Dr. Erika Hille Rinker, assistant professor of German, is one of the 2015 recipients of the American Association of Teachers of German/Goethe- Institut Certificate of Merit for outstanding achievement in furthering the teaching of German in schools of the United States.

According to the association, only a small number of German professionals in the U.S. receive this annual honor. They cited Rinker’s excellent student evaluations, innovative pedagogy, and aspiring research as factors in selecting her for recognition.