Friends, Fellow Scholars Rally for Fire Victim

When fire engulfed her trailer earlier this month, UVic medieval studies and English instructor Linda Olson lost more than treasured possessions and memories, she lost irreplaceable research materials. "As I watched my trailer burn, I felt as though I were in the midst of a cruel nightmare," she says. "I sat crying in the midst of all that blackened research and treasured books and wondered how I'd go on." However, Olson's students, friends and fellow scholars are offering her new hope. They've organized a book registry to help replace some of the most important books from her collection, so that she may continue her teaching and research. "The affection and generosity from everyone has been overwhelming," says Olson. "I've never felt such an outpouring of kindness and support." Administered by the UVic bookstore, the registry functions much like a bridal registry and supporters are able to purchase books from Olson's book list at a discounted price. Although she will never be able to replace everything, it's hoped the book registry will return some of the most important material used by Olson for her research on St. Augustine and medieval literature. "Linda is one of the shining lights of the English department," says supporter and English graduate student Patrick Finn. "We hope that each one of these books will stand as an emblem of our support for her." The list is also available online: or by contacting the UVic bookstore at 721-8315.

-- 30 --