Sunday, March 17, 2002
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Years of dedicated research on Panama, including writing a history book developed from the country's archives, helped Slippery Rock University's Dr. Thomas Pearcy earn the only foreigner spot on the Panamanian Centennial Commission.
Pearcy, an assistant professor of history at SRU since 1998, was named to the anniversary commission created by Panamanian President Mireya Elisa Moscoso last month. The commission also includes Panamanian politicians and faculty.
Author of book: Pearcy is the author of "We Only Answer to God: Politics and the Military in Panama 1903-1947" published by the University of New Mexico Press. The work details the transition from civilian to military rule in Panama and earned him the 1999 President's Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement at SRU, presented at an Academic Honors Convention.
Pleased at his recent recognition, Pearcy said: "My appointment stems largely from my work in Panamanian history. I am the first foreign scholar to rely extensively on Panama's own archival materials to write about the nation's history. In the past, scholars wanting to write about Panama utilized documents in Washington, D.C., to accomplish their objectives. Panama is a very proud nation, as we are, and they appreciate the fact that I relied on their perspective to write about their country. I am certain this was why they chose to give me this unique opportunity."
Commission's work: The commission's work, chaired by Professor Pantaleon Garcia, will culminate in November 2003 when the country celebrates its 100th year of independence from Columbia. Pearcy says his work will necessitate a number of trips to Panama to help set the celebration agenda.
In 1999, Pearcy brought former U. S. Ambassador to Panama Ambler H. Moss Jr. to campus as a guest lecturer detailing the then-upcoming U.S. turnover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control.