January 17, 2025

UW Librarian Receives International Honor

Michael Biggins, UW Affiliate Professor; Slavic, Baltic, and East European Studies Librarian, was recently honored with the prestigious 2024 VTIS Award by the Društvo VTIS (Society of Slovenes Educated Abroad) at its annual recognition event on December 23 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the nation’s capital. The “Vtis leta,” or the “impact of the year” award, honors an individual or organization for their notable impact on elevating the cultural, educational, professional or commercial profile of Slovenia in the world.   The award was presented by President of the State Council of the Republic of Slovenia,  Marko Lotrič, together with the Secretary General of the State Council of the Republic of Slovenia Monika Kirbiš Rojs.

While Prof. Biggins was unable to attend the event in person, Velemir Gjurin, who first taught Slovenian to Biggins and others as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Kansas in1979-80, accepted the award on his behalf. The audience was able to hear remarks from Prof. Biggins in a pre-recorded speech. In addition, a commemorative bronze plaque honoring the 2024 awardee will be placed on the back of a bench in Reformation Park in Ljubljana, alongside plaques for the previous ten honorees.

“Congratulations to the recipient of the VTIS award in 2024: polyglot, translator and lecturer at the University of Washington in Seattle, Professor Dr. Michael Biggins, for the exceptional promotion of Slovenian literature in the United States,”  remarked  Secretary General Monika Kirbiš Rojs. “Through his work and dedication to preserving Slovenian literature and language in a foreign environment, Professor Biggins is proof that our Slovenian culture transcends borders and leaves a lasting mark”.

“I am so honored to receive this award that highlights a lifetime’s effort to advance Slovenian studies. I hope to “translate” the award and build on the relationships forged with many in VTIS to benefit students drawn to this fascinating subject of study at the University of Washington for many decades to come,” says Biggins.

The VTIS Society aims to connect Slovenian professionals with their colleagues throughout the  world.  With more than 2,700 members who have studied or worked in 55 countries, the Society aims to “enable the circulation of ideas and experiences that recognize Slovenia not only for its natural beauty, but also for the intellectual power of its people.”Prof. Biggins has been honored several times throughout his career for his work to preserve, share and teach Slovenian culture and literature. He recently launched a travel abroad program bringing UW students to Slovenia for an immersive educational experience. Learn more.

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