Alumni

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Studying French at KU has helped me insurmountably, as I would not be in the position, I am in without having pursued a degree in French while at KU. I am not only able to effectively communicate with our colleagues and partners in French and francophone territories but am able to develop complex international customer strategy used to assist our French speaking passengers. I gained an incredible amount of cultural knowledge that has aided me in understanding mentality and culture of our French speaking passengers and meet their expectations from a customer strategy standpoint.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

My biggest piece of advice is to lean into the language and culture outside the classroom in addition to your daily activities! This will help you gain better fluency, meet other French speakers, and help you gain a better understanding of the culture, terminology, food, slag, etc. You can do this by studying abroad, joining French club, French table, and many more! The more you speak French the more you are going to learn, and the easier the language will come to you!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I came at KU in 2015 to study and teach for an exchange program between my host University in Besançon, France, and KU. I originally planned to stay one year, and come back home after. I liked the program and teaching so much that I decided to finish the Master’s degree at KU. I also met my husband that year, which made my decision to stay even easier.

Studying French at KU is the personal and professional experience that shaped me. I learned so much about my native language through teaching, about teaching in general, about literature, different cultures, history, but also about myself. I learned that I am organized, dedicated, passionate, perfectionist, self-reliant, and that I work well under pressure.

During my last year at KU, I went through personal hardships, and then I learned that sometimes you cannot succeed without the help of others. The French and Italian department was understanding and supportive during that time. I am grateful to have worked and studied with such amazing people.

The program helped me to be more self-confident, and I credit my experience at KU to have tremendously helped me to find a job right after I graduated. I now work as a translator, proofreader and editor for an international company in Poland. I went on to discover another country, and I am sure my degree will allow me to continue to do so.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Have fun with the language! Try, fail, learn from it, and repeat. No one speaks perfectly, even natives, and from experience you will learn more from your mistakes than from trying to come up with the perfect sentence every time.

Try to spend as much time as you can with natives, practice in your spare time with medias you enjoy (I am sure your professors will have great recommendations), and take advantage of all the clubs and activities the department has to offer.

And if you have the opportunity, go study abroad. You will learn the language faster, and you will learn a lot about yourself and others.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

100% beneficial. My time learning french and studying abroad had a huge impact personally and professionally for myself.

Professionally, having a foreign university on your resume is a huge boost. It is often a topic of discussion during interviews, but more importantly, it is the cultural awareness that I was exposed to that has been the most beneficial. While abroad, I learned not only about french culture but the cultures of the students from around the world that also were studying at UCO. This vast learning experience allowed me to expand my cultural awareness which has been endlessly useful as a product designer. These experiences help provide a solid foundation for one to continue their learning long after college has ended.

Personally, the people I met in my program are some of the best. To this day we have a group chat that we use to stay in contact with one another. As the years pass, some people have left the group as our lives have become busier and busier but it is always a nice feeling when I see a notification in the group thread. We were a group of kids from all of the world that just happened to have met in Angers, France.

Today, some of us are back in our 'homes', some of us have moved to new ones, some are still in Angers.

I learned far more than what a textbook can teach while studying in Angers and I hope that every student that wishes to study abroad has the same opportunity.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

First, if you don't have plans to do so yet, STUDY ABROAD! This type of learning is the best in any language. I know that is a privilege to be able to study abroad, and I, like most students, was only able to do so because of the scholarships from the department. Apply to anything and everything that will help make this goal a reality.

Second, get involved! There are numerous opportunities in Lawrence and Kansas City for social clubs to meet other enthusiasts and further your learning of the language. These are also great opportunities to learn about additional scholarships that are available.

Third, don't give up. Learning a language is HARD! For some people, it comes easily to and to others, there are long nights of studying involved. I fell in the second group but I was delighted when everything started to come together while I was in Angers. Was I perfect and fluent? Absolutely not, but my skills improved to where I was able to hold a conversation with a native french speaker.

Fourth, use the free tutors! Even if you fall in group one and learning a language comes naturally to you, having the time to practice a little bit more never hurts, plus the other students in your tutor group will also benefit. I credit a lot of my learning to these tutors, especially Genevieve Riley, another KU Alumnus who truly was dedicated to helping others share in her passion for the French language. Genevieve also studied abroad in France before becoming a tutor and was an excellent resource as I prepared for my studies abroad.

Fifth, appreciate the culture. While the language itself makes up a large part of the culture and truly is so important to it, don't forget to try other parts too. The food, art, clothing, and values are just a few other factions that help make the culture so great. If you have the opportunity to ever go to France, explore it! Sure those guided tours are fun to do sometimes but don't be afraid to go out on your own and just walk the streets and make some unique finds. I found quite a few hidden gems by taking some time to just appreciate everything that surrounded me while in France.

After two semesters learning from encouraging professors, I spent a summer in Florence Italy studying at the Accademia di Giglio. It was shocking how difficult even the smallest social interactions became when the native language was not English; however, I was empowered in finding that I was able  navigate every circumstance that came my way. By the end of the first week, I was sitting down for dinner with my host family and having full conversations in Italian. Traveling to Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on the weekends was great, but this program enabled me to do more than visit these places. I learned to cook authentic Italian meals from my host mom who did not speak English, and I had conversations with many people who would not have been able to speak with me otherwise. It really was the experience of a lifetime, and I highly encourage anyone considering these programs to give them a try.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Absolutely! During my junior year at KU, I was able to study abroad in Angers which has been one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had. Not only was I fully immersed in a foreign culture, but it changed the way I view the world. Professionally, my first job out of college was an auto claims adjuster for an insurance company. Adding a business minor to my major has made it easier to transition between careers.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

You may end up in a profession where you don't use the hard skills you've learned (reading, writing, and speaking French), but do not underestimate the soft skills you are also developing as you work toward the completion of your degree. You can always learn the technical skills you need to do the job, but active listening, interpersonal communication, resilience, and life experiences - those skills are universal and what makes you marketable. Your growth and learning will not end when you graduate - always be curious.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Yes. Receiving a Liberal Arts education provided me with an expansive, multi-faceted worldview. Studying language and literature greatly enhanced my written and verbal communications, a skill that is comparably rare, valuable, and marketable across all professions. The creative elements of my degrees have translated into my ability to creatively problem-solve ways to reduce barriers to access and to meet folks' needs. Most of all, reading a variety of authors in a variety of languages and time periods afforded me the unique experience of being placed directly into the mind of narrators with different life experiences than myself, which has greatly increased my empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness about the human condition. 

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Read as much as you can, travel as much as you can afford, seek out new perspectives and experiences, and keep an open, mutable mind. 

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

French has opened so many doors for me professionally and personally. Following obtaining an MA in French at KU, I entered a Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Michigan where I focused on global health, health behavior, and health policy. In the field of global health, French is in high demand as there is a lot of global health and international development work in Francophone Africa. While looking for a research job where I could use French language as a graduate student, I was connected with a professor doing work in sexual and reproductive health and maternal health in Niger, West Africa. I was able to do public health research on Francophone West African countries, read through additional literature in French to contribute to projects, do translation work, and facilitate communication between the American research teams and the French speaking organizations in West Africa. This culminated in me having the opportunity to spend time in Niger, facilitating the logistics of our research study, training individuals, and having illuminating conversations with Nigeriens on big issues all in French. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work as an intern at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland working in the Department of Reproductive Health and Research. French was incredibly useful for navigating every day life (Geneva is in French-speaking Switzerland and I lived across the border in France) and it was useful for working at a UN body where English and French are widely spoken. Language skills and having international experience were both key to helping me secure a job in global public health research. Speaking other languages and having a broader perspective is crucial for doing global work because it radically changes your approach.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities you have in the department while you are at KU and push yourself out of your comfort zone. While I was at KU, I was able to venture into additional languages including taking Italian and receiving a FLAS grant for Wolof (a West African language). You can also use French skills to augment your studies outside of the department. I took courses in Political Science and African Studies and was able to research and write about French speaking countries using research in French. French studies also gave me a broader, deeper understanding of history and culture that my classmates did not have. I also highly recommend studying abroad, for as long as you can. Before college, I had never been to another country and I participated in the Paris Summer Language Institute in 2011. It vastly expanded my horizons and lead to a French major and later a French MA. Those experiences have stuck with me and gave me the confidence to continue to do global work, including doing Peace Corps in West Africa following undergrad. Finally, I encourage all students to meet with the professors, keep in contact, and talk to them about what you're hoping to do. The professors are extremely helpful, giving of their time, and may have ideas or know of opportunities you would not know about otherwise.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

