Michael Dennis Browne, an award-winning author, poet and librettist, will receive Wartburg College’s annual Graven Award Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The University of Iowa graduate earned critical acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his post-Holocaust oratorio, “ To Be Certain of the Dawn.” He will accept the award and deliver an address during an 11:30 a.m. ceremony in Wartburg Chapel. The public is invited.

The Graven Award is presented annually to a person “whose life is nurtured and guided by a strong sense of Christian calling and who is making a significant contribution to community, church and society.”

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the award, named for Judge Henry N. and Helen T. Graven of Greene, Iowa.

“Michael Dennis Browne is acclaimed not only for his creative work as a poet and librettist, but he also has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to igniting the imaginations of college students as they wonder about the ways in which they can use their gifts of intellect, compassion and faith for the good of the world,” said the Rev. Ramona Bouzard, dean of the chapel and Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair. 

Browne, born in England, taught at the University of Minnesota for 39 years. He received three awards for teaching and was a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Professor in Teaching. His most recent publications include “Give Her the River,” a picture book with paintings by Wendell Minor; “Things I Can’t Tell You,” a poetry book; and “What the Poem Wants,” essays on poetry.

His honors include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bush Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and the McKnight Foundation. Some of his best-known works as a librettist include “The Road Home,” “Pilgrim’s Hymn,” and “Hymn for America,” all collaborations with composer Stephen Paulus.

Browne and his wife, Lisa McLean, have three children — Peter, Mary and Nellie.

Several past recipients of the award will be on campus to celebrate the milestone anniversary. Dr. Stanley Graven, a Wartburg graduate, and Lloyd Graven will represent the Graven family at the award ceremony.  They are the sons of Henry and Helen Graven.

College organist Dr. Karen Black and The Wartburg Choir will perform.