Hanson wins President’s Award of Excellence

Classics professor Victor Davis Hanson, whose books and articles have earned the praise of national government and military leaders, has been awarded “The President’s Award of Excellence” for 2003 at Fresno State.

Fresno business leader Richard Spencer, chairman of the University Advisory Board, announced the award at the 2003 Academic Assembly, which marks the start of the fall semester. The recognition includes a $10,000 award. The selection is made by the University Advisory Board, which is composed of community leaders and is chaired by Spencer.

The President’s Award of Excellence seeks to recognize a faculty or staff member who demonstrates integrity, leadership, and a commitment to the university and community as exemplified by Fresno State President John D. Welty. The 2002 winner was Dr. Stephen A. Rodemeyer, chemistry professor and director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College.

Cara Hanson accepted the award for her husband, who was in Washington, D.C., for meetings at the Pentagon, the Center for Immigration Studies, the Nixon Center and the National Press Club. He also was interviewed by Brian Lamb of C-SPAN’s “Booknotes,” Brit Hume of Fox News and MSNBC’s “Scarborough Country.”

Hanson, who also is coordinator of the Classical Studies program at Fresno State, is a prolific author, scholar and military historian. In addition to teaching, he writes a column bi-weekly about contemporary culture and military history for National Review Online.

Dr. Luis Costa, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said Hanson is “one of the best-known classicists in the country – if not the best known” and is popular with students.

“He is a tremendous teacher,” said Costa. “Students are in awe of him and often follow behind from the classroom to his office when class is over.”

For more information, see Classics professor.