Dr. Lois Stover, dean of Marymount University’s School of Education and Human Services, was presented the 2017 Ted Hipple Service Award by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) at the annual convention of the National Council of Teachers of English on Saturday, Nov. 18 in St. Louis.
ALAN promotes communication and cooperation among those with an interest in adolescent literature.
Stover, who attended the first ALAN workshop in 1986, said she was humbled to receive the award, which is named for the first executive secretary of the organization. “He helped young adult literature become recognized and legitimized as being worthy of writing, worthy of reading, worthy of inclusion in the English language arts curriculum, and worthy of scholarly inquiry,” she said.
Hipple suggested she become active in the organization and run for election to its board.
“He also offered me opportunities to write about and present on young adult literature and encouraged me as a new English educator,” said Stover, who is interested in work that reflects diversity, empowers adolescent readers, and promotes understanding of self and appreciation for other perspectives.
During her acceptance speech before an audience of 400, she stressed the value of the organization.
“We advocate for all kinds of readers and all kinds of books, we collaborate as teachers, scholars, librarians and family members, we learn from our students and our shared history, we support authors and fight censorship with them and for them, we mentor upcoming generations of teachers and librarians, and most importantly, we value the power of story as a way of knowing,” she said.
Dr. Mark Letcher, president-elect of ALAN, said it was the most expedient selection process he had experienced. He praised Stover’s years of dedicated service to the organization, inspired leadership, generous spirit and wise mentoring.
Photo caption
Dr. Mark Letcher, president-elect of the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN), presents Dr. Lois Stover with the 2017 Ted Hipple Service Award at the annual convention of the National Council of Teachers of English on Saturday, Nov. 18 in St. Louis.
