Tribute to Dr. Marisa Bortolussi on her Retirement

Biography

After three years of teaching French and Spanish at Wilfrid Laurier University, Marisa was hired at the U of A in 1986, split between the former departments of Comparative Literature and Romance Languages. Between the two universities, she has taught over 60 different courses. Early on in her career, she became disillusioned with literary theory, and was contemplating preparation for a second career when she met Peter Dixon of the Psychology Department. A long and beautiful journey of personal and intellectual renewal began, culminating in a happy marriage and a productive, on-going collaboration, for which she joyfully plunged into an immersive learning experience in cognitive psychology. Together, Bortolussi and Dixon have published many articles and a seminal book, which has earned them many keynote invitations in several countries abroad. They are now writing their second book, planning new travels, and looking forward to the birth of their son’s first child.

What has been your favourite class to teach over the years and why?

The ones that have afforded me the opportunity to expand my knowledge base the most; SPAN 314, for which I invested much time learning more about art, architecture, history and politics, and the Comparative Literature World Lit courses.

What advice would you give to an Assistant Professor just beginning his/her life in academia?

Academic success-climbing the ranks and securing external funding, depend on research productivity. Make your research your top priority. It is important to also contribute to administrative service, but never let it eclipse your research goals. You will inevitably, at some point, be buffeted by political winds and unsure what to do. Never act out of fear of consequences or promise of rewards, just do the right thing for its own sake, regardless of the outcome. To thine own self be true.

What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

Retirement is like a permanent sabbatical. I look forward to doing what I want, when I want…. finishing that book with my collaborator, discovering Africa with my daughter, traveling with my husband, indulging in the joys of being a grandma (soon to happen).