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Young Alumni Spotlight

Charles Avison

Bachelor of Arts, '05

Charles Avison graduated from Western Michigan in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal History and a minor in Philosophy. While at Western, Charles participated in an independent study abroad which led him to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Returning to Edinburgh after graduating Western, he lived for two years, working in real estate as an assistant project manager and playing (American) Football for the Edinburgh Wolves. It was while living in Scotland that he became interested in the publishing industry, in his own words:

“Scotland was such a beautiful place, inspiring to say the least, it was a fast paced life living in Edinburgh but there was always plenty of time to think. Edinburgh is a cultural Mecca and I had many opportunities to talk with people in the literary world. There is something fascinating about being able to create something beautiful, combining art and the written word.” 

Arriving back in Michigan on October 2nd, 2007 he began work on his first book; titled: “Detroit City of Champions, The Story of the Most Important Season in Detroit Sports History.” Chronicling the story of 1935-1936 sports season which witnessed the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings winning their first Championships in the same season, the book was an extension of his thesis written during his senior year at WMU. Finishing the book in late October 2008; Charles founded Diomedea Publishing L.L.C. with “Detroit City of Champions” being the first book published.

“I chose the name Diomedea Publishing in reference to my favorite Greek hero from the Trojan War - Diomedes. Even though my first book was in essence a sports book, I will always be first and foremost a student of Ancient History.”

While Charles is currently focusing all of his current efforts toward the successful release of “Champions;” he looks forward to his next book and a future of working with undiscovered talent.  It was for this reason that he started his company:

“When I was looking into the options of starting Diomedea, I knew it would be an uphill fight but hopefully going through it will allow me to carve a path for others. I want to create a Publishing House that will attract authors and artists of the same spirit as myself.”

Charles Avison is currently living in Port Huron, Michigan but is moving to Detroit where he plans to operate his business and further his other pursuits. Avison can be reached at his website: www.detroitcityofchamps.com.

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