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Eliese Goldbach ’08, an adjunct professor in the Department of English, promoted her debut memoir Rust: A memoir of Steel and Grit, on NBC’s Today Show during the 9 a.m. hour on Monday. Mar. 2.

Goldbach’s memoir follows her backstory and is described as: "A young woman's debut memoir of grit and tenacity, as she returns to the conservative hometown she always longed to escape to earn a living in the steel mill that casts a shadow over Cleveland."

Goldbach, a first-semester adjunct professor in the English Department and graduate of John Carroll, credited her time at the University as an influential marker in her past:.

“John Carroll has such a strong English Department,” she said. “Coming here prompted me to become a writer. My own writing has a very Midwest focus that was shaped by being here.”

Goldbach pointed to several individuals in the English Department as mentors in her path to success. Maryclaire Moroney was her thesis director and fueled her understanding of literature. She also credits Debby Rosenthal and Phil Metres as being helpful in her transition to being a professor. 

Goldbach highlighted George Bilgere as one of her most positive influences as a student searching for future direction during her stint on campus in University Heights. 

Growing up, I wanted to be a nun, then I became a steel worker and now I’m a professor. It’s an interesting journey.

Goldbach’s promotional tour doesn’t end with NBC’s Today Show. She will be featured in several upcoming events to highlight the release of Rust:

Tuesday, Mar. 3, 5 a.m.: NPR Morning Interview

Tuesday, Mar. 3, 7 p.m.: Brews+Prose at Market Garden Brewery

Thursday, Mar. 12, 7 p.m.: Cuyahoga Public Library-Beachwood Branch

Thursday, Mar. 19, 7 p.m.: Meet the Author at Lakewood Public Library

Saturday, Apr. 25, 4 p.m.: Conversation with David Giffels at Loganberry Books