Coming to the University of Kansas and Lawrence in general remain one of the best decisions I have ever made. This is probably because I was passionate about coming to Lawrence, about starting that next step of my life, and about feeling free at last to do all the things I loved to do. Lawrence made us (my children and I) feel safe and free. I was so determined to prove myself, and defy all the odds that were stacked up against me and trust me, they were many: a single mother of two children, expecting a third one (I had my third child in my first semester after several complications that resulted in me being on crutches and wheelchair), studying for my doctorate degree and working as a graduate instructor. I had to figure out how to make myself more marketable and make people take me seriously because at the end of the day, it did not matter what obstacles I faced, all that mattered was what was on my transcript and curriculum vitae. So besides taking classes towards my degree, I also took classes towards getting two graduate certificates in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) and African Studies. I participated actively and held leadership positions in students’ organizations. I joined professional organizations, attended and presented at graduate, national and international conferences. I also joined and held leadership positions in organizations outside of the campus community such as serving on the Board of some non-governmental organizations. However, I still had a lot of fun because I always made it clear anywhere I was involved in, that my children were coming along. So as a graduate senator representing the college of liberal arts, the senate provided baby sitters for my children whenever we had meetings or events. My children came along and played in a room at the community center when I was the secretary of Stouffer Place Association, etc. As the president of International Women Connect (IWC), they came to events that were held in the evenings (though most of IWC’s events were held when my children were in school). Etc.

I consider the Department of French and Italian my home and family. I felt so much at peace in the department and I received lots of support. I was initially afraid of letting the department know things about my life, but once people got to know, I was overwhelmed by the amount of support I received, especially when I had my baby and when my dearly beloved dissertation advisor, Dr. Samira Sayeh was sick and later passed on. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through, but everyone was willing to help. Professors offered to read my dissertation and gave whatever editing and formatting suggestions they could. I am eternally grateful to professors Caroline Jewers, Diane Fourny, Tom Booker and Van Kelly. I did not even have to ask to be hooded, because Dr. Bruce Hayes was more than ready to hood me during my hooding ceremony. It is amazing, his wife even came along. My best memory is walking down the hill with all my three children because I had seen a picture of professor Hayes’s son receiving his degree and I wished to do the same. I also had the most wonderful office mates I could have possibly asked for, especially, Mary Kelly. What a joy it was coming to work every day. She completely understood my humorous and playful nature. It was always fun in the offices. I am sure everybody knows how grateful I am and continue to be to the department, but I must say it again. Thank you.

I left KU for Cottey College as a Visiting Assistant professor in the fall semester of 2016 and I was supposed to be here for just one year, but three months into my stay, I was re-interviewed for the position and, I signed a contract to become a full-time tenure track faculty member of the College. This did not come as a surprise to many of my former professors and colleagues at KU because, when I was at KU, I diversified my scholarly activities so much that I did not know if and how they would come together, but I always believed that no knowledge or experience was a waste. I set out to be multidisciplinary and the Department encouraged me. As a graduate student of French, with a concentration in Francophone/Women’s Studies, many doors were opened to me. My interest in films also added another layer to my academic diversity. All these have come together for me. At Cottey College, I am a one-person program, in that, I am the only faculty member in French, and I am working to make it a strong program. To do so, I formed a French Club, Le Cercle français within my first month at the College. This club provides my students a place where they can continue to not only practice French outside of the classroom, but apply and explore their Francophone knowledge and curiosities. We have had several activities since the founding of the club such as a campus-wide Mardi Gras celebration with lots of activities to mark the Francophone week and students were very passionate and involved in the activities. I attended a weeklong workshop on professional French, to enable me tap into existing strong programs at Cottey College by creating professional French courses such as Business French, Medical French and Environmental French among others. I am researching and developing a program whereby I could take students to Canada for a 2-3-week immersion program in French and to Senegal for my Francophone courses during the spring breaks. I have other ideas that I am still toying with.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

An absolute YES! As someone who loves multi-tasking, French and Francophone studies allow me room to breathe and do many different things at the same time. I have many options for growth both professionally and personally. At the personal level, now that I am no longer taking care of babies, as in doing all the physical things like bathing, dressing, feeding, and carrying them everywhere, I don’t feel the sense of loss that comes with these detachments because I have so much to do professionally. My KU experience was not just about French, but about all the other disciplines and activities that I involved myself in.

I am very grateful for everything that I did at KU because they have all come together to complement themselves in my work at Cottey College. I teach courses in French and Francophone Studies, African Studies, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies in addition to Film Studies. Towards the end of the academic year, I proposed a minor and a certificate program in African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS), which I believe is highly needed at Cottey College as this didn’t exist at the College. I have also proposed many courses for all the disciplines that I teach as well as revised the French curriculum. I plan to propose a minor in French as soon as I get the program to where I am having more students in my advanced level classes. I am able to do these because I was given opportunities to grow at KU. Serving as the lecturer representative to faculty meetings when I was a lecturer at KU exposed me to how some things worked. It was fun and educative sitting in and listening while the Department’s curriculum was being modified. I learned a lot about the processes and procedures as well as the importance of majors, minors and certificate programs. I am glad to be tapping into that knowledge and using them at Cottey College.

My College values service so much, and I continue to serve at various levels. Being a small institution, the interaction between faculty and students are closer and I am currently sponsoring and advising several student organizations besides Le Cercle français. As a sponsor, I endeavor to participate in their activities such as attending their meetings and events. I recently proposed a journal entitled “Cottey Teaching and Research Journal” and it was approved. The journal will start publishing teaching and research work by the Cottey College community: faculty, staff and students, among other things starting from the next academic year. I am continuing with the same enthusiasm and involving my children in my academic and professional life, so everything remains fun, light hearted and blissful.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

I will encourage students in the Department to please take advantage of all the support and opportunity that the Department has to give. Talk to and the ask the professors questions if you are confused about anything. Diversify your interests and be interdisciplinary. First off, if you plan to teach French, take this very seriously, you need professor Kim Swanson’s pedagogy class like a fish needs water. Do whatever part you are assigned in your work as a graduate instructor, be it writing an exam, creating activities for a shared class or drafting the instructions for a composition or a film guide, etc. Trust me, you will need all the knowledge and practice you can get, because, if you end up in a small college where you are doing it alone, everything will come to you very easily. However, if you had avoided your responsibilities in graduate school, you will struggle and students will get you in the evaluations.

There are three major areas that every college and university will judge you on: teaching, research and service. You have to build strong bases in these areas. Graduate school affords you the opportunity to get practice in these areas and build your resume/CV. Don’t waste the opportunities you have by being a “triangular student”, a Nigerian term for a student with little time for anything else other than classwork, who does nothing more than go from the dormitories (hostels) to the cafeteria then to lectures/library and back to the hostels without involving in anything else. Put yourself out there and get involved. Do not just join professional organizations, take leadership positions in them. Present your research works at reputable conferences and get them published. Do not hoard knowledge! No idea is a bad one, so lend your voice to whatever cause you are passionate about (hopefully, you are passionate about something. If not, find something to be passionate about). Always strive to identify the needs of anywhere you find yourself and be generous and proactive with coming up with ways to solve or improve them. Opt to live a life of service and you will enjoy a rich academic, professional and personal life.

I am thrilled for the opportunity to share how language has opened doors, granting me access to rooms that otherwise would be ‘at occupancy’. 

