1997 Alumnus of the Year Recipient
Alumnus of the YearKevin Major, B.Sc.'73
Through nine novels and two plays Kevin Major has maintained a unique Newfoundland voice. His first published work, Hold Fast, won national accolades; a nice accomplishment for the then 29-yar-old Stephenville native.
After three years of pre-med at Memorial in the late 1960s, Kevin knew he had to rethink his career choice. He spent a year abroad searching for his answer and upon his return to Newfoundland changed his major from medicine to education.
Although trained to teach, he spent only four years in the classroom on a full-time basis. "I had an interest in (writing) in high school," he said. "I did some writing then, and I guess it stayed in the back of my mind."
In 1976 Kevin began substitute teaching in Eastport, Newfoundland , so he could spend more time on his writing. Although his first attempt was rejected, his second was celebrated. Hold Fast won five national awards in 1978, the year it was released. It was praised for its honest Newfoundland voice and its apt depiction of adolescent feelings.
Explaining his interest in adolescent literature: “I found there were very few books around that had protagonists like the characters I was encountering in these outports in Newfoundland ,” he said. “There weren’t really any contemporary stories about growing up in Newfoundland .”
Kevin set out to change that. He published six more novels dealing with adolescent issues including Far From Shore, Thirty-Six Exposure, Dear Bruce Springsteen, Blood Red Ochre, Eating Between the Lines and Diana: My Autobiography. In 1995 he published his first book geared at an adult audience, No Man’s Land. In 1997 he released Gaffer, a combination of history and fantasy set in Newfoundland as well.
“I wanted to encapsulate the last 500 years and give a view of what Newfoundland might turn out like, if we’re not careful,” he said. “I guess the Cabot 500 celebration prompted it.”
Although he began with adolescent literature, he’s enjoyed reaching out to other audiences. His last two novels were well received in the genre of adult fiction. However, he’s still interested in writing for all ages. His first children’s book is due out in late 1997. Several of his books are taught in high schools around the country and every book is still in circulation.
Kevin Major is a celebrated national author and a proud Memorial alumnus whose new title of Alumnus of the Year is well deserved.
“Memorial has meant a lot to me,” he said. “As a student I enjoyed going to the library and in recent years it’s been a resource for research. When I’m working on a book, like No Man’s Land, a lot of help comes from the university.”
Kevin has lived in St. John’s since 1989 with his wife and two sons. Luke, his oldest, will study one of his books this year. He says if Luke likes it then that will be the true test of his accomplishment.