Craft transcends classroom walls

photo by Blanca Rocha

Professor of English Kenneth Scambray has published articles and book reviews in many Italian magazines and papers, including articles for the Italian newspaper L'Italo-Americano. Scambray, who spends most of his spare time writing, has most recently published the article, “Origins: the Sculptures of Aldo Casanova” in Primo Magazine, October 2003.

by Amby Sarabia
Assistant Editor

Professors at the University of La Verne do more than just teach on campus. Many teach at other colleges, perform in bands or publish books. English professor Kenneth Scambray is one of these.

Holding his position as professor of English since 1980, Scambray has published books while working full time at the University. In 1987 he published a biography on writer Henry Fuller while teaching classes.

“Writing is a process,” Scambray said. “You don’t do it occasionally.”

Scambray is also a critic for the Italian Los Angeles newspaper L’Italo-Americano.

Aside from adding his opinion to pieces submitted to the paper and teaching at the University, Scambray has published a book titled “The North American Italian Renaissance: Italian Writing in America and Canada,” and is currently working on a collection of his short stories called “Surface Roots,” which is scheduled to be released in January.

Staying true to his heritage, Scambray is also working on writing a book titled “Queen Calafia’s Paradise: California and the Italian-American novel.”

Scambray’s urge to write about his heritage began in the 1970s when he realized that there was little being written about Italians.

“Now I am trying to get these books republished,” he said. “I research the author and then write the preface for the book.”

With so much on his plate, it is a wonder how he manages it all. But to Scambray, carrying a busy schedule is necessary.

Being a writer as long as he can remember, he is used to spending his time away from the University, locked up in his study at home where he researches and writes his books.

Graduating from Fresno State University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in English and then from the University of Washington in 1969 with a master’s degree, Scambray continued his education at the University of California, Riverside where he earned a Ph.D. in 1974.

Scambray took on teaching positions at Northwestern University and then at Cal Poly, Pomona.

When offered the position at the University of La Verne, Scambray decided to take it because he wanted to pursue teaching and researching.

“I’ve never regretted it,” Scambray said.

As if publishing books and teaching were not enough, Scambray organized and designed the Italy trip, for which ULV students can sign up. Believing that intercultural experiences are important to students, Scambray offered the trip during January Interterm. The class fulfills Core 310 and English 409.

With so much on his plate, it is a wonder how Scambray is able to handle it all. Writing at night from 10-2 in the morning, he simply explains that it is what all writers do.

As an associate professor of English, David Werner adds that Scambray has brought much to the English department.

Scambray is in charge of revising the course listings and is the pre-law adviser, Werner said.

He has brought recognition to the department with his publications and has broadened the course offerings with his interest in Italian literature.

In opening students’ eyes to other types of literature while also taking charge of the Italy trip and advising students, Scambray looks to have his work cut out for him.

“I don’t see an end to it,” he said. “It’s just what I do.”