In my first semester of freshman year at KU, I really struggled academically. It was a challenge for me to be vulnerable with mentors and peers and discover how to start quenching my curiosity. Luckily through mentors who encouraged me and challenged me to fulfill the commitment I had made toward achieving an education, I persevered. Thank you again for the impact you’ve made on my life that I cannot express fully, Briceland Bleem, Reuben Perez, Mary Klayder, Mary Stone Dockery, and Justine Hamilton. 

Foreign language made me curious. There are always many critics when it comes to pursuing an education in a foreign language. In revolt of their unsolicited advice, I chose to study French anyway. Everyone has their reasons for learning another language - mine was to re-connect my family with our relatives. My Dad was born in Paris, to a French woman from Cudos, who fell in love with an American Soldier who worked in our embassy in Paris after the war - it’s a beautiful love story but this isn’t about them. I’ll save that for another time. 

During my time with the Department of French, Francophone & Italian Studies Department, our cohort learned all about francophone culture. I took French during high school but none of the rules really clicked by the time I attended university, so I knew a ton of vocabulary, but that was it. I opted to enroll in an elementary French course taught by a charismatic graduate student named Breck Gordon. Her ability to integrate contemporary influences (the Simpsons) into the coursework made it a blast to attend class. The course was given at 8 am, so she really got to see all of us at our best (if you laughed at that great; I missed my calling as a comedian). 

Breck encouraged us to study abroad and welcomed an alumna of the Department, Dr. Ingrid Horton, to give our class a 5-minute presentation on KU Study Abroad’s francophone programs. Between Breck and Ingrid’s stories, I knew I wanted to study abroad! But I thought the experience would be out of the question to pursue, it seemed costly and I didn’t think KU’s Army ROTC program would let me study abroad. I decided to schedule an appointment to meet with Ingrid and start looking into the possibility. After a few administrative hurdles, I was accepted to study abroad in Angers at l’université catholique de l’ouest for a semester. Eric Young, an ROTC instructor at the time, structured an individualized-distance military program so I could complete the requirements to maintain my status as an Army Cadet while in France.

Professor Caroline Jewers accompanied the twelve of us KU students that semester to Angers. While at the university, we were all separated by proficiency level and placed into grammar, linguistics, pronunciation, vocabulary, and history courses.

There is no alternative to studying abroad. The entire process fosters skills that we want critical thinkers and problem solvers to acquire. Getting a student visa, what was seen as a nightmare, made me understand the importance of administrative work - if you spelled something wrong, or had a punctuation mark out of place, you did not get a student visa, thus, no France. We all traveled separately which allowed for us each to be responsible for employing the foreign language in an airport to communicate how to get from Charles De Gaulle to Angers. The courses that I mentioned were important for language acquisition, but I would never have gained proficiency without the complement of the invaluable familial narratives and exchanges with my host family, purchasing groceries, arranging bouquets with a florist, traveling throughout the Anjou Province – each interaction was a little bit different, and every time I engaged with the language it brought, and continues to bring joy to mundane tasks.

While studying abroad, I fell in love with the language. When I returned to Lawrence, I decided to take on the remaining literature courses to complete the major. If you are contemplating pursuing a major in French, do it! Language proficiency makes you a very valuable asset to a professional organization. In addition to Jewers, inside the classroom, Professors Bruce Hayes, Van Kelly, Diane Fourny, John Booker, and the late-Samira Sayeh, taught more than a language in the classroom. They taught me how to perceive, think critically, and be precise in communication. As markets continue to globalize, companies want people who possess these attributes; they want a person who can assimilate in different environments and approach complex problems with perspectives that bring innovative solutions.

Since graduation, I have had the pleasure of being called on to employ French in Kigali, Rwanda as an English Instructor. I have used the language to write speeches and translate for executives from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division in Normandy, France, for Commemorative Exercises 72, 73 and 75. I’ve been able to conduct an airborne operation twice using French parachutes into La Fière drop zone where paratroopers landed on D-Day. I have administered the U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment in French in an effort to demonstrate our strategic partnership with the citizens of Carentan alongside then-Chief of Staff of the Army, now Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. I have also represented the military overseas to Luxembourg and Belgium to translate for events commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle the Bulge. While deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, in Kuwait and Iraq, I used French daily when speaking with our French allied partners who worked on our team.

I encourage you to embark on a similar journey using language to explore what the world has to offer.

Matt Visser is an Active Duty Army Officer, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in French, Political Science, and Global & International Studies from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently serves as a Troop Commander in the 101st Airborne Division and was recently selected to teach French in the Department of Foreign Languages at the United States Military Academy at West Point upon completion of a graduate degree in French.

My years at KU were incredibly busy but I enjoyed them to no end. I was fortunate to be a student in two amazing departments and I loved my classes. My time at KU helped prepare me to go into education with a solid background in French grammar, culture, and literature and it also provided me with an amazing opportunity to spend a summer in France traveling and improving my language skills. I was already in love with French language and culture, but it was during this summer study abroad that I decided that I wanted to be a French teacher. I wanted to continue to use this beautiful language and to help others to discover it. I am very grateful to my French professors for encouraging me in this path and for helping me to achieve my goal. After graduation, I attended the University of South Carolina where I received a Masters of Arts and Teaching in French. I then had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach English in France for one year. I lived and worked in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and it was one of the happiest years of my life. I have so many wonderful memories from that year and I still keep in touch with and visit the friends that I made there. I currently live in Kansas City and teach high school French in the Blue Valley school district. I teach French 1, 2, and 2.5. The beginner levels are my favorites to teach because I get to introduce students to French culture and language. It is incredibly rewarding and fun to watch them work so hard and to see how proud and happy they are when they realize that they can actually write short stories, read articles, and have conversations in a foreign language. Exploring French culture, taste testing French food, learning French songs, and playing tons of games with my students make my job even more fun.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If you love French, keep studying it!! Use it whenever, wherever, and however you can. You would be amazed what doors can open for you if you speak another language. If nothing else, travel! The experiences you have and the people you meet will stay with you for your entire life and hopefully your travels will be full of wonderful surprises.

I attended KU from 2008 through 2012, and graduated with a B.A. in English Literature and Italian. Coming to KU, I was most excited about studying Italian because my high school did not offer Italian courses and I had been studying it independently for a couple of years. At KU I found fantastic professors, particularly Crystal Hall, Marina De Fazio, Lauralyn Bodle, and Jan Kozma. I enjoyed every Italian course that I took and learned from each one. That goes for the language classes, cultural classes, and literature classes. I cannot say that about any other course of study that I have done. Looking back, I’m not sure how I got exposure to so many works of Italian literature in what felt like a short four years. I also spent an enjoyable month in the summer of 2009 at the Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri in Florence, worked as a research assistant for Professor Hall, and was a Fulbright semi-finalist for an English teaching assistantship in Italy. I am currently working as an attorney in Houston, Texas and Italian is not a large part of my professional life, but the background in Italian that I received from KU enriches my life every day, as I will explain below.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Yes. After graduating from KU, I attended law school at Washington University in St. Louis. After my first year of law school, I worked a two-month summer internship with a law firm in Milan, Italy. I also spent my last semester of law school as a visiting student at the University of Trento law school. This was one of the most enjoyable semesters of my life, and enabled me to meet friends from many places in the world, as well as my significant other, who was also a visiting American student. Trento is my favorite Italian city. I still return to Italy every chance I get. Most recently, I traveled to Campli, Abruzzo with my significant other to explore her Italian ancestry. I was not blessed with Italian ancestry, but I have had a blast working with her locating and reading old baptism, marriage, and death records from her ancestors in Abruzzo. We had the good fortune during our much too brief stay in Campli to meet a gentleman who shared a last name with ancestors of my significant other and who, with typical Italian hospitality, invited us to share a meal with his family. We have not managed to exactly link him with my significant other, but this has opened a whole new avenue of research. None of these experiences would have been possible without the education, assistance, and encouragement I received at KU

