The Frank X. Braun Prize for the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor in the German language program is awarded each year in honor of the late Professor Frank Braun, who was a dedicated teacher in the department for many years. This award was established in 1989 when it was presented to Ann Schmitt. The following year it was presented to Hartmut Rastalsky. In 1994 it become a memorial endowment, furthering Frank X. Braun’s legacy.
Frank X. Braun Award Winners
2019: Lauren Beck, Elizabeth McNeill
2018: Emily Gauld, Andrea Rottmann
2017: Domenic Desocio, Calder Fong
2016: Mary Hennessy, Kathryn Holihan
2015: Naomi Vaughan
2014: Catherine Combes, Landon Little
2013: Hannah McMurray
2012: Marc-Niclas Heckner, Elizabeth Nijdam
2009: Seth Howes
2008: Solveig Heinz, Sara Jackson
2006: Michael André
2005: Helga Rom
2002: Ilka Rasch
1990: Hartmut Rastalsky
1989: Ann Schmitt
About Frank X. Braun
Frank Xavier Braun was born in 1904 in Spaichingen, Germany, the eldest of a long line of Swabian organ builders. He followed his father to the U.S. in 1923, becoming a citizen in 1930. Living in St. Louis, he made various scientific instruments ranging from microscopes to submarine engines. In 1928, Ford Motor Company offered him a job as toolmaker. From there he was promoted to inspector, and finally Chief Inspector of the Experimental Department. While working full time at Ford, he completed his college prerequisites, and went on to receive his bachelor of arts degree in 1934 from Wayne University, a master of arts degree in 1935 and a doctor of philosophy degree from U-M in 1940. In 1945, he was appointed an instructor in German at U-M, assistant professor in 1949, associate professor in 1954, and full professor in 1960. Upon being granted Emeritus status in 1974, a local (unidentifi ed) paper quoted the Regents as saying, “Above all else Professor Braun demonstrated excellence as a teacher... He displayed amazing skill in motivating and captivating students with a teaching style that was at once compelling and highly effective.”
In addition to his extraordinary classroom success, Professor Braun was deeply involved with student housing needs and spearheaded the effort to establish the Max Kade House; moving it from an idea to reality within two years. He also was an ardent supporter of the LSA Language requirement (which was threatened to be removed around 1966), the academic year in Freiburg program, and counseling students’ academic endeavors.