Three University faculty members were inducted into the French Republic’s Ordre des Palmes Académiques, or the Order of the French Academic Palms, which recognizes foreigners and French individuals living abroad for their promotion of French culture and education.
LSU College of Art and Design Dean Alkis P. Tsolakis and the Center of Civil Law Director and Assistant Dean Olivier Moréteau were both given the grade of Officier, the second highest grade available. Center for French and Francophone Studies Director and Phyllis M. Taylor Professor in French Studies Alexandre Leupinwas bestowed the grade of Chevalier, or knight, which is the third highest grade.
“It’s acknowledging the international profile of the faculty who received this honor,” Moreteau said. “It shows that people at LSU have these international relations and are doing work that is visible and worth being acknowledged outside.”
Moreteau said he has promoted French education and culture in many ways such as teaching French language and French legal culture. One project Moreteau has been working on is bringing in a team of French students who study law in three languages to translate the Louisiana Civil Code into French.
“During my whole academic career, 22 years in Lyon and soon 12 at LSU, I have worked at developing legal and cultural exchanges, promoting student and staff mobility, making foreign cultures accessible to the French and French culture to students and folks outside France, particularly in Louisiana,” Moreteau said in a news release.
At the Friends of French Studies annual University meeting and dinner on Feb. 9, Tsolakis said in his acceptance speech that the honor he received was not just for him but for the LSU College of Art and Design as well.
“This honor belongs to the College of Art and Design. It is in recognition of our work to preserve the cultural legacy of Louisiana and to preserve and enhance the traditional ties to France,” Tsolakis said. “The Consulate of France in New Orleans has been an invaluable supporter and ally in these efforts.”
Tsolakis said he has promoted French education and culture by working with French professors. Starting a new exchange program with a French university and hired an exchange professor from France. Tsolakis said the College of Art and Design has worked to bring in French lecturers as well.
The Consul Général de France Monsieur Grégor Trumel was also at the event and bestowed the awards to the three recipients. To receive the award, the recipient must be recommended by the Minister of Education in France. The French Prime Minister gives the award twice annually to 40 people total.
The Order of the French Academic Palms was started in 1808 by Napoleon in an effort to honor French educators. It is the oldest, non-military French award. At first the award was given to those who were prestigious members of the University community, but now recognizes educators for their contributions throughout their careers.