Twin Honors for Leslie Kurke

April 27, 2010

Leslie Kurke, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Professor in Classics and Comparative Literature, has received not one but two highly prestigious honors this year.

Professor Kurke was elected a Member of The American Philosophical Society on April 24, 2010. Election to the honorary society by its Resident members honors extraordinary accomplishments in all fields.

The American Philosophical Society ("held at Philadelphia for promoting useful knowledge," as its official title states) was founded at the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin in 1743. It currently has about 1001 members. The APS is unusual among learned societies because its membership is comprised of top scholars from a wide variety of academic disciplines with members organized into five classes: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and The Arts, Professions, and Leaders in Public & Private Affairs.

Professor Kurke is being recognized also for her distinguished research and contribution to the University through her selection as one of two 2010 Faculty Research Lecturers. She will present “Aesop, Popular Culture, and the Invention of Greek Prose” on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, from 4—5 p.m. in the International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave.

Selections are made each year since 1912 from the entire Berkeley faculty and mark recognition by campus colleagues of the highest distinction in research. These public events provide a unique opportunity for the campus community to hear from the very people who are transforming knowledge at Berkeley and in our world.