Photo credit: Andrew Thometz
"My Junior Year Abroad in Bonn was doubtlessly one of the most significant and impactful times of my life. It is impossible to overstate the influence this year had on the course of my life and the extent, to which my horizons were expanded thanks to this year in Bonn."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): German (Literature) and International Relations (Economic and Commercial Phases)
Language(s): German
Graduation Year: 1987
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
My family history certainly played a role, and we not only re-established contact with relatives on my mother’s side in Germany, but also discovered more on my father’s side. We had an excellent teacher at Dominican High School (Bernadette Van Willigen), who provided me with a very strong foundation, so that I was able to test into fifth-semester German after only three years of German in high school.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
I remember in particular Cora Lee (then-) Nollendorfs, who helped me understand the passive voice, among other things. I also definitely recall the Stammtisch evenings in the Union.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
My Junior Year Abroad in Bonn was doubtlessly one of the most significant and impactful times of my life. It is impossible to overstate the influence this year had on the course of my life and the extent, to which my horizons were expanded thanks to this year in Bonn. I learned about cooking, history, budgeting, negotiating transportation systems, independence, relationships, and – of course – German. I visited France (Paris and Avignon), Spain (Madrid), Luxembourg, and many cities in Germany.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
I returned to Germany after earning my B.A. and worked in Düsseldorf for approximately seven years. I became certified as a translator and later returned to the USA for graduate school (in German) and because my parents were getting old. I went on to earn my PhD in German Literature and Critical Thought from Northwestern University.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
It is the centerpiece of my professional activities. I have been an instructor of German for decades now. I am on the boards of directors of three German-American cultural groups.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
My wife grew up in Köln and we speak German at home.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Take advantage of your time as an undergraduate and study abroad. Stay for an entire year — because after three months in another country, you will only be starting to get integrated. The relationships forming abroad need more time to develop, and these interpersonal relationships will reflect the most rewarding aspects. Talk to any ‘old person’ and ask them: How vital/enjoyable/important was your Junior Year Abroad? How much do regret (not) studying abroad when you had the opportunity?