The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: News

Media Credit: BRIANA WUAGNEUX Dr. Harvey Ouzts, a heart surgeon turned English student, talks with classmate Laura McDonald in his introduction to the English major course.

After seven years of undergraduate and medical school, most students probably would swear off schooling completely. But Dr. Harvey Ouzts never was content with his science-based education, and so, at the age of 61, he is pursuing an English degree.

Ouzts attended UT-Chattanooga for his bachelor's degree in biology before going to the Medical College of Georgia. He then opened a cardiology practice in Athens and kept it up for 30 years until retiring in 2006.

But instead of moving to the beach like so many retirees, Ouzts immediately began researching a return to school in order to continue an education he believes was undercut by its lack of humanities.

"When I went into practice and started real life, I realized I was culturally illiterate," he said. "I've dreamed about (going back) since then."

Unlike most people who return to college after retirement, Ouzts was not interested in taking an occasional class. He wanted to complete an entire undergraduate degree and was referred to Roxanne Eberle, undergraduate coordinator of the University English Department.

Ouzts began his English degree in the fall with Eberle's class on British Literature after 1700. Although thrilled about his long-awaited return to the classroom, Ouzts was terrified of the other students' reactions.

"I was worried I would be treated as my children treated me when they were 15," he said.

At first, Ouzts felt his worst fear was becoming a reality. And then a discussion group e-mail changed the dynamic of the class.

Before the second test of the semester, students began communicating via the listserv about putting together a group study session. Ben Katz, a sophomore from Macon, sent out an e-mail saying he only would come to the session if Ouzts went too.

"I thought he was making fun of me," said Ouzts. Nevertheless, he decided to respond with a light-humored e-mail of his own, saying he couldn't make the session

but he studied at his house every morning at 4 and Katz and anyone else from the class were welcome to join him.

Continued...

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