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

I am sure there are many new faces in the Italian Department at KU since I graduated, but I am confident that they have a passion and dedication similar to those that were present during my time. In addition to advising students to utilize those resources, I have always found that my language studies progressed the most when I could attach them to topics that I am independently interested in. I started studying Italian because I had become a fan of an Italian soccer team. I made great strides in Italian by reading Gazzetta dello Sport on a daily basis. I also located an Italian radio station with programs that I enjoyed and listened to regularly. One of the most fulfilling moments in my Italian study was when those nearly unintelligible radio programs became comprehensible to me. I still listen to Radio 24 every day on my commute to and from work. If you can link your language studies to your hobbies and locate newspapers, TV shows, podcasts, movies, etc. on those subjects in your language of interest, I believe it will pay great dividends. In short, I may not have become a diplomat or an agent for Italian soccer superstars, but I cannot measure the enjoyment that my Italian journey has added to my life, and I owe that in large part to the Italian Department at KU. Rock Chalk!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Firstly, and most obviously, as an American living in France, studying French before moving abroad was essential. From a professional point of view my MA in particular helped develop analytical skills, writing skills, and a deeper understanding of the French language, all of which were invaluable and allowed me to pass the CAFEP (teacher certification exam) on the first attempt, and later the agrégation. While I am an English teacher now, but the CAFEP and the agrégation have translation sections as well parts that must be written in French. Half of the oral exams are also conducted in French, so having a certain level of fluency is key to passing these exams.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If you have the opportunity, go live in France or a Francophone country for at least a year. The linguistic progress you can make in just a year can be spectacular if you really take advantage of the time in France and speak as much French as possible.

During my studies at KU, I majored in French and English. At the time, I was unsure how either of these majors were going to apply to a career, but I knew that they were subjects that interested me. I took a number of French classes at KU and also did a semester abroad in Angers, France. This study abroad was instrumental in the progression of my French language skills, and gave me an opportunity to be fully immersed in a foreign language and culture. Currently, I am working in the fields of international development and global health. I work on projects that seek to improve healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries in areas such as Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, HIV/AIDS, and Nutrition, among many others. I woy with countries in Francophone Africa, allowing me to use my French skills on a daily basis.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I cannot stress enough how much my French language skills have impacted my professional life! Being fluent in French has opened doors for me that I could not even imagine when I was completing my major. I have learned that while there are many people who share my interest in the global health field, there are a limited number of individuals who are fluent in French, making me uniquely qualified for many opportunities. Personally, I think my love for the French language and culture started me down a path of interest towards the world outside the United States. One of the joys of my field is getting to learn from my colleagues about their countries and local cultures, and especially getting to experience it first hand when I visited.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Immerse yourself as fully as you can in the language and culture and become as fluent as possible! You never know how this will affect you down the road. It can create opportunities for you professionally, and being more educated about other cultures can only benefit you personally.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Absolutely. Professionally, I work in storytelling and communications, where a knowledge of the mechanics of English is a sought-after trait. It was through studying French that I gained an understanding of so much about English — what an indirect object is, what the subjunctive mood is, what third-person plural is, and on and on. I am a far better editor and writer because of studying French.

Personally, French has enriched my life in so many ways. Being able to understand media, literature and messaging intended for a French-speaking audience has allowed me to, as cliché as it may sound, connect with another world — another version of the human experience — and all the culture, ideas and perspectives that come with that. It has been a never-ending source of inspiration and joy.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

As someone who was very shy and self-conscious, try not to be shy and self-conscious! You don’t have to speak French perfectly to be a part of a conversation in class, to chat with your professors, to attend French table, to study abroad. There is no expectation that you be fluent in French before you can use the language, so just let yourself get started speaking. You’ll find a welcoming and nurturing French-speaking community at KU.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Studying French has been instrumental in my journey into the realm of international business. Not only has it provided me with a linguistic tool to communicate effectively with French-speaking clients and partners, but it has also granted me a deeper understanding of French culture and business etiquette. This proficiency has enabled me to navigate negotiations, build stronger relationships, and foster trust within the international business arena. By speaking the language, I've been able to bridge cultural gaps, demonstrate respect, and showcase a genuine interest in connecting on a more personal and professional level. Ultimately, my French classes have proven invaluable in expanding my opportunities and making meaningful strides in the world of global commerce. Ah, and let's not forget—it also brought my French wife into my life!

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If those nerves are stirring, fantastic! It means you're on the right track. Keep your focus, step out the door, and start practicing French in real-life scenarios. There's no better way to learn quickly than by immersing yourself in real experiences.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

Pursuing a master’s in French Literature from KU and later pairing that with a degree in Higher Education Administration allowed me to effectively work in the field of international education. I served as the stateside program manager for Miami University of Ohio's Luxembourg Campus for five years and was able to use my French regularly with European-based colleagues. I even ran into Professors Hayes and Scott during an alumni tour of the Château de Vianden – talk about a small Jayhawk world! Since that time, I have transitioned to working for the University of Minnesota’s International Health, Safety, and Compliance unit, a division within the Global Programs & Strategy Alliance that focuses on developing (and implementing) appropriate international risk management strategies for University travelers. Within this specialized role, I still have opportunities to apply my knowledge of French and French cultures to assist students and faculty planning to study in Francophone environments.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

DIn addition to professional opportunities that developed as a result of my French degree, I was fortunate to develop lifelong friendships with several of my peers and have many fond memories from our days in Wescoe!

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Pursuing a master’s in French Literature while also teaching Elementary French courses at KU is a demanding, full-time job, but one that ultimately broadens your perspectives of other cultures, deepens your appreciation of the French literary tradition, and helps you to become an expert in time management. The best piece of advice I would give to current students is to study regularly, attack the reading list in small chunks, ask for your professors’ support and advice when needed (a big 'merci' to Professors Jewers and Swanson), and take time to laugh and socialize with your peers. Enjoy the journey!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Learning French turned out to be quite important given the fact that I've been living in France for over a decade now! I'm now Franco-American which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't learned French while studying at KU. Furthermore, the company that I set up here (Vincia Prep, www.vinciaprep.com) would never have survived if I couldn't navigate everyday problems in French.

What advice do you have for students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Practice speaking as much as you can. Go to French/Italian table and if you have the opportunity, study abroad. To really connect with people, you need to be able to have a conversation with them. If you can speak someone else's native language, you instantly create a link with that person that says that you've made an effort to understand them.

If you want to follow the path I chose and become French, there are two good paths:

The first is to study here and at the same time work as a freelancer. If you get a masters degree in France (which costs way way less than in the US) and declare taxes for two (sometimes three) years you can get the French nationality. The process can be a pain, but it used to be worse and took 5 years of living in France. Now it's quite doable for Americans who speak French and have the drive to jump through the administrative hurdles.

The second way is to do a civil union with a French person and pay taxes for 5 years.

Even if you don't want to become French, I don't know anyone that regrets learning the language. Chances are, you won't either.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

My study of French has benefited me both professionally and personally. On a personal note -- learning about another culture, studying the literature and history of that culture, and later living within that culture blew my world and mindset wide open. I feel I've learned to be more tolerant and empathetic. I'm better equipped to make space for other opinions and to see my own habits from an outside perspective so I can question my beliefs and continually strive to be better. I think this is one of the most important skills in our current society where we have a tendency to pit ourselves against one another.

On a professional level -- my language skills, attention to detail and ability to dig deep into subject matter have been key contributors to my success in every aspect of my career. I have been working as a French to English translator for over ten years and have had exciting opportunities to provide intercultural consulting services to a variety of organizations in fields as diverse as fashion, music, perfume-making, the travel industry, Augmented Reality, marketing, and the film industry. I have also been a Localization Project Manager for the past five years, providing guidance on how to address cultural, linguistic and technical challenges in translating regulatory materials for regions all over the world.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Don't listen to the people who tell you studying a foreign language isn't practical!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I use my French language skills in my research. For example, my first major research project was in Tunisia. I was able to complete the project in Tunisia using my French skills to navigate through my field work.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Study and live abroad! I lived abroad the year I graduated and worked as an English Language Assistant in a French high school. I also completed Arabic studies in Tunisia and Morocco while I worked on my PhD. Ironically, although I was learning Arabic, I spoke a lot of French with French students who were there studying Arabic. In all instances, my French speaking abilities improved tremendously when I was put in situations where I had to speak. Also, it taught me to live by the mantra: perfect is the enemy of good. Once I freed myself from the shackles of being perfect at speaking and just focused on communicating, I felt much more relaxed and actually started improving more!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Bien sûr! I don’t read, write, or speak French on a daily basis for my work. I do, however, use skills that the study of language, literature, and culture brought me, like critical thinking, writing clearly and to express complex thought, and looking at life through the lens of the past, present, and future. Studying French and traveling to France in my undergrad days forever changed my perspective on the world to one more empathetic, more imaginative, and more inquisitive. I’m a better marketer – and human – because of that. (And, of course, I always know where to find the best pain au chocolat in town.)

