A Troy University professor and his wife have received a lifetime achievement award in classical languages.

Dr. Peter Howard, chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures and professor of classics, and Ephy Howard were co-recipients of the Latin citation by the Classical Association of the Middle West and South for their lifetime contributions nationwide to the study of Latin and Greek.

The award, called “The Ovatio,” is normally presented as a surprise at the organization’s annual meeting. This year it was presented during a nationally attended virtual meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Nonetheless, Dr. Howard said it came as a complete surprise to both he and his wife.

Dr. Howard has taught Latin, Greek, classical civilization, German and English at the University, and has worked for more than 30 years with the College Board’s AP Latin Exam, in addition to his service as president of the American Classical League.

Mrs. Howard, who retired in 2010 after teaching Latin for 25 years at Charles Henderson High School, has continued her teaching of Latin through ACCESS. She has worked closely with the North American Cambridge Classics Projects and has chaired the National Latin Exam’s scholarship committee for the past 20 years.

The Howards reside in Troy with their daughter, Caroline.