David Judisch to be awarded St. Olav's Medal

Luther College professor emeritus Dave Judisch will be awarded St. Olav's Medal in a ceremony February 4th at Luther College.

The Medal of St. Olav was founded by Norway's King Haakon VII in 1939.  The Norwegian government says the award is conferred as "a reward for services in advancing knowledge of Norway abroad and for strengthening the bonds between expatriate Norwegians and their descendants and their country of residence."

Norwegian Honorary Consul Quentin R. Boyken will visit Decorah in February to confer the medal.

The Norwegian Embassy said, "No single individual has done more to strengthen ties between the Norwegian-American male choral movement and modern Norway."  It added, "Judisch is a consummate musician and inspiring conductor and director who provides exemplary teaching, scholarship and service.  He has touched the lives of countless students, chorus members and many others both in the United States and Norway. Judisch has increased the level of activity and musical achievement of Norwegian-American male choruses over the years and at the same time has preserved and strengthened the bonds between Norwegian-Americans and Norway."