Studying French also reminded me to pursue the things that bring me joy…for the sake of joy. In large part, I earned my BA because I simply couldn’t imagine a semester without a French class. It had always been my favorite subject, and it was a bright spot in my schedule, even when it was tough. Years later, I began graduate studies in art history because I found it fascinating. It was especially gratifying to put all my French studies to use to read about 19th-century modernist painters in contemporary French texts. I never knew my French degree would lead to my reading 19th-century recipes for tête de veau and langue de bœuf or French military hospital surgical reports from 1865, but it absolutely thrilled me to do so. (And, of course, it’s always a delight to travel to France and know how to order my pain au chocolat in the local tongue.)

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Get the degree! Even if you don’t think you have a plan to “use” it, be confident that all you’re learning will benefit your future. You’re becoming a better, more nuanced thinker, a technician of language, and a more interesting person with every new vocabulary word, every page of literature—and those are qualities that you will never not need.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Knowing a second language has been the single most important skill I have had as a professional.  The life and linguistic experiences that I gained from both studying and working in France helped me land my teaching job.  On a personal level,  I have learned more about the world through my travels than I have in any classroom and have made deeper more meaningful connections with people as a result of knowing French.  French has also served as a great foundation for exploring other languages.    

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Keep traveling and studying!  Also, do not let anyone tell you that French is not useful.  I use my French everywhere—even in Kansas! 

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Yes, I worked in France for many years and also have a global role where I have used my French with business partners and customers in numerous countries. I also believe that research and analytical skills developed as a masters candidate, as well as an ability to apply creative thought to analytics have been instrumental in my leadership skills and work developing strategic plans/revenue growth plans for large organizations. I do not have a financial background, but have been able to successfully grow many organizations' revenue lines through the development and implementation of strategic plans that enabled that growth.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

You have made the decision to become an expert in a subject matter. This level of commitment and dedication can be applied to anything you do in the future. It will give you an edge on success. Given the current lack of funding for liberal arts in academic settings, your future may or may not be in pure academia, but we have a responsibility to demonstrate the value of a liberal arts education in our professional, and personal, lives. Do not despair! Rather, be proud of your fearless, if not foolish, commitment and do something with your wild and precious life.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

I really enjoyed my time at KU. I am the first generation in my family to complete a college degree, and I had no idea what to expect. Since I had studied French in high school, I continued to take classes in French and kind of fell into a French major, knowing that I would want to do “something else” as well. I was able to take a wide variety of classes in the humanities and social sciences before settling into history. While working on my M.A., I started a student job at the Spencer Research Library (where I had worked on a 15th century Norman cartulary for my thesis) and decided to pursue a career as a special collections librarian. French also came in handy as I studied bibliography and the history of the book and worked as a cataloger while pursuing my MLIS degree. I have worked in a number of major research libraries, and am now back in Lawrence. I’m currently the director of the Spencer Research Library and Assistant Dean of Distinctive Collections. Life is funny that way.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Definitely! French made it easier for me to learn Latin when I decided to study medieval history, and I focused my studies on Normandy during the Hundred Years War. A solid grounding in Romance languages makes it much easier to describe and interpret library and archival materials from many time periods, and gives me a broader understanding of the secondary literature than I would have if I only read English. The first time I flew on an airplane was to travel to France, and I always enjoy “dusting off” my very rusty conversational French when I encounter French speakers. Most recently, I was able to diffuse a potentially nasty encounter with a taxi driver in Florida by attempting to talk to him in French!

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If you don’t use it, you will lose it. Continue to read in the language(s) you are learning, and converse whenever possible with other speakers!

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Absolutely without a doubt. It has propelled me to work for two large Fortune 100 firms in AT &T and Boeing, where I traveled extensively and leveraged my fluency in French to build relationships and to establish greater trust.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Stick with it! Learning new languages is not for the faint of heart, but as Voltaire once wrote, “Il faut cultiver votre jardin.” It will open your eyes to new wonder upon wonder, and in my case, each subsequent wonder was better than the previous one!

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

KU's study abroad program changed everything for me! We were a very small group of American students, living in the relatively small town of Besançon, and my French improved dramatically over the course of the year. When I returned to KU, I knew I wanted to pursue my studies in French. After graduation, I completed a doctorate in French Literature and Cultural Studies (UNC-Chapel Hill, 2001) and discovered that I love to teach. Since then, I've devoted my career to sharing my passion for French and Francophone language and cultures. I am now on the faculty in Romance Studies at Duke University, where I direct the Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum program. My current work focuses on Central African refugee resettlement and community-based language learning.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

French is spoken on every continent, and it's brought me - and often my family and students - across the world, from France to Fez, from Montréal to Martinique. Speaking another language gives me fresh eyes to see the world around me. It's helped me be a more curious, as well as a more tolerant and flexible person, which has served me well both personally and professionally.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Go abroad, and stay as long as you can! Get uncomfortable and take classes you're not sure you're ready for; interesting things happen when you stretch yourself. Find a mentor -- a professor or administrator that you admire, and with whom you can have lunch, call upon for a letter of recommendation, and get solid advice. Finally, have fun! Speaking another language offers endless opportunities that you can never anticipate. As the linguist Frank Smith wrote, "One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

My French studies linked nicely with my interest in International Relations, which led me to my Master's studies in International Relations at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. From there, life has been a journey of professional and personal international adventures.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

In ways too numerous to mention. Professionally, my French studies helped in my communications with new and emerging leaders participating in the US Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. Personally, my French studies enhanced my global view and sense of being a citizen of the world.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Foreign language study offers you a leg up, and differentiates you from others, in the job market. It indicates that you value other cultures, and that the US view is not the only one of value. I would advise to engage in your language studies with great passion, since doing so will open up new worlds, enable you to make connections, and help you to make sense of history, global relationships, and international and business affairs.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

YES! Learning French has allowed me to explore the world, connect with fascinating people, gain new perspectives, create life-changing opportunities for others, and bring the world a little closer together. Because I know French, I was able to live and work in Belgium and I was able to learn Italian very quickly when I lived in Italy. Because I know French, I was able to work as an administrator in US law schools running their international programs. I eventually became Assistant Dean of International Affairs at the University of Michigan Law School, which was the most amazing job ever. Because I know French, I have been able to venture fearlessly into the world, doing things like spending the summer as an au pair in the south of France, navigating the markets and hammams in Morocco, speaking with diplomats over cheese fondue in Geneva, and ducking into neighborhood bars on dark and wintry Canadian afternoons. Because I know French, I have been able to make visitors to the US feel welcome and at ease. Because I know French, I have been able to show others that Americans are not completely wrapped up in themselves, but are curious and respectful of other cultures, systems, and ways of being.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Learning another language well says so much about the kind of person you are and the kind of employee you will be. It indicates you have a stretchy brain, like learning new things, and are probably good with people. While you may not follow a career path that is directly connected to the study of another language, you will be amazed at how your second language skills enrich your personal life and open doors professionally. So, my advice is not to worry about what in the world you will do with a degree in French or Italian. Enjoy the learning and know you are giving yourself the chance to have an adventurous life that will benefit not just you, but also other people and our global society.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I spent the summer of 1979 in Paris working as a salesperson at Galeries Lafayette, the equivalent of Macy's, thanks to KU's connection to the Princeton University Summer Work Abroad program. Although English rather than French was the dominant language of diplomacy by the time I took the national entrance examination to join the U.S. Foreign Service in 1991, the exposure I got at KU to “la Francophonie,” the French-speaking world, along with an MA in Economics from the New School for Social Research, was my ticket to a fascinating career. My first overseas post was Dakar, Senegal, the former capital of French West Africa, and my last, twenty years later, was in Mauritania, the country just to the north. Its capital Nouakchott had been a military base during the colonial era but its territory also encompassed several ancient cities of the Mali empire, historically one of the greatest in Africa. In between these postings were a series of other diplomatic assignments in the Middle East and in Washington, DC as an economist and later in public affairs. In retirement, I taught English composition and earned a doctorate in higher education at the University of Pennsylvania, settling in Philadelphia where my husband grew up. On a personal note, French also helped me connect to my Father's relatives in Switzerland, though their first language was Swiss German.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Whether you are majoring or minoring in French or Italian, know that the degree will have value both to you and to others over time. Studying a language other than English demonstrates your curiosity and adaptability, two traits that add up to professional success and personal satisfaction in later life.

