Volunteer with A-B Tech’s The Rhapsodist - Literature, and Arts Journal
Mark Gordon Smith spent his early childhood in Tuscany while his father was stationed at the port of Livorno along the Tuscan coast. This initial exposure to the Italian culture led to a life-long love of all things Italian. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. After leaving active military service, he worked in sales and human resources for several large healthcare and telecommunications companies. In 2001, he moved to Florence Italy for three months and wrote his first book, Tuscan Echoes, A Season Italy. Last Season of the Lira and Tuscan Light, Memories of Italy followed in 2005 and 2008. He is currently working on a third Italy travel memoir as well as a novel that takes place during the Renaissance in Florence. In 2003, he founded Private Italy Tours LTD, a tour operator offering four unique itineraries across Italy.
Amazingly, Mark still finds time to give back and support his community. Since 2012, he has been a devoted volunteer with the College’s premier creative publication, The Rhapsodist Literature, and Arts Journal. The annual publication showcases the best examples of creative expression from the College’s diverse population.
Working alongside A-B Tech English Instructor, Erik Moellering, Mark lends his expertise in writing and literature to assist the student editors’ in the selection of art, fiction, and non-fiction submissions. He is also involved in coordinating and confirming community reading for authors of the journal in Western North Carolina.
Moellering has great praise for Mark and credits him with helping to support and sustain the continual success of the journal. “Mark energizes the journal-making process and supports the student editors,” says Erik. “He brings humor, positivity, and a creative approach to problem-solving––and my student editors adore him.”
Erik and the student editors are pleased to have this opportunity to shine a spotlight on Mark’s contribution to the College and thank him for all he does to ensure student success.
To learn more about volunteering at A-B Tech contact Campus Volunteer Coordinator, Patti Cameron at (828) 398-7761 or volunteer@abtech.edu
