Allen Frantzen facts for kids

Allen J. Frantzen, born in 1947, is an American expert who studies the Middle Ages. He focused on very old English writings. After he retired from Loyola University Chicago, he became an "emeritus professor." This means he still has his professor title even though he's not teaching full-time anymore.

About Allen J. Frantzen

Early Life and Education

Allen J. Frantzen grew up in the countryside of Iowa. He went to Loras College and earned a degree in English. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Virginia. There, he earned a PhD by writing a long paper about old writings from the Anglo-Saxon period. These writings were about a topic called "penance," which means showing you are sorry for something you did wrong.

Teaching Career

Mr. Frantzen started teaching at Loyola University Chicago in 1978. He worked there for many years until he retired in 2014. When he retired, he was given the special title of "emeritus professor."

While at Loyola, he also led the English graduate programs from 1984 to 1988. These programs are for students who are studying to get advanced degrees after their first college degree.

Loyola Community Literacy Center

In 1992, Allen J. Frantzen started something very important: the Loyola Community Literacy Center. This center helps people in the community, as well as university students, improve their reading and writing skills. It's a place where people can get help with learning.

Awards and Recognition

Allen J. Frantzen has received several special awards and honors for his work.

• In 1993, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship. This is a very important award given to people who are doing excellent work in arts, humanities, and sciences.
• Loyola University Chicago recognized him several times. He was named "Faculty Member of the Year" in 1991. He was also called a "Master Teacher" for the College of Arts & Sciences in 1997–98. In 2000, he was honored as a "Faculty Scholar."
• In 2013, he received the "Teaching Excellence Award" from the Medieval Academy of America. This award shows how good he was at teaching about the Middle Ages.
• In 2015, after he retired, his former students organized a special event to celebrate his work. It was called "Opera Omnia: A Festspiel for Allen J. Frantzen," which means "All Works: A Celebration for Allen J. Frantzen."