Years you attended KU, including graduation year(s)

1970-1977 I was on campus for the academic year 1970-1971 for my course work, after which my husband and I moved to New Jersey where I wrote my dissertation. On a personal note, at the time of my written exams, I was “great with child" and not permitted to travel. I will be forever grateful to KU’s language department for allowing me to take my written exams through a special monitoring arrangement with the language department of the University of Pennsylvania, close to my home. This kindness on the part of KU still resonates in my heart.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

During my time at KU, I was blessed to have outstanding professors who provided a learning atmosphere conducive to critical thinking. Since leaving KU, their influence remains a part of my life. Of particular mention is the fact that I was one of the first students to participate in the then nascent Comparative Literature program. As part of this budding program, I had the privilege of working with professors from other departments—Classics, American Literature—who helped me to design a wonderful program suited to my interests. Thus, I was able to graduate with the PhD in French with a concentration in Comparative Literature. At the time, there was no official degree in Comp Lit.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

For several years, I taught either Italian or French at the college and high school levels. I later started a translation business where I was able to use my language skills to translate French and Italian documents in several fields, including business, history, literature, and government. Today, I am a published author who writes fiction and non-fiction. My latest novel is titled A Sicilian Farewell. It is the second book in my trilogy titled The Italian Chronicles. The first book is The Madonna of Pisano. My fluency in Italian has been of tremendous help in doing the primary research for this trilogy set at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Of course, fluency in both French and Italian has greatly enriched my life through personal relationships that came about precisely because of my knowledge of these languages.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

I would advise students to appreciate and take advantage of the language department’s interdisciplinary program whereby language study is combined with another discipline. Unless one teaches or translates, one’s professional options are somewhat limited when language study is seen as an end in itself. So, I would suggest that students combine their language studies with other disciplines, such as international studies, business, political science, or other areas in which knowledge of a foreign language will enhance their opportunities.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Yes: It’s a valuable tool to have in any global/international role. In addition to my positions leading staff and managing my own clients, sometimes I would be called on to translate an incoming bank wire or health insurance claim. Also, mastery of a foreign language is one of those skills that has given me an edge over other candidates. Personally, I have used French in my travels and in helping with my son’s homework when he took French in high school.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Ignore the naysayers. Knowledge of a foreign language automatically says that you have “learning agility”, which is a tool that employers like to see in one’s background. You may not use French or Italian much, but that makes it so much more special in situations where you can (such as when I was introduced to the Comptroller of the French army and his wife, who were prospective clients of one of my employers). Also: study abroad if you can. It will give you a different perspective and appreciation for other cultures. Better understanding leads to less tension and conflict.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I believe that my study of French gave me a peek into different worlds than I had experienced previously. It introduced me to different ways of thinking about myself, my world, and everything else. When I'm completely immersed in French, I feel differently and think differently. Those experiences then bleed over into my life in English. I'm not sure the same things happens with Spanish because I haven't completely immersed in Spanish, but I live in a bilingual/bicultural area that has affected me in ways similar to the ways French affected me. Certainly, French literature gave me insights I haven't gleaned from anywhere else. I sometimes wish I would re-read the works I read in college because I am sure I would understand them completely differently and that would be interesting to experience. I also wish I would read more than the one or two examples of each author, so I could get a better perspective on the authors themselves, but that hasn't happened, either. Maybe later on in retirement I can do that.

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Milk it for all it's worth because everything you learn adds to the context you have to expand your experiences going forward. Take that course that sounds interesting but . . . take it anyway. The worst that can happen is that you'll learn something. I understand that the current philosophy is that college is mostly job-training and the point is to get the degree as soon as possible and as cheaply as possible, but if someone has the opportunity to explore learning for the sake of learning, the first undergraduate years are prime years for doing that. At that point of brain development (and social-emotional development), all the learning from whatever source only adds to one's store of bases for understanding. One can never understand one's fellow human beings too well.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

Study at KU opened the world to me. The undergraduate opportunities to study and live in France were life changing (KU Summer Language Institute after my freshman year and the Year Abroad Program in Bordeaux for my senior year). I met my future husband in a French literature class. A decade later he received a Fulbright lectureship to the Sorbonne to teach in his field of communications and remains a firm Francophile (and we’ve been happily married for 50 years). I knew at the end of my undergraduate experience that I wanted to learn much more about French literature. Course work, part-time teaching and the departmental community at KU were central to my life for a number of wonderful years. Not many women writers had made it into the French literary canon by the early-1970’s but I was extremely fortunate to receive a Fulbright grant (1973-74) to study a number of living French women novelists. Genevieve Gennari became the subject of my PhD dissertation and the relationship that I developed with her was very significant and satisfying. I believe that my insistence on speaking French when traveling in France (even when my French was very poor) has contributed to the warm welcome that I have always felt there. I’ve traveled to France many times for work and for pleasure and maintain friendships that have endured for the 50 years since my study abroad year. Our two girls have both had the privilege of traveling to Europe as children and both studied abroad as undergrads: one to an engineering semester program in France and one to a liberal arts year in Bologna.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Yes, the benefits have been numerous. I began my career as an instructor of French at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Following a move to Chicago, I joined the administrative staff of a new humanities program at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center. Through contacts made through participation in an Illinois statewide program for women in higher education administration, I was “lured away” from higher education in 1980 to join the International Treasury Management Consulting Group at the former Continental Bank. I have often quoted my boss there who said, “I’ve spent thousands of dollars teaching M.B.A.’s language and culture. I’m willing to spend thousands of dollars teaching you business.” I thrived in that consulting group and enjoyed many business trips using French, Italian and Spanish with clients. In the 1990’s I joined a not-for-profit college consortium for study abroad as Vice President for Marketing and College Relations. After being “recaptured” by the mission-driven not-for-profit sector, I returned several years later to consulting, but this time to offer management consulting to not-for-profit organizations. I’ve led my own consulting company and practice ever since the late 1990’s (JHR Resources). I’m now moving toward retirement, but still giving counsel to long-term clients who allow flexibility for my travel schedule!

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Open your minds and hearts to the insights and experiences of new cultures that you can most fully understand when communicating in another culture’s language. Don’t expect to be hired in any future job exclusively because of your language and literary skills, but know that these assets will serve you in unexpected ways, both personally and professionally. Knowing how to write well and think critically are widely appreciated in most lines of work. Graduate students are in the right place if the subject matter is compelling and the hard work at least mostly a pleasure. Deferred gratification is no reason to be in graduate school in French or Italian because full-time academic positions are difficult to secure. We all know someone who regrets the years spent in graduate school. I do not.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I went to law school after graduating from KU and practiced law in the Midwest, so I never used French directly in my profession. Nevertheless, I found that having studied French improved my writing because I had a better understanding of English grammar and syntax than many of my colleagues who had not studied a foreign language. In the last 20 years, my wife and I have taken several trips to France, and my familiarity with the language, albeit somewhat rusty, has been a great help in our travels. In addition, I have snuck in several choirs since graduation, and my knowledge of French pronunciation has increased the possibility that our performances of French repertoire might be comprehensible to a true Francophone.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

(1)Study abroad if at all possible. Being surrounded by a language is the best way to learn it. (2) Read more in your chosen language than just the assigned texts. Subscribe online to a magazine or newspaper. It will help you learn the language faster and will also give you a different perspective on the world.

