November 18, 1998

Media Contact: José A. Álvarez (619) 594-2585

 

Swedish King Awards SDSU Professor Sweden’s Highest Honor

 

Dr. Ann-Charlotte Harvey, a drama professor at San Diego State University, recently received royal honors from the king of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf. Professor Harvey was awarded His Majesty the King’s Medal in the 8th dimension with the ribbon of the Order of the Seraphim, for her outstanding contributions to the awareness of Swedish-American culture in the United States.

The King’s medal, the highest honor bestowed upon a Swedish citizen, is awarded to those who have rendered unusually important service to Sweden. "Over the years, I have worked to bridge the cultural gap between these two countries", said Dr. Harvey, elated to receive such an honor. "I interpret one culture to the other. Since I live in the U.S., most of the time that means that I bring Swedish culture to the attention of Americans by promoting, intriguing and explaining it.

"I have done and continue to do this by performing (singing and acting), lecturing, writing, translating, directing," concluded Dr. Harvey, who has performed over 100 concerts and programs in the U.S. and Canada presenting Scandinavian folk songs and emigrant ballads.

Only a handful of people residing in the United States have received the King’s medal, which dates back to the 18th century. Among the select group awarded royal honors this year was Ingmar Bergman, the noted film director, and Anita Gradin, Sweden’s Commissioner to the European Union.

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