English department chair, 308.865.8293
The University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of English is the 2006 recipient of the Jane Pope Geske Award from the Nebraska Center for the Book.
In presenting the award, the Nebraska Center for the Book commendation noted that the UNK Department of English was selected for the award based on its “… worthy objectives, long-term contributions, service, and dedication to the promotion and advancement of English and literary participation, both on and off its campus and throughout Nebraska.”
The statement also noted events the English department has held, including the Nebraska Literature/Book Festival, the Fort Kearny Writers’ Conference, and the Reynolds Readers and Writers Series.
Finally, the statement praised the English department for its sponsorship of The Carillon, a journal of creative writing, which is collected and edited by members of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society.
As part of the award, the English department also received an original piece of artwork. The pastel portrait is currently featured in the departmental office, located on the second floor of Thomas Hall.
“The English department is truly honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Martha Kruse, English department chair. “We are committed to the promotion of literacy and reading, and this award is a reminder and affirmation of that commitment.
“Past winners of the award include the John Neihardt Foundation and the Nebraska Writing Project, so we’re in good company,” Dr. Kruse said.
Twelve UNK faculty were present at the award ceremony. Those attending were Charles Fort, Rebecca Addy, Imene Behlhassen, Nancy Peek, Beth Robertson, Drs. Susanne George Bloomfield, Randy Robertson, Rob Luscher, Barbara Emry’s, Charles Peek, Don Welch and Martha Kruse, department chair.
The Jane Pope Geske Award recognizes Nebraskan schools, colleges, and other academic institutions and organizations, for long-term contributions in the fields of literacy, reading, book selling, books, libraries and writing in Nebraska.
The award, named after the founding member of the Nebraska Center for the Book, was first given in February 1992.
The Nebraska Center for the Book supports programs that attract public interest in books, reading and writing. The center has been an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book since 1990.
