French official knights four professors

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. "Five years ago there was only one crisis, and that was Israel and Palestine. Now there are four crises in the Middle East: Israel-Palestine, Israel-Lebanon, Iraq and Iran," Levitte said.

Levitte discussed each "crisis" and France's position on the conflicts. He also explained that while France was against the Iraq war, they support the new government of Iraq. "France was against war in Iraq; we said it loud and clear. But we are supportive of the government of Iraq now," Levitte said. Levitte also talked about working with former U.S. Representative to the United Nations John Negroponte in negotiating Resolution 1441, and how Iraq had no weapons program. "I think it showed that from time to time the U.N. can be efficient," Levitte said. Lebovics said the visit to the University showed that France wants to maintain its connection with Louisiana. "It's important to maintain the connection because it never ceased to exist, as the reaction of French people to Hurricane Katrina proved," Lebovics said. Lebovics also said the ambassador was committed to helping the state recover. "The ambassador has expressed continuously in his four visits in the past year his interest in aid programs for Louisiana," Lebovics said. Levitte said the discussion was important because it let American students hear a French side of foreign policy. "France and U.S. are allies, and at the same time, we don't always have the same views. It is important despite this to maintain dialogue," Levitte said. Levitte said France and the United States are like brothers. "It is like in all families - you don't always expect to agree, but you are still brothers," he said. Officials and students in the French program said it was special to have the ambassador come and speak to them. "We are very honored; it's the second time he's been here, and we are thrilled, naturally, to have any relationship with the ambassador," said Todd Jacob, assistant director of French Studies. Students said they were impressed by Levitte. "He had a complete knowledge of every topic involving French foreign policy, and it's a huge thing to have outside ideas other than our professors," said Logan Connors, graduate student in French. Levitte said he agreed to discuss French foreign policy because the University is important to him and to France. "LSU has a very special link to France, and it's very important to maintain that link," Levitte said.

----- Contact Ryan Duncan at rduncan@lsureveille.com