Book by Lorenz Receives State History Award
The Historical Society of Michigan has presented a 2012 State History Award to Alma College Professor Ed Lorenz for his book, Civic Empowerment in an Age of Corporate Greed.
Four books were recognized in the Publications: University and Commercial Press category. Lorenz, the Reid-Knox Professor of History and Professor of Political Science, was honored as one of the recipients at the society’s 138th Annual Meeting and State History Conference Awards Banquet in Monroe on Sept. 28.
The book, inspired by a decade of involvement with the Pine River Superfund Citizens Task Force, examines corporate irresponsibility and civic engagement.
Ed Lorenz
According to the society’s news release, “Lorenz explains how corporate executives at Velsicol Chemical in St. Louis, Mich., left behind an economically shattered community and some of the most heavily polluted industrial sites in America. Velsicol’s actions included reckless stock and financial manipulations; the largest food contamination accident in American history when it mixed chemicals into cattle feed; environmental pollution on an almost unbelievable scale; and a massive shift of jobs overseas.
“This book is history at its best. It not only provides analyses and conclusions about historical events, but it offers communities facing similar situations a blueprint for action.”
Seventeen awards were presented at the awards reception and banquet. The State History Awards are the highest recognition presented by the state’s official historical society.
-mjs-
Posted: Tue, October 2nd, 2012 at 9:23AM
