CASSIE TOMLIN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Albrecht Classen, a UA German studies professor, was awarded the Order of Merit by the German government Friday afternoon, the highest award for a German citizen.

A UA German studies professor was recognized by Germany for his extensive work in promoting the German culture, language and traditions in Tucson.

Albrecht Classen, distinguished professor in German studies, received the "Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band," or Order of Merit, the highest award for a German citizen, from the German government for his work promoting the German language as well as creating as much opportunity as possible for students to participate in German studies.

Classen joined an elite group of distinguished professors at the UA Thursday, when he became the first in the German studies department to receive the distinguished professor title.

"It's really a big honor, I feel really appreciated," Classen said.

UA President Peter Likins responded as many do when asked about Classen - Likins said his enthusiasm is astounding, and because of this his classes are enjoyable.

He is somone who has done something outstanding for the German culture, German language and German people. – Bernard Otremb -Blanc

"His passion is irrepressible, (he emits) every exuberance," Likins said when presenting Classen with the distinguished professor award.

Classen is the president of the Arizona chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German, a title he has held for 12 years.

With the organization, he organizes biannual conferences to bring in teachers of German and fight to keep German in schools.

The organization supports teachers from kindergarten through college. Tucson has eight schools that offer German as a second language, Classen said.

"German is doing really well in Southern Arizona," Classen said.

Bernard O. Otremba-Blanc, German Consul of Arizona in Phoenix, nominated Classen for the award based on his enthusiasm and dedication to the study of German.

"He appears to me as a very dedicated person; he's very enthusiastic, very energetic," Otremba-Blanc said.

Otremba-Blanc admires Classen's dedication, which he said proves Classen is an ideal recipient for the award.

"He is someone who has done something outstanding for the German culture, German language and German people," Otremba-Blanc said.

Classen is also the undergraduate adviser for the department, adviser of the German Student Club, faculty adviser and the adviser of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

"I'm extremely busy all the time," Classen said. "Nobody asked me to do these things. I'm not getting money, (but) it really pays off."

Classen organizes barbecues, picnics and other events to promote teacher student interaction on campus.

"It's extremely important to know (teachers) are human beings too, we like them, we want them to come to us," Classen said.

Daniel Brelsford, a computer science sophomore and student in Classen's Traditions and Cultures 104: "Eroticism in Love in the Middle Ages," said because of his enthusiasm and high-energy lectures, he is more able to grasp the material.

"I try harder in the class because he cares so much about it. You can tell he really cares about what he's teaching because he is so enthusiastic," Brelsford said.

Provost George Davis said Classen's enthusiasm is encouraging whether in the classroom or personally.

"He is a fabulous professor and everything everyone says about his energy is understated," Davis said. "I have so enjoyed our conversations about the deep relevance of history today."

Classen has published 35 textbooks, written nine books, translated five books from middle-high German to English and created one online book.

He is also the editor of the Tristania Journal, which was a dying journal before he took over.

Classen hopes his students take one thing from his classes, having and recognizing the nobility of the heart.

"If we don't see these things in a modern context, we are missing something," Classen said. "That's the one thing I hope they take (from my teachings)."

Classen's son, Stephan Classen, an environmental sciences sophomore who is also minoring in German studies, said his father's involvement made him very deserving of the awards he received.

"What doesn't he do for the German department?" said Stephan Classen. "(To be a) distinguished professor is what he's always been striving for, and (for the Order of Merit) it's amazing the German government would award him for that," he said.

Stephan Classen grew up speaking English and German and is fluent in both languages. He has yet to have a class with his father, but said if he does, "it might be awkward."

Casey Hayes, a second-year graduate student in German studies and a teaching assistant in one of Classen's lectures, said his friendliness and energy make it great to work with him.

Hayes said Albrecht Classen's annotated bibliography shows he has written more than 200 articles and more than 30 books.

"You'd think someone that well-published would be reserved and unapproachable. As far as Classen goes, he's one of the most approachable," Hayes said.

Veronica Ostertag, a second language and acquisition in teaching doctoral student, introduced Albrecht Classen when he received the distinguished professor award.

"It's about time, this award was long overdue. He sparkles with enthusiasm and it's contagious - even if (what he's teaching) is something you don't care about, you get enticed," Ostertag said.

Mary E. Wildner-Bassett, head of the German studies department, said she is thankful to have such a dedicated professor as a part of her team.

"He is the sparkplug of the department. His energy is amazing and he is in the office all hours of the night," Wildner-Bassett said.

Classen also enjoys playing volleyball, which he does every weekend at a public park.

His three-man team of men from 42 to 56 years old recently won its first tournament against a team 25 to 30 years younger, Classen said.

"I was so proud of that," Classen said.