Kowles writes book about his teaching/learning experiences

WINONA, Minn. — Dr. Dick Kowles, professor emeritus of biology at Saint Mary’s University, candidly and comically recounts his career in his most recent book titled, “A Passion to Teach: 58 years of humorous, weird and engaging tales.”

With a humorous twist, Dr. Kowles details his desire to be a teacher, working his way through college with terrible jobs and teaching for 14 years in three different high schools before entering graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics.

The graduate school episode, he notes, took place with a wife and five young children and required unbelievable financial craftiness. Much of the book also deals with teaching at the college level, chairing a biology department, conducting research, and engaging in scientific communication. Many people in the Saint Mary’s community will recognize names – and even a few embarrassing incidents.

The last three chapters offer personal opinions, viewpoints and biases regarding teaching.

Produced by Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina, the book can be purchased from the SMU Bookstore, the Book Shelf in Winona, Amazon, or directly through Gilmore Creek Press, 1293 County Dr., Winona; (507) 452-1758.