The official functions relating to the 27th Williamson Lectureship took place on March 6, 2003, on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University. First came a luncheon at which Jack Williamson, Connie Willis and Joe Haldeman each gave a short speech on Jack's career and the changes the field has seen over the past 75 years. Later that evening, the three writers took part in a lively panel discussion, moderated by Patrice Caldwell, that was free to the public. (Click on any image on this page to view an enlargement.)
Joe Haldeman, Patrice Caldwell and Gay Haldeman before the start of the luncheon |
Christopher Stasheff |
Patrice Caldwell introducesJack Williamson |
Jack Williamsonremembers the early days |
Connie Willis makes a point—most likely about Michael Jackson's nose |
Joe Haldeman counts the daysof a 75-year career |
Connie Willisa.k.a The Kissing Bandit congratulates Jack Williamson |
Joe and Gay Haldemanmere moments before the autograph hounds descend |
Fred Saberhagen
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Connie Willis signsone of her books for a fan |
The Williamson clanStanding: Milz Bickley, Betty Williamson, Nancy Williamson, Stewart Williamson and Gary Williamson Seated: Jim Williamson, Jack Williamson, Katie Bickley and Chloe Williamson |
Commemorative plaque at the Jack Williamson Science Fiction Library on the campus of ENMU |
A portrait of the artist as a slightly younger man that hangs at the library |
All together nowStanding: Daniel Abraham, Brian A. Hopkins, Joan Saberhagen, Fred Saberhagen, Scott Edelman, Eleanor Wood, Walter Jon Williams, Sage Walker and Stephen Haffner Seated: Patrice Caldwell, Connie Willis, Jack Williamson and Joe Haldeman |
Connie Willis, Daniel Abrahamand Kathleen Hedges enjoy a buffet dinner at the home of Rick and Janet Hauptmann prior to the evening panel |
Stephen Haffner hefts another Heinken |
Jack Williamson, Connie Willis,Joe Haldeman and Patrice Caldwell prepare to preach to the choir |
Daniel Abraham copies downJack's Williamson's advice on how to enjoy a 75-year career. |
Jack and Conniediscuss their favorite stories |
Kathleen and Sage look on while Walter thinks, "Get that camera out of my face!" |
Connie and Joe show offtheir plaques of appreciation from ENMU |
Charles Brown receivesa (belated) plaque for speaking during a previous year |
Jack Williamson and Scott Edelman look at the color insert for his upcoming 75th anniversary volume to be published by Haffner Press |
Joe Haldeman discusses scienceat the feet of the Grand Master |
The following day, the Williamson family threw open their ranch so we could all visit the original homestead and see the shack in which Jack had written so many of his early stories.