Medieval Institute receives prestigious NEH grant
Dec. 1, 2003
KALAMAZOO--For the fifth time in 10 years, Western Michigan University's Medieval Institute has been awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Humanities to conduct a 2004 summer institute for medieval scholars in England.
The six-week institute, titled "Anglo-Saxon England," will be held July 5-Aug. 13 at Trinity College in Cambridge in association with that college's Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic. Participants will conduct discussions on the major disciplines of Anglo-Saxon studies, including manuscript study, history, art and architecture.
"This federal blessing confirms the growing importance of our Richard Rawlinson Center for Anglo-Saxon Studies and Manuscript Research, and the continuing rise of the many programs associated with the Medieval Institute," says Dr. Paul Szarmach, director of the institute.
The NEH awarded the $183,272 grant for the institute, making WMU one of a select group of higher education institutions in the country to receive consistent funding from the agency. Since 1995, WMU's Medieval Institute has been awarded more than $640,000 in NEH grants.
The Medieval Institute previously held NEH-sponsored summer programs in 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. Those attending the 2001 institute became the first group ever allowed behind-the-scenes access to the British Library, one of the world's most respected research libraries.
Up to 25 college teachers selected for the institute will receive a stipend of $3,700. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2004. For more information contact, (269) 387-8745.
WMU is one of the few universities in the North America to offer medieval studies as a formal program, and the first state-supported university to introduce a master's degree in that curriculum. Every May, the University plays host to the International Congress on Medieval Studies, which is the largest gathering of medieval scholars in the world, attracting more than 3,000 medieval scholars from all parts of the globe.
Media contact: Matt Gerard, 269 387-8400, matthew.gerard@wmich.edu