In response to a growing interest in public writing, the Master of Liberal Studies Program at Indiana University South Bend has launched Wolfson Press, which is named for longtime IU South Bend Chancellor Lester Wolfson.

Professor Ken Smith, director of the master's program, said he expects the books published by Wolfson Press will enrich and deepen the university's relationship to the region.

The press printed its first two books in late 2007, "And Now, Michiana Chronicles" and "Kurt Simon: Businessman and Benefactor."

The chronicles book is selected radio essays that were broadcast on WVPE, the NPR station in Elkhart. Five of the seven essayists; Joe Chaney, Louise Collins, April Lidinsky, Jonathan Nashel and Smith, teach at IU South Bend.

The other two essayists are Jeff Nixa and Jeanette Sadler Taylor. Nixa is a hospital chaplain and massage therapist. Taylor manages apartments that serve low income families. Both are from South Bend.

The essays, which examine life in the area, history and events, received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio-Television News Directors Association for radio writing.

The book on Kurt Simon's life was written by retired IU South Bend English professor Gabrielle Robinson. Simon has been a businessman and benefactor in the South Bend community for generations.

The book, in addition to telling about family and his departure from the German village in 1930 when he was only 16 to come to South Bend, is also the story of the events of the 20th century, business development and local Jewish history.

His arrival in Indiana put him in contact with cousins who owned Simon Brothers, a wholesale grocery firm. Simon became president of the company in 1962 and succeeded in making the business a premier supplier of foods and industrial supplies.

Simon took on another role as a major philanthropist to the South Bend community and beyond. "Giving back to the community is one of his (Simon’s) greatest accomplishments," Smith said.

Today at the age of 94 he is still involved with philanthropy and the community.

Smith said other books currently are being planned for Wolfson Press. Retired history professor Les Lamon will be editing a series of local history books that will include personal stories and remembrances from the area's civil rights leaders.

Retired history professor Patrick Furlong also is editing the papers of Chancellor Wolfson for a book that will include his speeches and the early history of the campus.

To order a copy of either book, e-mail wolfson@iusb.edu/. For additional information contact Smith at (574) 520-4173.