Daily Reveille

Issue date: 11/29/06 Section: News

Knighting often draws images of swords and men in shining armor. But when four professors were knighted Tuesday they were dressed in modern clothes and no swords were involved.

Jean-David Levitte, the French ambassador to the United States, knighted four professors in the French House.

Three University professors and one professor from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette received the honor of "Chevalier" from the ambassador and Pierre Lebovics, consul general of the French Consulate in New Orleans.

Denise Egea-Kuehne, professor of curriculum and instruction, received the Officiere des Palmes Academiques. The rank of officer
was given for her devotion and accomplishment in teaching and research.

Sylvie Dubois, Department of French Studies chair, received the Chevalier des Palmes Academiques. Chevalier is the highest rank in the Ordre de Palmes Academiques, which was founded 200 years ago by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Barry Jean Ancelet, professor of modern languages at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and Alexandre Leupin, French studies professor, both received the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Chevalier is the first rank in the Ordre des Artes et des Lettres, which was established to honor people who have contributed
significantly to the furthering of the arts in France and the world.

The newly knighted said they were honored to be recognized for their work.

"To me, it was a distinction that crowned a life-long passion for French art and literature," Leupin said.

Dubois, who is originally from Quebec, said the honor meant a lot to her because she had to fight for the French language in Quebec and Canada.

"As a Quebecois, I know what it means to fight for the French language, and it shows that the French language in North America can be an object of study and not just a tool," Dubois said.

Levitte said it was an honor to recognize the professors.

"For us it is a very moving moment to be here in the maison in Baton Rouge, in Louisiana, and to have the great privilige to pay tribute to four very dedicated professors who have dedicated their lives for French language, French literature, French arts and French philosophy," Levitte said.

The ceremony was conducted in French, and the ambassador and the consul general awarded each of the recipients a medal to signify their knighthood.

Before the ceremony, Ambassador Levitte spoke about French foreign policy and the Middle East to a group of about 100 students and professors.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools