Krin Gabbard

In 2014, I retired from Stony Brook University, where I had taught literary theory, classical literature, film history, and jazz studies for 33 years.  During those years, I served 3 terms as chair of the  Department of Comparative Literature.  Later I taught one course per year for 5 years as an adjunct professor of jazz studies at Columbia University.

My biography of Charles Mingus was published in 2016.  I'm especially proud of the chapter in which I compared Mingus's autobiography to those of other jazz artists.  My training in comp lit was crucial to my arguments in that chapter.

I now live on the upper west side of Manhattan with Paula Beversdorf Gabbard, whom I married in 1973 when we were both students at IU.

My best to all of you, 
Krin Gabbard

James G. Hermsen

I am not retired, having had a career among other things as Technical Director for the Beveridge Paper Company (site now part of the White River State Park in Downtown Indianapolis; Software documentation and trainer for the Dept. of Defense Financial & Accounting Services (Fort Harrison, Indy) and completed my career as Documentation Specialist for Black Knight Financial who produces Mortgage Banking software.

But most rewarding has been host to 8 year-long foreign exchange students and dozens of short term exchange students here for various programs.  This while I was president of the Indianapolis International Visitors Program that arranged meetings and home stays for the US State Department's International Exchange Program. [Unfortunately eliminated by the Trump Administration].  

Meanwhile, I continue to be president of the board for Three Fountains Cooperative - 342-member unit housing cooperative, a position I have held for the past 40 plus years. 

I continue to follow what is being taught in the Comparative Literature classes with frequent visits back to the campus and checking out the reading/book requirements for the classes at the bookstore. 

I enjoy receiving news of former professors I had at IU and their publications.  From Mary Ellen Solt, Claus Cluever, Peter Boerner, Horst Frenz, Henry Remack, Breon Mitchell, Newton P. Stalknecht, Cliff Flannigan, just among a few who have left a lasting influence upon me and my reading habits.  Unfortunately, so many of them are gone now. 

As with life, things change and new ideas replace once traditions that we enjoy remembering. But am encouraged with news of new students, both graduate and undergraduates who chose Comparative Literature as their career foundation both in and outside the academic world.

Hoosierly Yours,
James G. Hermsen

Julie Noble

Hi! I'm Julie Noble (Julia Fern Noble in alumni records, probably), Class of 1993. I'm currently serving as the Executive Director of the Trolley Barn, a historic venue and non profit in Atlanta, Georgia. I am married to Eric Anderson (IU Class of 1992) and we have two children; Jack is a senior at Midtown High School (and has recently applied to Indiana!) and Josephine is a sophomore at the University of Georgia. 

Helen Plevka

I completed my PhD in Literary and Cultural Studies from Illinois State University in May 2024, and my dissertation, “Resonance: A Methodology and Pedagogy for Socially Just Storytelling,” received the university’s Clarence W. Sorenson Distinguished Dissertation Award. I also had a baby in February 2025; her name is Violet Lucille, and she is already a very avid and adorable reader!