Robert K. Massie '46 Chats with Seniors
Last week when he was at USN to celebrate the publication of The Same River Twice, the Centennial essay book to which he contributed a chapter, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert K. Massie requested to meet with a group of students.
Nine seniors and several high school teachers joined Mr. Massie for lunch in the Payne Library Room. He was accompanied by Jack May '47, his best friend since their PDS days (who is also the father and grandfather of USN alumni and grandfather of current USN students).
Tracing the path that led him to write his first book, Nicholas and Alexandra, he talked about his time in the Navy. "My generation thought we had saved the world," he said. "You have a wide open opportunity to save the world again."
The students heard about Catherine the Great from the author of her award-winning biography. He talked about a writer's life. He also talked about Josephine, the subject of his latest project.
Isabella Christianson-Galina says, "We got a chance to ask him about his writing as well as his historical research. The dynamic duo of Massie and his longtime friend Jack May kept us entertained and informed. We enjoyed the presence of such a celebrated author and received rich advice from his own experiences."
While he was visiting USN, Mr. Massie gave the PDS/USN archives his varsity letters.
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Tracing the path that led him to write his first book, Nicholas and Alexandra, he talked about his time in the Navy. "My generation thought we had saved the world," he said. "You have a wide open opportunity to save the world again."
The students heard about Catherine the Great from the author of her award-winning biography. He talked about a writer's life. He also talked about Josephine, the subject of his latest project.
Isabella Christianson-Galina says, "We got a chance to ask him about his writing as well as his historical research. The dynamic duo of Massie and his longtime friend Jack May kept us entertained and informed. We enjoyed the presence of such a celebrated author and received rich advice from his own experiences."
While he was visiting USN, Mr. Massie gave the PDS/USN archives his varsity letters.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Ava ’26 recognized by National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to the rising senior, who has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English.Read More -
Retired faculty, staff return to USN
As part of a longstanding tradition, retired teachers and professionals from USN over the years came together to celebrate, connect, and reminisce during their annual luncheon in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.