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BOOKSHELF

CURSED DESTINY: William S. Burroughs Jr., known as Billy Jr., once called himself writer William S. Burroughs' "cursed-from-birth son." In the book "Cursed From Birth: The Short, Unhappy Life of William S. Burroughs Jr.," edited and compiled by David Ohle, lecturer in English, the younger Burroughs details life as the son of a famous father, his troubled friends and the death of his mother in a shooting accident. Ohle compiled the book from Burroughs' third unfinished novel, "Prakriti Junction," his last journals and poems and correspondence from those who knew Billy Jr.

NOTABLE ALUMS

Edward Vernon Williams, the KU School of Medicine's first African-American graduate, died recently. Williams graduated in 1941. Previously, African-American students were encouraged to transfer after their first two years. He helped convince the Kansas Board of Regents and governor to end the policy.