UNL French professors recognized by French government
Released on 12/05/2006, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006
WHERE: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th Street
Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln professors will be recognized today by the Republic of France for their efforts to promote French language and culture. Thomas M. Carr Jr., and Jordan Stump will be decorated in a ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.
Stump will receive the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters), which was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists, writers and scholars who contribute to furthering the arts in France and worldwide. Carr will receive the Ordre des Palmes Academiques (Order of Academic Palms), which was created by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate individuals who excelled in the areas of teaching, scholarship and research. Both men will be given the rank of chevalier, or knight.
"The decorations underscore the ambition and accomplishment of two superb colleagues. To be honored by the French people and government for intellectual contributions to their culture is a very high honor that only the most noted scholars enjoy," said Russell Ganim, chair of the Department of Modern Languages. "These awards highlight the energy and excellence of the French program at UNL."
Carr is noted for his work with 17th- and 18th-century religious literature, and has just published a book on the preaching of French abbesses. Stump has published numerous translations of contemporary French novels.
"It's an honor to be noticed by the French government," Stump said. "They give these awards because you have contributed to the growth of French literature around the world. I have to say that's never been my intention in doing translations -- I do it because there are books that I love and I love translating. To have it mean enough to the Republic of France that they want to acknowledge me in this way is tremendously gratifying."
He added that his award should be seen in the context of all of the awards that faculty in the French section have received. Carr and Stump are the third and fourth members of UNL's French section to be recognized by the French government. In 2005, Marshall Olds received the Order of Academic Palms, and Nicole Smith received the award in 1991.
Contact: Russell Ganim, Assoc. Professor and Chair, Modern Languages, (402) 472-7031