Beneath the Bonnet: A Look at the Eclectic Texts Conference

Photos by Billie Throm

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. – On Nov. 14 and 15, the second Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC) occurred. The theme was Jane Austen in celebration of the 250th birthday of the famous writer.

The ETC is a yearly event run by the Department of English and Languages, and is open not only to the George Fox University (GFU) community but to anyone outside of GFU who would like to attend.

This year’s ETC featured 24 panelists who gave presentations on their Austen-related research, as well as two keynote sessions. The presentations were not limited to those within the English Department, as the opening session was led by Alex Chung, director of the School of Cinema. His keynote looked into adapting Austen to the screen, bringing in his experience as a filmmaker in assessing adaptations.

Chung said that Jessica Hughes, chair of the Department of English and Languages, approached him at an all-employee meeting to ask if he would give a keynote at the ETC. Chung accepted the invitation without hesitation.

While GFU students were the primary presenters, faculty, alumni and members of the Jane Austen Society of North America also presented. Students from other universities attended, as well as people from the Newberg community who were interested in Austen.

Students from various majors brought their areas of expertise into conversation with Jane Austen. A biology major gave a presentation on sexual selection in Austen’s novels, combining her knowledge of biology with the world of Austen. An electrical engineering alumnus of GFU connected his interest in paleontology with Austen, showing how diverse the topics can be.

The ETC included an Austentatious Ball, where English Country Dancing was taught by a professional caller and dancers got to dress in Regency era inspired clothing. The ball was not the only standout event, as the conference ended with the world premier of scenes acted out from Austen’s “Juvenilia.” Joe Thouvenal, director of Engagement and Culture at GFU, directed the play.

Despite the large scope of the conference, it was almost entirely student run. Claire Ahlem, a senior English major, explained that she and three other students were the main people responsible for organizing the event. 

Approximately 15 students helped with smaller tasks. This is because the conference is a learning tool for students, not only in presenting academic papers but being involved in every step of the process.

Hughes explained how she came up with the idea for the ETC. In 2024, some of the English Department staff attended another pop culture conference. Though it was not financially possible, Hughes expressed her desire for students to be able to attend.

Hughes realized that GFU could host its own pop culture conference, which would not only show students the value and fun of such events but could also be an opportunity for student learning.

“It’s a teaching conference in every way,” she said. Students handled the graphic design, catering, outreach, scheduling and every other aspect of the conference. “The whole thing is for students to learn holistically.”

Such an event does not happen without hard work behind the scenes. Ahlem explained that preparations for the conference began in January of 2025. “I’d say I worked a good five hours a week to start. The closer it got, the more I worked,” Ahlem said. “I worked over 24 hours the week of the conference.”

Ahlem’s work on the conference included outreach to alumni, organizing the panels, photographing during the event and overseeing the work of fellow students. In the end, she was able to see her work payoff. “It was incredible,” she said. “As tired as I was, it was worth it to see how much fun people had.”

Given this was the second year of the ETC, the event is still taking shape. “We’ve got a solid structure but it will take a few more years to get comfortable and settled in,” Hughes said. “I feel it’s a little more hands off for me each year, in a good way. The first year we [faculty] were alongside students. Now we’re mostly prompting them.”

“I’ve been a part of the ETC from the very beginning,” Ahlem said. “This year it was much easier. We knew what we were doing and knew what we needed.”

Hughes expressed that her main desire for the future of the conference is for it to become more immersive. “I want to really blur that line between learning and play,” she said. The ball was this year’s way of blurring the line and the department is searching for a new way to bring fun for next year.

Hughes explained that being a student worker or on the student advisory board for the English Department is a way to get involved in the ETC, as well as volunteering. She said anyone wanting to learn more about how to help can email her or Holly Shelton, assistant professor of rhetoric and composition.

“We also need people to volunteer to come up with ideas,” Hughes said. “You don’t have to be the one to pull it off. One person plants and another person waters.”

Next year’s ETC, which will have a superhero theme, is already in the works. All are welcome to contribute ideas, as help is needed in every step of the process.