Decker to Receive the German Cross of the Order of Merit
Retired German professor Nancy Decker will receive the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the nation’s highest honor, as conferred by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
March 17, 2026
Established in 1951, the Cross of the Order of Merit recognizes individuals whose work advances the public good across a wide range of fields—from economic and scientific innovation to social and cultural impact. Recipients are honored for efforts that expand opportunity and strengthen society, including improving employment prospects and training pathways for young people, advancing entrepreneurial initiatives that drive long-term growth, and contributing to research and ideas with meaningful future potential.
The distinction also recognizes those who foster mutual understanding across cultures and religions and who strengthen Germany’s relationships abroad—reflecting a commitment not only to national progress but to global cooperation.
As the highest tribute Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation, the Cross of the Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social, or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services in the field of social, charitable, or philanthropic work.
On April 2, Decker will be honored at a special ceremony at the Citrus Club in Orlando hosted by the German Consul General.
Recent Stories
July 17, 2026
AI is Making a Case for the Liberal Arts
In her University Business op-ed, Brooke Barnett, president of Rollins College, argues that artificial intelligence has not diminished the value of a liberal arts education—in fact, it has made the need for it even more compelling.
July 13, 2026
Voicu, Vidovic, Montoya-Chang ’26 to Present Paper at Business and Economics Conference
María Montoya-Chang ’26, Martina Vidovic, and Anca Voicu of the 2023 Women in Finance cohort will present their paper on female leadership in finance at the 43rd Business and Economics Society International Conference.
July 10, 2026
Parker Appointed NACDA President
Pennie Parker, associate vice president of athletics, will serve as president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) for the 2026–27 academic year.