I had studied Spanish all the way through junior high and high school and declared a Spanish major. My KU Freshman advisor suggested I take another language. So I signed up for Honors French, 5 days a week at 8 am - some honor!? I found I really enjoyed French, quizzed out of the 2nd year never learning subjunctive nor passe simple, ended up graduating with a dual major in French and Spanish. I also studied Italian and German while at KU. I applied for a Fulbright, but as did not receive it, decided to study in France anyway. Professor Emeritus Dr. Bryant Freeman suggested I apply to the Sorbonne. So I spent a wonderful year in Paris, studying at l'Institut de Professeurs de Francais a l'Etranger, Paris IV and received a Maitrise deCulture Francaise avec honneurs for $100 tuition. I purchased a VW that I picked up at the factory in Wolfsburg, Germany and travelled throughout Europe, returning to NY via La France on a transatlantic voyage with my car and a friend from KU, Barley Mallett who was on Junior Year Abroad in Bordeaux. I then decided to continue my studies, came back to the US and received my MA in French Literature and Linguistics from UC Santa Barbara (due to previous KU Chair Ronald Tobin now being at KU). I was a teaching assistant and upon graduation took a group of high school students to live with families near Nantes with The Experiment in International Living (now World Learning). My French really got a boost that summer, as I had to navigate through a small patelain Basse Indre, exposed to full life cycle events including my host's daughter's baby's birth as well as making funeral arrangements for a neighbor while there. After traveling through Europe on a EurailPass, then ending up in Israel, studying Hebrew at an ulpan, working in the travel industry for a Spanish travel agency Melia receiving foreigners, using my Spanish and French. The following year I ended up in New York and found a job in reservations at Air France, an excellent use of my language skills, where I gained computer skills that I would use for the rest of my working career. It also persuaded me to study at night for an MBA in Computer Applications and Information Systems plus International Business at NYU. I put my computer language skills and my foreign language skills together for a career in systems analysis and design at American Express in both global financial and HR systems, working in Brighton, England; Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. After several years in enterprise software implementation consulting at Price Waterhouse, I got my dream job of living and working as a local in London, England. I had European responsibility so traveled around the continent using my French and Spanish, as well as an occasional conversation with clients in Italian or German. I stayed in London for 12 years, obtained my British/EU citizenship, working for Oracle as Senior Director Product Management with responsibility for Human Resource Management Systems in 33 countries. My final role was as CIO of London Metropolitan University before returning to the US to live near my parents in St Louis, Missouri.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

As indicated above, my combination of language skills and technical skills combined to make me an effective global leader in several large multi-national companies. Communication skills are key to all managers, especially those working abroad. My experiences living, working and studying abroad were integral to my understanding of other cultures that was significantly deeper than what I learned travelling abroad (although that's another bonus of this kind of career). I have friends and colleagues now around the world who help me understand world affairs better and make me an informed global citizen.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If you have the chance to study abroad for a summer, semester, or a full year, DO IT! The experience is incredible both personally and for your future professional career. If you have a chance to meet international students and their families in the US, even hosting them, DO IT! Consider it as part of your global education.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

My French has been very useful. I was the Founding Director of the Lied Center of Kansas. When artists came who spoke French, I was able to make them comfortable by speaking their language.The flutist, Jean-Pierre Rampal comes to mind. When I traveled abroad to find Musicians, actors and or dancers to invite to perform at the Lied Center, my French was very valuable.

When I moved to New York, I met a wonderful Broadway Producer and his wife who owned a renovated 17th Century Chateau, La Roche D'Ambille some kilometers from Tour. The place was amazing. It was like Downton Abbey. They invited approximately 16 people for a week at a time. Most of the guests were from New York and London. Few spoke French so I was often the interpreter on all our adventures and there were many. Our host was fond of "activities". We had carving lessons with the carver of vegetables and fruits from the Elysee Palace, tennis, segway and fencing lessons as well as Tango and tap lessons. My favorite was a trip over the Loire Valley in a hot air balloon. Often, our "teachers" spoke only French and I interpreted for the group. In New York, I began to worry that I was becoming rusty so I hired a young French woman to speak with me for an hour each week. Sadly, she has gone back to France and I am in search of a new French friend.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

Spend time in France. Live with a family who speaks no English. After three months of classes in a Language Institute and constant struggles through conversation in French, I was chatting away with ma Famille Francaise.

Has your study of French benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

As I look back it seems to me that my decision to study French was one of my most important life decisions.  As a Kansas native and a college student in the second half of the 1960’s I longed to discover other cultures, other languages, other ways of thinking and being.  My first opportunity to travel abroad was my trip to Paris in 1966 on the KU Summer Study Abroad program.  Since I had only two semesters of French behind me, speaking and sometimes even understanding was a challenge, but I made enormous progress that summer.  I fell in love with the country and the language, so much so that a little more than a year later I fashioned my own year-long study abroad program to Grenoble.  On my return, and in my senior year at KU, I was able to enroll in graduate level French literature classes.  The benefits to me were of gaining a skill at a high level, which helped me feel confident in other areas of life and realize that I could accomplish what I set my mind to.

Skipping forward, I eventually finished my Ph.D. in French at KU after having done a Master’s in French in Paris through Rochester University.  That all took 8 years after receiving my B.A.  I accepted a teaching job at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, up in the northeast corner of the state.  The community was wonderful, and so was the opportunity to teach French at a variety of levels.  However, small town life was difficult for me as a single person, so when romance beckoned me to move to Washington, DC, I eventually gave up my job to move to the nation’s capital.  Once again, I had gained a lot of confidence in my teaching position.

I realized my next position would probably not be as a teacher, and indeed in 1984 I was fortunate enough to secure a position as head of the US office of French publisher, Librairie Hatier.  (The connection to the publishing field, by the way, came through Marie Galanti, a fellow KU grad student in French who moved to San Francisco and founded “Le Journal Français d’Amérique.”)   I spent five wonderful years working for Hatier, a position which allowed me to be in contact with teachers of French across the U.S. and to work with people in Paris and travel there on a regular basis.  Eventually it became clear that my position would be eliminated so once again I needed to find another professional avenue.

By that time, I was in therapy to figure out a number of things.  Long story short, I looked at my therapist and thought to myself, “I could do that.”  So I did.  I returned to  graduate school, got my MSW, did many years of post-graduate training and eventually became a psychoanalyst.  I’ve been in the mental health field for 25 years now, and I am delighted with the path I took.  In terms of using my French, that has been an important aspect of my work.  My office is located a few blocks from The World Bank and The International Monetary Fund, professional home to many French-speaking people.  I am one of a handful of D.C. therapists working in French and am happy to have this special arrow in my quiver. Needless to say, my everyday work in French helps me maintain my language skill.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French at KU?

If you want to use your French or Italian in your everyday life do everything you can to expose yourself to the culture and language: movies, music, podcasts, classes, French news, travel, French clubs and friends.

 If you want to use your French on the job hone a second skill in addition to speaking French.  Is it working as a communications expert, leading groups traveling abroad, teaching a foreign language, helping a technology company create a new office, working as an attorney?  Those are skills that, with some strategy, you might find yourself doing in France or in Italy.  If you want to do something other than teach you need a solid second skill, one you can do in another language or another country.

Make an effort to stay in touch with friends you make in France or Italy.  In addition to the fun of meeting up on visits abroad or having your friends visit you here, friends know people who know people.  Believe in yourself, decide what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What would you like others to know about your studies at KU and life since leaving KU?

