ENMU's annual Lectureship set for April 11-13

Writing is a solitary profession, but in Betty Williamson’s eyes her Uncle Jack Williamson always knew how to bring a community together through his literature.

“We all really love this community and Jack certainly did love living in Portales and love his long association with ENMU,” she said.

Eastern New Mexico University hosts its 47th annual Jack Williamson Lectureship April 11-13.

“ENMU has such a rich history with science fiction through Dr. Jack Williamson’s incredible life and legacy. ENMU is honored to be a part of that legacy and to continue a tradition that now bears his name,” said ENMU Chancellor James Johnston.

Betty Williamson said her family is honored to see her uncle still being represented more than 17 years after his death.

“We’re just so grateful that it’s gone on for all these years and, my goodness, it’s kind of like a family reunion that happens every year on campus,” Williamson said.

Jack Williamson is known as the “pioneer of science fiction,” with 55 novels, 11 novellas, 38 novelettes and more than 100 short stories. He was named a grand master of science fiction by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

“He was published for more than 75 years and that is an unbelievably long career for an author. I mean that’s an unbelievably long career for anybody,” Betty Williamson said.

Along with writing, Williamson spent 17 years teaching at ENMU.

He died on Nov. 10, 2006, a year after his last book “Stonehenge Gate.”

Betty Williamson said her uncle’s knowledge was always extensive.

“We frequently described him as our Google before Google was invented,” she said.

She said she can’t remember a moment where he wasn’t inspiring the family to be passionate about literature and research. She sees his impact within her daughter and niece when they put their pens to paper.

According to a press release from ENMU, the event will have Nebula and Hugo award-winning author Martha Wells as a guest of honor.

Wells has published a wide range of science fiction and fantasy titles, including the “IIe-Rien’’ series and the multiple award-winning “Books of the Raksura” series.

Connie Willis will be mistress of ceremonies. She has published stories that range from science fiction to fantasy for over 50 years, with her most recent novel being “The Road to Roswell.”

“It’s not the special guests alone that make this event special,” said David Sweeten, chair of the Williamson Lectureship Committee. “Jack Williamson began a tradition that welcomed these authors of science fiction and other speculative fiction to ENMU, to engage in lively discussion with the campus and community invited to participate.”

Highlights of this year’s lectureship include a reading with Wells; discussions about artificial intelligence, augmented humans, magic, and world-building.

All events are open to the public and everything except the Friday Luncheon is free. To attend the luncheon guests will have to make a $15 reservation by Thursday by emailing [email protected] .

More information: my.enmu.edu/group/jack-williamson-lectureship/home