AUSTIN, Texas—Bernth O. Lindfors, Carrin Patman and John Trimble will receive the 2004 Pro Bene Meritis awards for significant contributions to the liberal arts on Friday from the Liberal Arts Foundation Advisory Council of The University of Texas at Austin.
Lindfors is the world’s leading authority on African literature in English. During his more than three decades as professor, he brought numerous luminary African writers to campus, helped to establish one of the nation’s leading graduate programs in ethnic and Third World literature. He became founding editor of “Research in African Literatures,” the premier journal in its field.
Patman, an alumna of the College of Liberal Arts, established the university’s Swedish Studies Excellence Endowment that now totals more than $1 million. The endowment has supported scholarships and fellowships, symposia, study abroad opportunities and lecturers, as well as cultural exhibits and performances. Patman is also a recipient of the Swedish Royal Order of the Polar Star.
Trimble is a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of English. He is the nationally acclaimed textbook author of “Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing.” He has been honored numerous times for exceptional teaching.
The Pro Bene Meritis awards were first granted in 1984 to honor individuals who are committed to the liberal arts, who have made outstanding contributions in professional or philanthropic pursuits and who have participated in service related to the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin.
For more information contact: Robin Gerrow, College of Liberal Arts, 512-232-2145.