The University Record, August 19, 1998
Obituaries
Glenn M. Knudsvig
Glenn M. Knudsvig of the Department of Classical Studies died as a result of an accident in Marathon, Fla., on July 24. He was 54.
Knudsvig, a teacher of teachers, held himself to the highest professional and personal standards and inspired others to do the same. Glenn Knudsvig was passionate about the facilitation of learning. He was sought out by students, teachers, colleagues and executives because of his compassion, willingness to listen and non-judgmental nature. He was an advocate, mentor and coach for all who were in search of bettering themselves.
Glenn understood the struggles and challenges people face and was a tremendous resource for helping them overcome personal and professional hurdles. His efforts on the behalf of family members and others were tireless and undaunting. To say that he will be missed is an understatement; his significant influence on the lives of countless persons will endure.
Knudsvig joined the the Department of Classical Studies in 1963, and served both the department and the University in many capacities during his 35-year tenure. For many of these years he was associated with the Business School as workshop director for the Executive Education Program.
He received his bachelor’s degree in classical studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., in 1962. He attended graduate school at the U-M where he completed M.A. degrees in classical studies and in behavioral science. He received his Ph.D. in 1974. During this time, in addition to his appointment in classical studies, he was head of language instruction at University High School and a member of the faculty of the School of Education in the teacher training division. Other academic appointments included director of the Reading and Learning Skills Center and interim director of the English Composition Board. In 1977, he received the Distinguished Achievement Award. He received the LS&A Excellence in Education Award in 1991 and 1994. He authored numerous college textbooks with Gerda Seligson, professor emerita of the Department of Classical Studies. His most recent book is Critical Thinking: Building the Basics.
Knudsvig directed the Elementary Latin Program from 1977 until his death. Under his guidance, the program, one of the largest Latin programs in the country, developed into a model for the teaching of Latin nationwide.
His professional affiliations included membership in the American Classical League,which he served as president in 1994-98; the American Philological Association; and the American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
He served on the advisory boards of many national and international associations concerned with education, including The College Board Examination and the National Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India. He was a founder and partner in the Performance Management Group.
Knudsvig was born Dec. 11, 1940, and raised in Buxton, N.D. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, an Ann Arbor potter, and their two children, Matthew and AnnaLisa, both of Ann Arbor. Other survivors include his brother, Ardell, and sister-in-law, Sandy Knudsvig, of Crookston, Minn., and several nephews and nieces and their families.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 30 at Zion Lutheran Church. A University memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Pendelton Room, Michigan Union.
Memorial contributions may be made in Knudsvig’s name at the Lutheran Campus Ministry, 801 S. Forest Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Submitted by the Department of Classical Studies
