One of Germany's highest civilian awards, the Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band (Knight of the Cross of the Order of Merit) has been awarded to Francis Gentry, professor emeritus of German, for his significant contributions to the academic cooperation between Germany and the United States. In particular, the award honors Professor Gentry's work on behalf of the Alexander von Humboldt Association of America and his active role in fostering exchange programs between American and German universities.
Professor Gentry came to Penn State from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991 as head of the Department of German, a position he held until 1997. His research agenda encompasses broad areas of Medieval culture and Medieval German literature as well as the reception of the Middle Ages in the modern period. He is the author and editor of seven books and a few dozen articles. In 2007 the College of the Liberal Arts honored Professor Gentry with its Distinguished Emeritus Award.
An official celebration in the presence of the Consul General of Germany will take place in early fall.
Photo by Greg Grieco, Penn State
