James Hoffman
James Hoffman, a Comparative Literature major who graduated with High Distinction in 1982, died in a car crash the summer after his graduation...the result of a drunk driver. His thesis, "The Political Connection in Literature: A Study of Four Socialist Novels" reflects James' social awareness and interest in socialism. He was a very caring individual and at the time of his death was working with alcoholics as a volunteer. James' family and colleagues in Comparative Literature established this memorial lecture to host scholars who reflect James' vision of literature as a means of social change.