Spanish professor earns degree

During a leave last year, Koene studied at California’s Monterey Institute of International Studies, which offers a translation and interpretation program considered among the top three in the world and the leading one in the Americas. Koene earned a Master of Arts degree in translation and interpretation, as well as professional certification in both areas.

A state-certified court interpreter, Koene is among only a handful of people who have reached this top tier of professional legal interpreters for the state of Iowa. He was Iowa’s Professor of the Year for 2004, chosen for that honor by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In 2003, he was named the recipient of Northwestern’s Teaching Excellence Award.

A member of Northwestern’s faculty since 2000, Koene advises Northwestern’s Spanish House. He has also led spring service and summer study trips to Honduras and Mexico.

Koene earned a master’s degree in history with a concentration in Latin American studies from the University of Toronto. He did his undergraduate study at Calvin College.