Dr. Aroline Seibert Hanson, associate professor of Spanish and Linguistics, received the 2019 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award, which she will put toward classroom resources for students who are learning Brunca, an endangered, indigenous language in Costa Rica.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Award helps fund post-baccalaureate, professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members. Each year, 200 recipients are selected based on their achievements, community service efforts, personal statement, and planned use of award funds. 

This summer, Dr. Seibert Hanson published research—supported by the Marie-Louise and Eugene Jackson International Fund for Student and Faculty Development—on the native people of Boruca, Costa Rica, and their use of Brunca. According to her research, community leaders and schools are attempting to revive the language, which was declared extinct in 2010. Dr. Seibert Hanson analyzed the processes and methods used to resurrect indigenous languages.

Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society available for all disciplines. The society accepts members by invitation only and inducts close to 30,000 students, faculty, alumni, and professionals each year. Dr. Seibert Hanson was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2019.