Courtesy of Laura Pochodylo
The Department of Political Science and International Relations has decided to dedicate a book collection devoted to African politics in memory of Tundun Lawani ’14. The section will be titled the Tundun Lawani Memorial Book Collection on African Politics.
“We [the department] have devoted to purchasing at least two books a year,” Distinguished Professor of Political Science Sue Hulett said of the collection.
According to Hulett, Lawani, an International Relations major, was particularly interested in the area of African development during her time at Knox, but the section of books on the subject in the Seymour Library is smaller than the department would like.
“We knew of her passion for African development and thought of enhancing the book collection on African politics in her honor,” Hulett said. “[It is a] permanent decision to promote this important area of political development…it’s something that we ought to do.”
Hulett explained that while this section is dedicated to Lawani, there is a growing interest in the subject area among Knox students involved with the department.
“It’s a collection that needs to be there anyway,” she said.
The idea for the dedication was proposed at a department meeting by Lawani’s former academic adviser, Professor of Political Science Lane Sunderland. Hulett explained the department’s consensus on the proposal.
“What a perfect idea…something that would be so pleasing to Tundun — we were all excited to do it,” she said.
Students involved with the department are also enthusiastic about the library dedication.
“Several students have offered to contribute to the collection themselves,” Hulett said.
According to Hulett, Tundun Lawani will also be honored in George Davis Hall with a plaque in the Political Science Department’s Hall of Fame.
“She was our student, she had great interest and we had great respect for her interest,” Hulett said.