Augustana Historical Society celebrates release of new book
The Augustana Historical Society will celebrate the release of "An Adventure in Faith" by Dr. Bob Frank at 4 p.m. April 9 at St. James Lutheran Church, 3145 31st Ave., Rock Island.
Dr. Frank is an Augustana College professor emeritus of physics and a long-time member of the St. James congregation. His memoir was published by the society.
When he retired from the faculty in 1992, he was invited to deliver the address at the college’s 132nd commencement. Dr. Frank used his address to weave together themes that have been constants through his 28 years on the faculty.
In "An Adventure in Faith," he shares his reflections on the ways in which his study of physics, his teaching and his Christian faith have all informed and strengthened each other.
“My writing became an expression of my view that the dramatic improvements in civilization were taking place because of the connection between science and Christianity," he writes. "I became convinced that a better world for all people is gradually emerging, but it will require the teachings of Jesus Christ and scientific research."
Dr. Brian Leech, president of the Augustana Historical Society, said the memoir is a personal look at important moments in the history of the college, key developments in the discipline of physics, and local connections to national events.
One chapter covers the turbulent academic year of 1969-1970, when Dr. Frank served as interim dean of the college. During that time, student protest, including demands for a “Student Bill of Rights,” roiled campus. Later chapters consider the development of computation in the field of physics, from slide rules to supercomputers. Other chapters discuss Augustana’s connection to the famous Argonne National Laboratory, the largest energy laboratory in the Midwest.
The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
The event also will be streamed live on Zoom. The link is available on the historical society’s Facebook page.