The 2008 Colloquium of the Institute for Ancient Near Eastern and Afroasiatic Cultural Research (IAACR) will have as its focus the life and work of the late Edwina Wright. The session is scheduled to take place on 22 November 2008, from 7 - 8:30 PM, in the Lincoln Room of the Hilton Boston Back Bay. It is listed in the Society of Biblical Literature's Annual Meeting Program Book (online and print) as Additional Meeting AM22-104a.

Dr. Wright was mentor, colleague, and trusted friend to many scholars within the cognate fields of theology and in the disciplines of religious, biblical and Afroasiatic studies. Given that this year's meeting of the latter organization is being held in close proximity to Harvard University -- the institution from which Dr. Wright received her PhD -- it seemed most fitting to honor her memory "then and there."

Several of Wyn's graduate school associates -- each of whom has been involved in prior IAACR activities -- have been invited to offer brief reflections on her legacy to the academy, the church, and the larger world. Our hope is that these presentations will be the starting point for a conversation among those present concerning issues in research, pedagogy, scholarly praxis, and public service about which Wyn was passionate.

These essays, reflections, and reminiscences (as well as others solicited from friends and associates) will be gathered, published, and presented to Ms. Mary Wright -- Wyn's mother.

Please join IAACR in recalling the life of a remarkable scholar.

PROGRAM

7:00                   Opening Remarks

                            Hugh R. Page, Jr.

                            University of Notre Dame

7:05                  Scholar, Colleague, Friend, Mentor -- Perspectives on the Life and    

                     Work of Edwina Wright

                John Huehnergard

                           Harvard University

                            Paul Keim

                            Goshen College

                            Hector Avalos

                            Iowa State University

                            Dexter Callender

                            University of Miami

8:05 – 8:30     The Wright Legacy -- Reminiscences and Reflections on its Implications

                           Those in attendance are invited to share their thoughts on the implications   

                           of Dr. Wright's legacy as scholar, teacher, and administrator.