The award, designed to recognize excellence in the field of education, is named for the college's former dean of instruction, David L. Underwood. Add Marcella and Gladys Thum to the list. In a lifestyle reminiscent of The Odd Couple, the Thums share a tiny house in Affton where they write and often collaborate. Even our dog and cat find it difficult to walk through all the papers in the house. The problem is that I'm a pack rat-type.
Teachers tend to collect everything-thinking that sooner or later, it'll be useful.
You can tell Marcella's been a librarian. She's always picking up. Both Thums have lived and worked in Europe and Asia. As an information specialist for the government, she published or broadcasted more than a thousand articles and commentaries. Gladys, who holds a Ph.D. in English, recently retired after 20 years as an English professor at Florissant Valley Community College.