicht.
"I am honored to join this prestigious program because of its impact on thousands of people.
Speakers who lecture for the council are among the state's finest scholars and are engaged in
research in a variety of disciplines," says Sternlicht, whose expertise encompasses drama;
20th-century American, British and Irish literature; and U.S. immigrant literature.
The former Navy Reserve commander says that he is proud to be involved with the New
York Council for the Humanities because of its long-term commitment to cultural literacy,
critical inquiry and civic participation. "This program-and the council in general-helps
New Yorkers lead vibrant, intellectual lives," he says.
A prolific author and scholar, Sternlicht has published several books of original poetry, as
well as written and edited more than two dozen books on literary and dramatic criticism. He
also is a regular contributor to major newspapers and magazines, a sought-after public
speaker and radio commentator, and an acclaimed stage director.
Sternlicht is particularly proud of his two best-sellers, "The Tenement Saga" (Terrace Books,
2004) and "All Things Herriot" (Syracuse University Press, 1995), which not only led to his
humanities speaker selection, but also have kept him busy on other fronts. "The Tenement
Saga," for example, has inspired numerous alumni events throughout New York state and
California, a special presentation at New York City's Tenement Museum, and a popular
upper-level course titled "The Immigrant Saga" (ETS 315/JSP 400). Meanwhile, "All Things
Herriot," about the great British veterinarian and author James Herriot, has been the focus
of multiple fellowships and lectures on both sides of the Atlantic. "I like to think that this
kind of work, which engages students and the greater campus community, is what
Scholarship in Action is all about," says Sternlicht, referring to Chancellor Nancy Cantor's
signature vision for Syracuse University. "I love to make literature come alive."
Sternlicht joined SU in 1981, after a 30-year stint at the SUNY College at Oswego. He has
since held a variety of positions, including interim director of Judaic studies (2007) and Irish
Studies senior editor for Syracuse University Press (1996-2003). He also has worked as a
Fulbright senior specialist and visiting professor of English at the University of Pecs in
Hungary (2003). His many honors and awards include University College's Teacher of the
Year award (1986) and multiple travel/lecture grants from the British Council and The
English-Speaking Union of the United States.
Launched in 1983, the "Speakers in the Humanities" Program brings the best in humanities
scholarship to hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout New York state. The New
York Council for the Humanities, founded in 1975, covers the cost of each speaker's
honorarium and travel expenses. For a list of speakers and for more information, visit
http://nyhumanities.org/speakers/adult_audiences/.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest academic unit of Syracuse
University. More information about The College is available at http://thecollege.syr.edu/.
