June 11, 2014 was a special day for David John: in the morning convocation ceremony he was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus, and that evening he was presented with the German Order of Merit by Germany's Consul General, Walter Stechel.
David John spent 38 years as a professor at the University of Waterloo. He earned his doctorate from the University of Toronto and also held a Visiting Associate Professor appointment at McGill University. As a scholar of 18th-century German literature, his most profound contributions have been his research into Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s literary works and intercultural stage adaptations. He has served as department chair, as associate dean, and as acting dean of the Faculty of Arts. He was the recipient of the Boeschenstein Medal, the highest honour of the Canadian Association of University Teachers of German, and he was named honorary founding director of the Waterloo Centre for German Studies at the University of Waterloo for his efforts in establishing that centre.
Professor John was awarded Germany’s top honour for his work in promoting German language and culture throughout his career as a professor at the University of Waterloo, including establishing the Waterloo Centre for German Studies.
Congratulations David!