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. 

 

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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.

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Lady at buffetCouple standing with wineCouple sitting with foodCouple eating food

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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

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Musicians and stairs

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.

January 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country Club

January 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country ClubJanuary 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country Club

January 2020 - Annual Dinner and Meeting at Baton Rouge Country Club

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. 

La Happy Hour Française Presentation SpeakerLa Happy Hour Française Presentation Speaker

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.

"Magnolia Mound" - John DesmondFete Champetre 2019Fete Champetre 2019Fete Champetre 2019

Fete Champetre 2019

Fall 2019 - Glory & Gratitude Exhibit Opening
with Lecture by Consul Général of Belgium William DE BAETS

"The Department of French Students at Louisiana State University Invites you to "Lecture by William DE BAETS - Consul General of Belgium" - "Belgium in World War 1: A story of Suffering, Solidarity, and Gratitude"
Glory & Gratitude Exhibit Opening - with Lecture by Consul Général of Belgium William DE BAETS
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.

 Ceremony

 

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. 

Group 2017

 

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.

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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

 

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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.

The house of the Norwoods

 

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

 

 

gerrald kennedy

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.

Group insideChairs outsideGrass and treesOutside shot of tent

Outside tablePeople inside with booksPeople by large treeTables set up outside

People outsideFlowerHouse and grounds