Carleton University’s Department of French hosted an event on March 25 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of French Studies and more than 1,500 graduates over the years.
Pascal Gin, associate professor and chair of the department, thanked about 70 faculty members, staff and alumni spanning no fewer than six decades. The department is as old as the university itself, which is celebrating its birthday this year with a wide variety of events.
Gin stressed in opening remarks how far French Studies had come since “French 1,” one of the first Carleton courses in 1942-‘43. The department has greatly expanded the reach of programs and courses in French language, French literary studies and French linguistics.
The Ontario Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, Madame Marie-France Lalonde, honoured the department with her presence. In her address, Lalonde stressed the important contribution academic programs in French Studies make to the francophone fabric of the province.
Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte, a distinguished French literary scholar and award-winning poet, is herself a teaching member of one of Carleton’s oldest departments.
“Our most important accomplishments have names, and they are those of our past students,” she said in French. She emphasized how important French linguistic and cultural bilingualism is, both in an increasingly international and collaborative context, and to foster a sense of our country.
Gin focused on the vital role played by the department in the field of Québec literary studies. Among others, Patricia Smart, Distinguished Research Professor and Chancellor’s Professor Emerita, was warmly celebrated for her outstanding career-long contributions in this area.
Gin further underlined the department’s focus and efforts on increasingly situating French Studies in a globally diverse francophone context. He had special words of gratitude for retired professor Michel Gaulin, who celebrates 50 years of service to the Carleton community.
Gin cited his commitment to demanding administrative functions, along with those of many faculty members within the department, as vital to the university.
The department’s 75th anniversary was also an opportunity to celebrate the academic excellence of students.
Bernardo Rutschi, first secretary at the Swiss Embassy, awarded the Prix de l’Ambassade de Suisse to BA student Grace Yeung for her outstanding academic results.
Antoine Rauzy, the university cooperation attaché at the French Embassy, was equally eager to award the Prix de l’Ambassade de France to BA students Christopher Kokot and Jeanette Schramm.
Current MA student Francesseca Lelong received both the Eldon Kaye Memorial Scholarship in French Literature and one of two graduate Travel Bursaries for French Studies (endowed by President Runte).
The Odette Condemine Graduate Scholarship in French Canadian Literature was awarded to MA student Serge Ekomo. The ceremony wrapped up with the awarding of the departmental travel bursary to BA student Jeanette Schramm.
Gin concluded the evening by stressing how, 75 years later, the Department of French is still as active as ever and an easy place to find and call home on campus for alumni, colleagues and retired staff.
Monday, April 3, 2017 in Feature Stories
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