Danish bestow knighthood on Ingwersen

It was indeed a (k)night to remember.

Actually, it was during an afternoon (Feb. 1) that Brent Killerich, consul general of Denmark, visited campus on behalf of Danish Queen Margrethe II.

Killerich bestowed a knighthood on Neils Ingwersen, professor of Scandinavian Studies, for his promotion of Danish literature in the United States.

A 30-year UW–Madison veteran, Ingwersen specializes in medieval, folk and 19th century Scandinavian literature. His now-legendary class on fellow countryman Hans Christian Anderson has been known to enroll more than 800 students a semester.

Ingwersen received the Order of the Dannebrog, established in 1671 for Danish citizens who have contributed to the arts, sciences or commerce. The accompanying silver cross bears the insignia of King Christian V, creator of the order.

“This honor not only recognizes my work, but also bestows useful visibility on our department,” Ingwersen says. “It also might lead more people to sample the literature of Denmark and the other Scandinavian countries.”