This ongoing roundup showcases the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and community members in the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. From awards and publications to public events and professional honors, this series highlights the many ways our CLAS community is making an impact on campus and beyond.
Have honors and achievements to share? Email the CLAS Communications Office to have your news included in an upcoming roundup.
German Studies Professor Anke Finger Delivers Keynote Address
Anke Finger, professor of literatures, cultures, and languages, delivered the keynote address at the Expressionism and Colonialism conference on Sept. 25 in London. The event was organized by the Institute of Languages, Cultures, and Societies (ILCS) in association with the Centre for Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths at the University of London.
The conference brought together scholars from 10 countries across three continents. Participants re-examined the work of German-language writers and intellectuals through the lens of colonial history. ILCS supports research in the integrated study of languages, cultures, and societies, with strengths in French and Francophone, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American/Caribbean studies.
Finger’s keynote address, titled “Augmenting the Nexus between German Expressionism and Colonialism,” was supported by the University of London’s Coffin Trust.
Communication Assistant Professor Elizabeth Hintz Named 2025 Early Career Scholar
Elizabeth Hintz, assistant professor of communication, has received the 2025 Early Career Scholar Award from the Health Communication division of the National Communication Association (NCA).
This recognition celebrates Hintz’s contributions to health communication research and her dedication to advancing the field. Award winners will be recognized at the 111th Annual NCA Convention in November.
The NCA is a membership-based scholarly society dedicated to advancing communication scholarship, teaching, and practice to foster a better world and transform lives through communication.
This is Hintz’s most recent early career honor. In 2023, she received awards from both the Interpersonal Communication and Family Communication divisions of the NCA. By earning all three awards, Hintz has achieved a rare distinction in her field.
Charles R. Venator-Santiago Appointed to Connecticut Advisory Board
Charles R. Venator-Santiago, associate professor of political science and director of El Instituto and UConn’s Puerto Rican Studies Initiative, has been appointed to the Connecticut Commission on Women, Seniors, Children, Equity, and Opportunity Advisory Board. Venator-Santiago’s term will run through June 2027.
The commission is a nonpartisan agency within the state legislature that works to address issues affecting underrepresented populations, including women, children and their families, seniors, and African American, Asian Pacific-American, Latino, and Puerto Rican communities. The agency informs and engages policymakers on citizen needs and aims to improve economic development, education, health, and overall well-being in Connecticut.
The commission also serves both the legislature and residents by promoting best practices in public policy by working toward a more equitable and accessible Connecticut for future generations.
In addition to his new role, Venator-Santiago is also a state commissioner for the Connecticut Social Equity Council.
