Friends of French Studies Past Events
2022
April 12, 2022
In the fall of 2018, the state of Louisiana was accepted as a member of the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, which is comprised of Francophone and Francophile countries and governments from
all over the world. Membership allows for increased funding for Louisiana’s French
immersion programs and improves access to and cooperation with the French-speaking
economies of the 84 member countries, provinces, and governments which promote the
use of French and celebrate their ties to the language.
On April 12 the state of Louisiana and CODOFIL hosted a reception for the Secretaire-Generale d’OIF, Louise Mushikawabo, at the Welcome Center at Capitol Park. Friends of French members were invited,
and many attended.
March 25, 2022
The celebration of Le Mois de la Francophonie continued with a French Wine Walkabout in which we partnered with Martin’s Wine and
Spirits.
March 21, 2022
Members of Friends of French Studies participated with the Cajun French Music Association
in a Cajun Music Jam at West Baton Rouge Museum in celebration of Le Mois de la Francophonie.
February 3, 2022
For the second year, as new Covid 19 cases surged, the Annual Meeting was held via Zoom with Board President Susan Rolfs presiding. New officers and directors
were elected, and attendees welcomed the new Consule Generale de la Nouvelle Orleans, Nathalie Beras, and members of her staff.
2021
July 14, 2021
Friends of French Studies hosted a Bastille Day Celebration at the City Club of Baton Rouge. Along with a tasty selection of hors d’oeuvres,
members and guests were treated to the lively music of James Linden Hogg, who played
the violin in period costume.
February 11, 2021
Due to the Covid 19 global pandemic, the Annual Meeting was held via Zoom. Board President Susan Rolfs led the meeting in which new officers
and directors were elected. Catherine Hudson and Thefenne from Tout Va Bien Boulangerie made a presentation about their bread-making process.
February 3, 2021
Members of Friends of French Studies were guests of the Department of French Studies
and The Center for French and Francophone Studies in an online event honoring their
former colleague Edouard Glissant on the tenth anniversary of his death. The event included readings of his texts in
French and in English.
2020
November 8, 2020
A virtual Fête Champêtre was held via Zoom. LSU Instructor Erin Segura gave a talk on the LSU Louisiana French
Program and the department's Oral Histories Project. Commemorative Tote Bags and Stemless
Wine Glasses were distributed before the event to enjoy during picnics at home.
September 30, 2020
Dr. Alexandre Leupin, Professor Emeritus of French Studies at LSU, presented an engaging online lecture
to members and friends entitled Reading (Medieval) Literature.
August 17, 2020
A virtual Wine Tasting was held via Zoom. Participants learned about rosé wines and were given a list of
selected wines to try at home.
July 14, 2020
Members observed Bastille Day by attending the Department of French Studies Award Ceremony recognizing the hard work and achievements of award recipients. This event was held
online via Zoom.
January 30, 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country Club
The Baton Rouge Country Club was once again the scene of the Annual Meeting and Dinner. Board President Michael Vincent presided over the meeting and 2020 Officers and Directors were elected. Richard and Seola Arnaud Edwards, Jacqueline Labat (posthumously), and Jean and Mary-Louise Mercier were named as the first inductees into La Société Louis Curet. Leanne Clement and Dennis Jesse from Opera Louisiane performed songs from The Tales of Hoffman.
2019
December 9, 2019 - La Happy Hour Française avec Dr. Olivier Moréteau
Friends of French Studies members and friends met at the French House for Translating the Civil Code presented by Professor Olivier Moréteau. Dr. Moréteau’s translation represents the first time since 1825 that the current Louisiana Civil Code is available in both English and in French. Complimentary wine and light refreshments were served.
November 3, 2019 - Fête Champêtre at Magnolia Mound
Magnolia Mound was the scene of the 2019 Fête Champêtre. Music was provided by CP and Ses Amis and guests were treated to complimentary tours.
Fall 2019 - Glory & Gratitude Exhibit Opening
with Lecture by Consul Général of Belgium William DE BAETS
August 18, 2019
A Bastille Day Brunch (postponed due to a July storm) took place at Kalurah Street Grill. The brunch was
preceded by a mass in French led by Father Jason Vidrine. Father Vidrine also shared
stories of his experiences in France while researching his family roots.
April 30, 2019
Professor Jack Yeager of the LSU Department of French Studies, specialist in Francophone Literature, presented
his recent translation and scholarly edition of Kim Lefèvre’s White Métisse, a moving memoir of childhood in Vietnam. Light refreshments were served at his
event held at Juban’s Creole Restaurant.
March 28, 2019
A reception was held at the LSU School of Art Alfred C. Glassel Gallery to launch
Dr. Alexandre Leupin’s book, Edouard Glissant, Philosophe.
February 7, 2019
The Annual Meeting and Dinner was held at the Baton Rouge Country Club with FFS President
Michael Vincent presiding. The creation of La Société Louis Curet was announced, and new board officers and directors were elected.
2018
November 11, 2018
Our annual Fête Champêtre was held at the French House and was followed by a special presentation under the
oaks commemorating the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
January 24, 2018
The 2018 Annual Meeting and Dinner was held at The Club at Union Square on January
24, from 7:30-10:00 pm. It was preceded by a Cocktail and ceremony where the Consul
Général de France in New Orleans Vincent Sciama awarded the badge of l’Ordre des Palmes
Académiques to Chair of the French Department and outgoing President of the Friends
of French Studies, Adelaide Russo.
2017
November 12, 2017
The 2017 Fête Champêtre was held on the patio and grounds of the West Baton Rouge Museum from 12:30-3:00
pm.
February 9, 2017
This year’s Annual Meeting and Dinner Atook place at the The Club at Union Square on campus with Board President Adelaide
Russo presiding. New officers and directors were installed, and Consul General Gregor
Tumel awarded les Palmes Academiques to Professor Alexandre Leupin, Dean Alcibiades
Tsolakis, and Professor Olivier Moréteau.
2016
November 3, 2016
Friends of French Studies and L’Assemblée Française held the annual Fête Champêtre under the oaks at Antonia Plantation on River Road in Port Allen.
August 2, 2016
Friends of French Studies and L’Assemblée Française hosted a Bienvenue Fête at Galatoire’s to welcome Pierre de Pontalba. It had been 50 years since a Pontalba
was in Louisiana.
April 17, 2016
Friends of French Studies at LSU and the Center of French and Francophone Studies
hosted an Interpretative Reading by author Fabienne Kanor
February 3, 2016
Our Annual Meeting and Dinner took place at the Baton Rouge Country Club. Board 1st Vice-President Adelaide Russo
presided as new officers and directors for the year were elected.
2015
October 11, 2015
Friends of French Studies at LSU and L’Assemblée Française jointly hosted our annual
Fête Champêtre at the home of David and Connie Norwood in St. Francisville on Sunday October 11,
2015 from 1 to 4 pm.
January, 2015
The Annual Meeting and Dinner was held at Baton Rouge Country Club. Board President Neil Ann Parks led the meeting
in which new officers and directors were elected.
"The Paris of My Dreams"
Guest Speaker: Dr. J. Gerald Kennedy, Boyd Professor of English at LSU
2014
October 12, 2014
Friends of French Studies celebrated the annual Fête Champêtre at Lejeune House in New Roads, LA. Friends joined as we celebrated the beautiful
Louisiana fall weather on the grounds of the unique Creole house, listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and enjoyed the shade of the Samson Oak, a 300-year-old
registered live oak.
