FORT WAYNE, Ind.—University of Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey has been honored by the Independent Press Award for his new biography of entertainer Lawrence Welk.
Richey’s book, “Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century,” published by NDSU Press, was named as the winner of the Biography: Historical category by the Independent Press Award, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers and illustrators. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Award winners are based on overall excellence.
Richey’s three-volume book is the authoritative biography of Welk, a bandleader and television host who had an unprecedented run on network, syndicated and public television.
“I am honored to receive this award, and I hope it draws even more attention to the life and legacy of Lawrence Welk and his place in the story of North Dakota and our nation as a whole,” Richey said.
From his childhood in a small, German-speaking immigrant community on the North Dakota plains to one of the richest and most recognizable entertainers of his generation, Lawrence Welk’s story is a microcosm of the national experience during the American Century.
Richey said: “The son of immigrants and a self-taught accordionist who didn’t even learn English until he left home at 21, Lawrence was also a devout Catholic whose concern for quality and wholesome entertainment endeared him to millions. Over 70 years after his national television debut in 1955, that legacy continues through his reruns on public television stations across the country.”
Shirley Welk Fredricks, daughter of Lawrence, commended Richey for his book: “Dr. Lance Richey has done the impossible in this well-researched and beautifully written book,” she said. “He captured the tedium of my dad’s exhausting travel and one-nighters along with his exhilaration and fulfillment at the performances and dances that drove his career throughout our country.”
To learn more about NDSU Press, visit ndsupress.org. For more information about the award, visit independentpressaward.com.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Leadership and Business; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.