Like many Cal Poly Pomona authors, sociologist Wayne Wooden sees his writing "as an extension of my classroom."

Somewhere in the middle of raising children, teaching a full load of courses at Cal Poly Pomona and staying on top of current issues in her field of anthropology, Laurie Shrage found time to author a new book that is ready to be released this year.

From works on poetry to engineering and tax planning, Shrage and other university faculty and staff dedicate much of their time not only to scholarship, but also authorship.

"I'm inspired to write when I think I have an original contribution to make on a topic," says Shrage, who has authored two books. "What I learn over the course of writing a book spills over into my classes. By continuing to learn myself, the subjects I'm teaching never become stale or boring to me."
She adds how important it is for university faculty to undertake research in their fields so that they can better model for students the skills of gathering information, critically analyzing it, thinking creatively and communicating clearly.

Sociologist Wayne Wooden couldn't agree more. An author of seven diverse books ranging in topic from the effect of tourism on Hawaiian children to an investigation into youth crime, Wooden says, "I see my writing as an extension of my classroom."

Wooden's research and experiences are often referenced in his lectures. Some of his students also have the unique opportunity to participate in information gathering, once traveling with Wooden to Cuba to help in research or a paper.

Alumna Delores Cutlen has written four books on Chaucer.

Tax planning professor John Karayan believes authorship is an often forgotten aspect of academia.
"It's so essential to what we do at the university," says Karayan, who also edits the university's Journal of Interdisciplinary Knowledge. "Research and writing force you to think about what it is people need to know and how best to teach it. It keeps you current in your field."

Most Cal Poly Pomona authors agree that balancing their personal lives with authorship and scholarship is a bit of a challenge.

"You have to devote certain segments of days to certain things," says Jennifer Olds-Huffman, a lecturer in the English & foreign languages department and a poet, who makes time to write each evening. "Sometimes I don't get much sleep, but it's worth it."

Although authors receive royalties for their books, many say they are seldom worth the time they put into researching and writing.

"Actually, the rewards are intrinsic," Karayan says. "You can't be a good professor without being active like this to stay current and improve."

Aside from the benefits each author finds in his or her writing, the university also recognizes them each spring at the Golden Leaves Awards, an event that showcases books written by the university community during the past year. Although a small gesture, it recognizes the authors' contributions and efforts in advancing their fields even if their schedules are booked solid.