CSULB
professor receives foreign honor
By Hector Perez
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Clorinda Donato, a professor in the Romance, German, Russian Languages and Literatures
(RGRLL) department, was appointed “chevalier” in the Order of the
Palmes Academiques (Academic Palms) Sept. 28 by the French Ministry of National
Education.
“
It is really kind of a crowning achievement in one’s career,” Donato
said.
“
It is very exciting for myself and CSULB as well because the French government
recognizes the work we are doing here.”
Her colleagues certainly think so.
“
Mrs. Donato is one of our prominent professors and the reward is justified,” said
Jutta Birmele, chairwoman of the RGRLL department. “We are very honored
to see one of [our] colleagues rewarded for being internationally reviewed.”
Donato, who speaks French, Italian, German, Spanish and English, was raised in
the San Fernando Valley and received her bachelor’s degree in Italian from
UC Berkeley. She then returned to Italy where she lived and worked for four years
while studying French and English literature at the Universita di Urbino.
When
she returned to California, she enrolled at UCLA where she received a Ph.D. in
romance languages, literature and linguistics in 1987. She also served as RGRLL
chairwoman at CSULB from 1992-1997.
Alain Belais, cultural attaché to the Consulate General of France in Los
Angeles, officially presented Donato her award.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1808, the Palms Academiques (Academic Palms)
was first created as a reward for devotion and accomplishments in the realm of
teaching. It would later rise to the status of an order in 1955 and is awarded
worldwide to both French citizens and foreigners.
“
Being chair of Italian studies, I am especially proud of her,” said Carlo
Chiarenza. “Professor Donato is not only a very good scholar, but she
has a mind that is always full of ideas. She has been a strong person not only
in the academic field but also in the community and on campus—she has
been in practically every committee.”
Donato received the award in recognition of her outstanding record of international
scholarship through her research into 18th century French-language encyclopedias—something
she has been doing for 23 years.
She has also recently had her ongoing work in this field published, titled “Une
Encyclopedie a vocation europeene: le Dictionnaire universel raisonne des connaissances
humaines de F. –B. De Felice (1770-1780)”, a volume she co-edited
with Jean-Daniel Candaux, Alain Cernuschi and Jens Haesler.
“
Having your work published is always the best recognition of all. It is gratifying
to see years of research be recognized. Everything is believing you can do
it,” Donato said.
Donato not only takes pride in her academic achievement, but also the ability
to pass on her knowledge of this global enlightenment and onto the next generation.
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