TUCSON, Arizona (March 4, 2025) – Today, the American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) joyfully announces a historic gift of $100,000 from former organization President Lynn Hoggard. This unrestricted donation is the largest single donation ALTA has ever received. At a time when the publishing and translation landscape are changing rapidly, this support is a resounding endorsement of the continued importance of the work of literary translators.

Dr. Lynn T. Hoggard is an accomplished poet, author, translator from the French, and professor emerita from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She has also been an important supporter and advocate for literary arts in Texas. Dr. Hoggard first joined ALTA in 1988, and served as President from 1998 to 2000. The National Translation Award, which is administered by ALTA, was established during her tenure as ALTA President. 

“Nothing is more important to the transmission of fine literature from around the world than excellent translators,” said Dr. Hoggard, “and ALTA is the place to find them.”

“We could not be more grateful to Dr. Hoggard for this incredible gift, which does so much to give ALTA a firm foundation in these turbulent times,” said ALTA’s Interim Executive Director, Sean Gasper Bye. “This is just one of the many ways that Lynn has contributed to our community over the years. Her support will help ALTA and its members continue bringing important voices from many languages around the globe to readers here in the United States, building understanding across cultures in an age of increasing division.”

This donation helps consolidate the strong financial position ALTA has built in recent years. Through increased grants and donations, in addition to its growing endowment, ALTA has been able to expand its awards, mentorships and online programming. Beyond programming, ALTA’s newly redesigned and relaunched website makes it easier than ever to connect with translators, the wider translation community, and global literature. Dr. Hoggard’s donation will go towards ensuring ALTA’s continued stability and growth into the future.

Photo of Dr. Lynn Hoggard
Dr. Lynn Hoggard

Lynn Hoggard is an award-winning poet, translator, and journalist. She has published dozens of poems and eight books, including three translations from the French. She won the Soeurette Diehl Fraser award for her translation of Nelida by Marie D’Agoult. She served as the President of the American Literary Translators Association and taught English, French, and Humanities at Midwestern State University, where she coordinated the Humanities Program.

The American Literary Translators Association is a nonprofit arts membership association that provides programs and professional affiliation to the literary translation community: individual translators, academic institutions, presses, and others working in literary translation. The annual ALTA conference and year-round events are structured around the creation of high-quality art. ALTA also administers awards to recognize excellence in translation and provides fellowships and mentorships to support emerging translators. 

If you would like to support ALTA, you may do so at this link.