1988 Saint John Spring Convocation
Ross, William Edward Daniel
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
Orator: Taukulis, Harald K.
Citation:
CONVOCATION, MAY, 1988
WILLIAM EDWARD DANIEL ROSS
to be Doctor of Letters
In his lifetime, Dan Ross has accomplished the sorts of things that millions of people dream of doing; but, for one reason or another, they find their aspirations beyond their reach, if they reach for them at all. Some dream of life on the stage. He has been, and always will be, first and foremost an actor. The theatre has been his life’s greatest passion. Some dream of writing for the theatre, or producing and directing theatrical productions; these things, too, he has done, both in the United States and in Canada. Many dream of writing a book; indeed, on of the largest groups of people anyone will ever meet is comprised of those who plan to write a book some day, when they can find the time. Dan Ross has written a book...many, many books, in fact. His capacity for generating popular fiction is legendary. His readers number in the millions all over the world, devouring his works in ten languages. Curiously, many have never seen his name, nor would they recognize the name of this author who has provided them with many hours of reading entertainment; for he has a habit, bred of publishers' insistence, of writing under pseudonyms: Ann Gilmer, Jane Rossiter, Claude Nicole, Tex Steele, Marilyn Ross, and on and on.
A recent magazine article dubbed him a "literary phenomenon." This was prompted, in part, by the fact that his novel-writing career began at age fifty, a time at which many men begin to reflect upon their past lives instead of exploring new occupational vistas. The magazine’s use of this appellation can also be attributed to the speed with which he has spun tale upon romantic tale while balancing a portable, manual typewriter on his knees, sometimes while sitting in the back seat of a moving automobile. His ability is to no small degree attributable to his tremendous energy. Friends have reported that, after having spent many hours completing a novel, he has called them late at night with an invitation to go dancing in celebration of the event.
Those who know Dan Ross well (and many who don’t) will use the term "eccentric" when describing him. But the term is never used pejoratively. It is always said with a smile and a note of admiration; and, occasionally, one detects a touch of wistful envy. For you see, when people say "eccentric" they mean extraordinary, flamboyant, enigmatic, or "beyond their ken." By this I believe they acknowledge that this man has been a master of his own destiny in a way few people ever all. Such mastery involves a certain amount of self–discipline and emotional turmoil; it is a price that most are unwilling to pay.
In Dan Ross we see a soaring spirit and a passion for life that is reflected in his imagination. This imagination, and his prodigious memory, are qualities that many a Doctor of Philosophy might envy. He has used these gifts of his well. In recognition of his accomplishments, we are pleased to honour him this day.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
WILLIAM EDWARD DANIEL ROSS
to be Doctor of Letters
In his lifetime, Dan Ross has accomplished the sorts of things that millions of people dream of doing; but, for one reason or another, they find their aspirations beyond their reach, if they reach for them at all. Some dream of life on the stage. He has been, and always will be, first and foremost an actor. The theatre has been his life’s greatest passion. Some dream of writing for the theatre, or producing and directing theatrical productions; these things, too, he has done, both in the United States and in Canada. Many dream of writing a book; indeed, on of the largest groups of people anyone will ever meet is comprised of those who plan to write a book some day, when they can find the time. Dan Ross has written a book...many, many books, in fact. His capacity for generating popular fiction is legendary. His readers number in the millions all over the world, devouring his works in ten languages. Curiously, many have never seen his name, nor would they recognize the name of this author who has provided them with many hours of reading entertainment; for he has a habit, bred of publishers' insistence, of writing under pseudonyms: Ann Gilmer, Jane Rossiter, Claude Nicole, Tex Steele, Marilyn Ross, and on and on.
A recent magazine article dubbed him a "literary phenomenon." This was prompted, in part, by the fact that his novel-writing career began at age fifty, a time at which many men begin to reflect upon their past lives instead of exploring new occupational vistas. The magazine’s use of this appellation can also be attributed to the speed with which he has spun tale upon romantic tale while balancing a portable, manual typewriter on his knees, sometimes while sitting in the back seat of a moving automobile. His ability is to no small degree attributable to his tremendous energy. Friends have reported that, after having spent many hours completing a novel, he has called them late at night with an invitation to go dancing in celebration of the event.
Those who know Dan Ross well (and many who don’t) will use the term "eccentric" when describing him. But the term is never used pejoratively. It is always said with a smile and a note of admiration; and, occasionally, one detects a touch of wistful envy. For you see, when people say "eccentric" they mean extraordinary, flamboyant, enigmatic, or "beyond their ken." By this I believe they acknowledge that this man has been a master of his own destiny in a way few people ever all. Such mastery involves a certain amount of self–discipline and emotional turmoil; it is a price that most are unwilling to pay.
In Dan Ross we see a soaring spirit and a passion for life that is reflected in his imagination. This imagination, and his prodigious memory, are qualities that many a Doctor of Philosophy might envy. He has used these gifts of his well. In recognition of his accomplishments, we are pleased to honour him this day.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
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