T.J. Stiles ’86, a Carleton alumnus and native of Foley, Minn., won a National Book Award in the nonfiction category for his work, “The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt.” The book is a biography of the man who fathered a dynasty, presided over a railroad empire and, in the words of the judging panel, “all but invented unbridled American capitalism.” Stiles is the son of Clifford Stiles ‘53 and Carol Stiles and the brother of Kevin Stiles, all of Foley. He and the three other category winners each earned a $10,000 prize. C-Span’s "BookTV" will broadcast the ceremony and Stiles acceptance speech at 9 p.m. CST Saturday.

Carleton College ranks first for students participating in a mid-length study abroad experience, according to a recent report by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Carleton sent 402 students on study abroad experiences of this type in 2007-08, according to the IIE’s Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

Laura Goering, professor of Russian at Carleton College, has won a National Outdoor Book Award (NOBA). Goering won in the children’s category for her first published children’s book, “Whistling Wings.” The book is about Marcel's reluctance to migrate 1,000 miles and how other animals try to help him survive. Laura Jacques is the illustrator and Sylvan Dell publishes the book.