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by Nick Henriksen
Dennis Pollard, a beloved member of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, bid farewell to his teaching career at the end of Winter 2023. RLL hosted a retirement celebration for Dennis on April 20, 2023, in the MLB Commons.
Dennis's journey at Michigan began in 1975 when he arrived as a graduate student in RLL. His passion for colonial Latin America inspired him to complete his dissertation in 1986 focused on El cautiverio feliz, authored by Francisco Núñez de Pineda y Bascuñán. Following the completion of his PhD, Dennis took on the role of Visiting Professor at nearby Albion College from 1987 to 1988, after which he joined Michigan’s faculty through administrative positions overseeing Spanish 275 (Grammar and Composition), Spanish 276 (Spanish Reading and Composition), and the current Spanish 277 (Spanish Grammar and Composition). During his tenure in RLL, Dennis also developed a conversation course intended to simulate a year abroad for students who were not able to partake in the international component of their Spanish degrees. Dennis also coordinated Spanish 320 (Introduction to the Study of Literature), which covered topics related to poetry, theater, prose, and fiction.
Dennis’s signature undergraduate course, Spanish 289 (Introduction to Translation), engages Spanish majors and minors with intricate grammar points through the craft of translation. As the primary instructor of Spanish 289 during the past decade, Dennis worked tirelessly to help students grasp the nuanced morpho-syntactic differences between Spanish and English. Students also have the opportunity to work with an online app that aids them in subtitling videos.
Outside of RLL, Dennis played a pivotal role as a founding member of LEO, which is the Lecturers’ Employment Organization at Michigan. His efforts resulted in 90% of RLL’s Lecturers joining LEO in 2001, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
Among Dennis's fondest memories at Michigan is the in-class retirement celebration held by his students of Spanish 289 on April 17, 2023. Students signed a card for him and treated Dennis to a delightful surprise of Mexican sweet bread. Dennis was also fortunate to be joined by his daughter and grandson during his last day of teaching at Michigan.
Reflecting on his career, Dennis offers valuable advice to his colleagues: find a way to perform your job that brings you happiness while serving your students. The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures expresses deep gratitude to Dennis Pollard for his unwavering dedication, hard work, and remarkable contributions to our Spanish major and minor. Although Dennis will be greatly missed, his legacy will endure through the countless lives he has influenced throughout his career.
Dennis Pollard, a beloved member of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, bid farewell to his teaching career at the end of Winter 2023. RLL hosted a retirement celebration for Dennis on April 20, 2023, in the MLB Commons.
Dennis's journey at Michigan began in 1975 when he arrived as a graduate student in RLL. His passion for colonial Latin America inspired him to complete his dissertation in 1986 focused on El cautiverio feliz, authored by Francisco Núñez de Pineda y Bascuñán. Following the completion of his PhD, Dennis took on the role of Visiting Professor at nearby Albion College from 1987 to 1988, after which he joined Michigan’s faculty through administrative positions overseeing Spanish 275 (Grammar and Composition), Spanish 276 (Spanish Reading and Composition), and the current Spanish 277 (Spanish Grammar and Composition). During his tenure in RLL, Dennis also developed a conversation course intended to simulate a year abroad for students who were not able to partake in the international component of their Spanish degrees. Dennis also coordinated Spanish 320 (Introduction to the Study of Literature), which covered topics related to poetry, theater, prose, and fiction.
Dennis’s signature undergraduate course, Spanish 289 (Introduction to Translation), engages Spanish majors and minors with intricate grammar points through the craft of translation. As the primary instructor of Spanish 289 during the past decade, Dennis worked tirelessly to help students grasp the nuanced morpho-syntactic differences between Spanish and English. Students also have the opportunity to work with an online app that aids them in subtitling videos.
Outside of RLL, Dennis played a pivotal role as a founding member of LEO, which is the Lecturers’ Employment Organization at Michigan. His efforts resulted in 90% of RLL’s Lecturers joining LEO in 2001, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
Among Dennis's fondest memories at Michigan is the in-class retirement celebration held by his students of Spanish 289 on April 17, 2023. Students signed a card for him and treated Dennis to a delightful surprise of Mexican sweet bread. Dennis was also fortunate to be joined by his daughter and grandson during his last day of teaching at Michigan.
Reflecting on his career, Dennis offers valuable advice to his colleagues: find a way to perform your job that brings you happiness while serving your students. The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures expresses deep gratitude to Dennis Pollard for his unwavering dedication, hard work, and remarkable contributions to our Spanish major and minor. Although Dennis will be greatly missed, his legacy will endure through the countless lives he has influenced throughout his career.
Every single gift matters in RLL. Your generosity allows RLL students to experience the world.
From funding to support international programs to events with leading scholars from around the world, RLL continues to create opportunities for students to explore the world around them and to prepare for their future as global citizens.
With your help, we can continue to open doors and minds. Learn how your gift can make a difference.
Every single gift matters in RLL. Your generosity allows RLL students to experience the world.
From funding to support international programs to events with leading scholars from around the world, RLL continues to create opportunities for students to explore the world around them and to prepare for their future as global citizens.
With your help, we can continue to open doors and minds. Learn how your gift can make a difference.
