Luisa-Elena Delgado, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, is one of five University of Illinois professors at the Urbana-Champaign campus that have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. They were honored on Sept. 13 at a ceremony held at the iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign.

Professor Delgado is an internationally recognized specialist in modern and contemporary Spanish cultures, with an emphasis on the relationship between literature, aesthetics and ideology. Her work on Spanish nationalism and cultural politics has had a major impact on current public debates on the role of consensus and dissent in the democratic public sphere, particularly in diverse, multi-lingual societies.

The other four professors so honored include Alison M. Bell, a professor of animal biology; Brian L. DeMarco, a professor of physics; Lynford L. Goddard, a professor of electrical and computer engineering; and Kelly S. Swanson, a professor of animal sciences.

Begun in 1985, the scholars program recognizes faculty excellence on the three University of Illinois campuses and provides $15,000 to each scholar for each of three years to enhance his or her academic career. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books or other purposes.

“Exceptional faculty are at the very core of the University of Illinois’ standing as a global leader in education and innovation,” said Barbara Wilson, the executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the U. of I. System.  “The University Scholars program honors the best of the best, and showcases the leading-edge scholarship and teaching that help transform students’ lives and drive progress for our state and nation.”