Gustavus Adolphus College

Claude Brew accepts the Edgar M. Carlson Award

Professor of English Claude Brew

Claude Brew, Gustavus Adolphus College Professor of English, received the 2007 Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching during the College’s commencement exercises on Sunday, May 27.

During his 38-year career at Gustavus, Brew has taught courses on a wide range of topics, including British literature, romanticism, the Victorian Age, Hemingway, Tennyson, Shelley, Faulkner, modern war novels, Russian fiction of the Soviet period and modern African fiction. One student complimented him for having “an enthusiasm that permeates the class” and one colleague praised him for being “deeply self-reflective about teaching.”

He received his Bachelor’s Degree in English and German from Hamline University and his Master’s Degree and Ph.D. from Ohio University. Brew then joined the Gustavus faculty in the fall of 1969 and has been a fixture in the College’s English department ever since.

“I was both very surprised and pleased to receive this award, especially since many, many Gustavus professors are equally deserving,” Brew said. “Good teaching, when it happens, requires good students, supportive colleagues, and an understanding family. I have been blessed by all three.”

The Edgar M. Carlson Award was established by the Gustavus Board of Trustees in 1971 to honor former president Edgar Carlson for his years of distinguished leadership and in recognition of his commitment to academic excellence. Gustavus faculty, staff, administrators and students nominate professors for this award, and each year at commencement a faculty member, selected by previous Carlson recipients, is awarded for their exceptional skill and effectiveness as an instructor.