Wine to Water by Doc Hendley has been selected as our campus’ text for Fall 2013.  This book was nominated by the selection committee for its North Carolina ties, global relevance, and example of how curiosity can lead to significant opportunities to make a difference in the world.  Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the World is written by the founder and president of Wine to Water, a non-profit based out of Boone, NC, that has worked in developing countries and areas impacted by natural disasters to increase access to clean water. Hendley’s story is that of a student “swirling” from school to school, aimless, until he learned about the global water crisis and resolved that he could make a difference. UNC Charlotte students will be able to relate to this personal tale of finding one’s own purpose. Academically, the story introduces students to cultures such as Haiti, Uganda, and Cambodia and the issues involving public health, engineering, geography, politics, and ethics.

The Common Reading Experience at UNC Charlotte is designed to provide a shared academic experience which serves to assist all first-year students in their transition to UNC Charlotte. This program offers unique opportunities for self-reflection, critical thinking, student interaction, and understanding of diverse perspectives. Adoption of the common reading is especially encouraged in first year seminars, first year writing, and general education courses, though any faculty interested in using the text in their teaching is welcome.

Note to Faculty:  If you are interested in considering this text for adoption in your Fall 2013 courses, please contact Liz Fitzgerald, Director of First Year Programs, University College, so that we can send you a review copy of the book and include you on announcements related to our instructors workshop, the author visit, and other campus events of the Common Reading Experience.  Email your name, department, the course(s) you are considering using the book in, and anticipated enrollment numbers. 

Events Scheduled: 

• May 28, 2013:  Common Reading Instructors Workshop
  • This workshop is offered to:
    • explore campus resources and events that can enhance student engagement with the text
    • provide an opportunity for instructors to share ideas for course assignments and activities related to the text – and ways we might use the text to build community among our students
    • introduce faculty to majors themes in Wine to Water
  • Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch to the workshop, along with your ideas and questions about using Wine to Water in your classroom. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we can be certain to have enough materials available for all participants.
  • If you are considering adopting this text for your course but have not yet received a copy of the book, please indicate that in your RSVP. We will be glad to send you a review copy.
     
• October 24 and 25, 2013:  Author campus visit

Former Common Reading Experience Selections

2012 - Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference, by Warren St. John
2011 - How Does It Feel to Be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America, by Moustafa Bayoumi
2010 - The Blue Sweater, by Jacqueline Novogratz
2009 - Listening as an Act of Love, by Dave Isay
2008 - Enrique's Journey, by Sonia Nazario
2007 - The Color of Water, by James McBride