In addition to teaching responsibilities, professors are often expected to contribute to the research and development of their fields.

On Wednesday, Eastern administration and faculty gathered in the Tarble Arts Center to acknowledge the achievements of the 135 professors who have had work published from Sept. 1, 2001 to August 31, 2002 at the 17th Annual Publishing Scholars’ Reception.

The reception honored members of the College of Arts and Humanities and the College of Sciences. James Johnson, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said the colleges hold this reception together because the tradition of celebrating faculty accomplishments began when the two colleges were one college before 1992.

Faculty members enjoyed wine and cheese while mingling and browsing the tables of literature on display.

Peter Andrew, a mathematics and computer sciences professor, said his favorite part of the event was meeting with faculty from other departments and seeing their work.

“It’s a reinforcement of how much activity there is on campus,” he said. “We’re just so busy that it’s hard to get out and see what’s happening.”

English Department Chair Dana Ringuette agrees it is important to touch base with other areas of the college.

“We all know that we teach well and teach a lot,” he said. “It’s most useful (to have the reception) because we get a chance to see each other’s work.”

Works included journal articles, books and articles in literary collections, such as Mike Goodrich’s contribution to “American Beetles,” Shelley French’s guest column in the Eastern Education Journal and an article in “Fly, Rod, and Reel,” by Bruce Guernsey.

Mary Anne Hanner, dean of the College of Sciences, enjoys seeing the work the faculty members produce each year.

“It’s great to see the depth and breadth of a highly effective and energized faculty,” Hanner said. “It’s an amazing level of productivity we see here.”

However, Andrew said one thing is missing from the tradition of celebrating each others’ work.

“I’d be happy to see the other colleges here,” Andrew said.