Noteworthy: Votruba, head of the Slovak studies program at the University of Pittsburgh, received the Milan Hodža Award, an honor bestowed by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The prime minister recognized Votruba for advancing the knowledge of Slovak history and culture, according to the award citation. He gives the award to two people each year. The award is named for a Czechoslovakian prime minister who was exiled during the country’s Nazi occupation.

Age: 67

Residence: Shadyside

Background: Votruba has taught at Pitt for 25 years. He is widely regarded as the nation’s top scholar on Slovak culture and frequently lectures at the Department of State in Washington on Slovak topics. Pitt is the only university in the United States to offer a Slovak studies minor.

Education: Master’s degree and Ph.D. from Comenius University in Slovakia; post-graduate studies, University of Edinburgh in Scotland

Quote: “I’m certainly happy that the university is recognized for having a Slovak program and maintaining something that is so unique in the United States. It’s gratifying (personally), but I especially hope it alerts students to the program and we’re able to maintain the honor that we’ve had so far.”

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