Dwight-Englewood commends the following D-E faculty members, who through their recent projects each epitomize our mission to have “passion for life-long learning” and commit to “making it better.”
Shawn Clybor, Ph.D.
Earlier this year D-E History Department faculty member Dr. Shawn Clybor was in Los Angeles to participate in IndieCade, an international, juried festival of independent games. Dr. Clybor helped to create Attentat 1942, a historically accurate and critically acclaimed video game about the Nazi occupation of former Czechoslovakia. Attentat 1942 won the “Most Amazing Game Award” at the prestigious A MAZE 2018 Festival in Berlin, yet remained unavailable in Germany due to the government’s controversial policy that prohibited Nazi symbolism in video games. However, in light of the recent change of this policy, the game received an approval in the fall of 2018 by the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK). Attentat 1942 is the first PC video game with Nazi symbolism released in Germany with the USK rating after the change of the policy. Moreover, the game is released with German subtitles. The game explores WWII through the eyes of its surviving civilians. Combining interactive comics, video-interviews, and archival film footage, it presents a unique depiction of the not-so-distant past. “Attentat 1942 shows the profound impact that the war and the Nazi totalitarian regime had on the lives and minds of ordinary people. It immerses players in the living histories of personal tragedy and pain as well as moments of extraordinary hope and courage,” says Vít Šisler, the game’s lead designer. “Attentat 1942 offers a stark reminder of the dangers of fascism and political radicalism,” adds Dr. Clybor, who was the game’s US-based historian collaborating on the game’s localization.
Dr. Clybor also contributed a chapter to the recently-published Perceptions of Society in Communist Europe, Bloomsbury Press. The book was edited by his close friend and colleague Muriel Blaive. Dr. Clybor shares, “The volume features a cohort of European and American academics who are all part of the same historiographical school. If you’re interested in Stalinist musicals, my essay will be a real page-turner.”
Marisol Diaz
D-E Visual Arts Department Chair and faculty member Marisol Diaz was selected to design a gorgeous gift bag for a special fundraiser benefitting Nyack-area nonprofit Center for Safety and Change in honor of that organization’s 40th anniversary. Earlier this year Ms. Diaz did an art installation in the window of 95 1/2 Main St gallery, also promoting the Center for Safety and Change. Ms. Diaz also recently won the 2nd place prize for Room magazine’s 2018 cover contest with her striking piece “All That Glitters / Say Her Name.” Room is Canada’s oldest feminist literary journal, and has published fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, art, interviews, and book reviews.
Bryan Kosnik
D-E English Department faculty member Brian Kosnik was recognized with the “Outstanding Educator Award” by the University of Chicago earlier this year as a result of a nomination by D-E alumna and current U Chicago freshman Noa Levin ’17. According to the U Chicago website, “Every year, newly admitted students the opportunity to recognize the educators who have made a difference in their lives. And every year, over a third of the incoming class responds with stories that are truly inspiring. The University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award recognizes all teachers who are nominated, highlighting the stories that show education’s power to transform.” In Mr. Kosnik’s words, “I am both humbled and thrilled to have received this honor and it’s all thanks to Noa nominating me.”