At KU: I was blessed with excellent instructors, particularly in French and German where I enjoyed early-level honors classes. Don’t be afraid to stretch out for honors - the benefit of upper-level faculty outweighs the risk. Graduate-level classes were smaller and I felt closer to my fellow students; we laughed a lot. Since leaving: Art History 101 at KU, in addition to opening the door to appreciating art and museums in general, has been a key to history (not my fav’ as a KU student) and a window into other cultures. I continue to be proud of my alma mater and the level of education received there. And thanks to the basketball team, vendors recognize my KU credit card.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Professionally: Yes, I was lucky. I graduated just in time for the Russian Sputnik launch in 1957 to finally bring foreign language to the fore in the US. High schools added more courses and I easily found a Jr-Sr HS teaching post in KC, Kansas. The first semester load was French, German and English! My MA opened the door to an eventual career teaching French, later also German, at the community college in Rochester, MN. Personally: Working with intelligent colleagues, albeit in other fields, and teaching motivated, enthusiastic students, several of whom have become good friends, were the major perks. My family continues to benefit from the overseas connections my profession has helped make, resulting in exchanges to our home in the US and throughout France.

What advice do you have for students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

You are lucky that teaching high school or college is no longer the only way to use a French major/minor. Build a second major in any field of interest, then promote yourself as the candidate with advanced language & cultural sensitivity skills. It helps open doors, even Medical School. For any courses: Keep a record of the instructor’s name and a copy of the syllabus for every course, since in spite of data files, that info may no longer be accessible when and where needed. It’s amazing how much a consult with an instructor, even years later, or the proof of content in a syllabus can help show that you have studied a particular issue when the course title doesn’t. And, thank your former faculty the first time you think of it. Mine were gone before I “found time,” both for high school & KU instructors, to let them know how much they contributed to the value of my life. .

Dan attended the KU Summer Language Institute in Paris in l963. Our first trip to France together was in l974 to attend medical meetings. The same year Martha began a residency in dermatology and immediately recognized the value of French in dermatology. Many of the eponyms for dermatological diseases and names of diseases are French due to the influence of Hopital St. Louis in Paris in the late l880s when many diseases were being identified. 

On returning to Wichita, we joined the Alliance Française and were able to connect with exchange students from our sister city of Orléans. We have entertained many visitors from Orléans and have visited them on many of our trips to France. Our son and daughter learned French as preschoolers through the Alliance and studied French in high school and college. Our son spent a semester in Tours in college. 

In l984, we began teaching two-week seminars for Continuing Medical Education of American physicians and nurses in Kenya. Many of the attendees worked in francophone African countries or were French speaking African physicians. We enjoyed speaking French with them at the meetings. We have since attended 27 of these medical education meetings in Kenya, Greece, Malaysia and Thailand. Our daughter is a physician with a Masters of Public Health in Tropical Medicine from Tulane, passed the French oral exam for International Health, and has worked in Cameroon and Haiti. 

These experiences have greatly enriched our lives. Our family enjoys speaking French not only when in francophone countries and with French friends but also when just the four of us are together. Our children developed a family patois at an early age which we still enjoy. Our fluency in French and travels to France have been a shared passion that we feel has brought us closer as a family.

We would tell the students that the study of French has great value no matter what field they may eventually choose. We hope it would enrich their lives as it has ours.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

Professionally, my undergraduate BA from Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington) and my MA from KU enabled me to teach at the college level. There also were tangential benefits related to teaching French. I was a chaperone with a large group of high school students doing home stays in Toulouse for a month. I taught a Community Education beginning French class for parents about to receive French exchange students. Albion has a sister city relationship with Noisy-le-Roi; as Co-Chair of the sister committee, I participated in the celebration in Noisy. But, the French connection still lives on.  I volunteer with Travelers Assistance at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport.  My primary gig is in the Federal Inspection Service area, aka Immigration and Customs, where I sometimes get to help, and/or translate for, French speaking travelers. 

What advice to you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

A little facetiously, I would say to ignore all those folks who question why you would ever choose to study French or Italian, and say you should have studied Spanish because that could be useful. Immersing yourself in your language and culture of choice (French or Italian) is an enriching lifelong experience. You always will be able to see and appreciate what you see, read, hear, and understand from multiple perspectives. 

Career Information

I spent most of my time at KU studying languages, majoring in French (Honors) and Spanish, but also political science (international relations option). At KU, I studied French, which I studied and learned in grade school (my mother was my teacher), Spanish, Serbo-Croatian (as it was called at the time), German, and Italian. By the time I graduated, I was on track to go into diplomacy, for which languages are of course highly relevant. I got a masters in international relations during the Vietnam War years. That political and intellectual environment let me to switch back to a focus on languages—in general. This led to my studying linguistics. I got a masters in linguistics and then went on to get a Ph.D. in Linguistics in 1977, following many great experiences around the world. I got a full-time private-sector job in linguistics (at the Center for Applied Linguistics) before completing the degree and then a full time academic job in 1974 (going on duty in 1975). My longest tenure in an academic job has been at The City University of New York (CUNY), where I served as chair for many years but declined to go into higher administration. I enjoy research and publishing too much. At CUNY, I went first into an anthropology department (CUNY has many campuses) and shortly thereafter into Anthropology and also Linguistics at the CUNY Graduate Center. I worked as a contract interpreter (in French, Spanish, and Portuguese), when I had the time, until the early 1980s. Actually, I did seminar interpreting also. All of the interpreting was for international or internationally-oriented organizations, e.g., the State Department, USAID, the African-American Institute, Crossroads Africa, etc. I retired about a year ago.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

If was crucial for almost all the jobs I’ve had—and the travel, for grants, internships abroad, study abroad, etc.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

The world is a very different place now, so the paths I took wouldn’t be as useful in today’s world. However, one piece of advice is always valid: study what you REALLY like; then make it work for you. Don’t worry about the low salaries in some occupations. If YOU are CREATIVE and think outside of the box, you can always generate significant streams of income.

Career Information

Served four years in US Navy following graduation and commissioning in KU's NROTC program. While at KU took and passed written and oral foreign service exams. Spent four years in the Navy. Entered foreign service (US Information Service) August 1965. Most of my career spent in cultural and press affairs; posts in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, Syria, Brazil, France, Egypt. Final overseas post was Ambassador to Qatar. Included in my career were three Washington assignments including Director for Near East, North Africa and South Asia. Led USIA negotiating team for amalgamation of foreign service agencies. After retirement from government in 1997 spent 12 years as Senior Vice President of Meridian International Center, the largest NGO cooperating with the State Department for the design and implementation of programs for official visitors to the US under the Department's International Visitor Leadership Program. After 9/11 attacks, I was asked to return to service to set up and direct the Islamabad-based press and information center for the anti-Taliban alliance from November 2001 to February 2002.

Has your study of French or Italian benefited you professionally and/or personally? If so, how?

I have studied several languages in the foreign service, most notably Arabic, Turkish and Portuguese. However, my French study at KU has been indispensable both professionally and personally. I have used French in every foreign posting, without exception. The most rewarding assignment was as Senior Cultural Affairs Officer (Cultural Counselor) at US Embassy Paris. I consider this the most challenging and rewarding assignment of my career, including my assignment as an ambassador. On the personal side, I met my future spouse, a French woman teaching in Morocco for the French government. This was the beginning of my strong connection to France, where we have maintained a summer residence for 25 years.

What advice do you have to students currently studying French or Italian at KU?

If you plan on a career in which your French or Italian will play a role, take every opportunity to put yourself in the spoken environment. Unless you are going to teach, it will be more important for you to communicate verbally on a reasonably competent level (even short of complete fluency), than to be able to read Baudelaire or Dante in the original. Draw your working vocabulary from the spoken language of those around you and newspapers and magazines that cover your area of interest. Note: I would be happy to expand on this view in some other context.

I graduated from KU in 1958 with a degree in French and also one in Sociology, with a minor in music. While I have never been able to use the French to the degree I would wish, it has been useful so many times, including traveling in France, and also in Italy, and elsewhere in the world. I have been surprised at the odd times it has come in handy, including where, as a psychotherapist, when a client would sometimes begin speaking French and I am/was able to respond in French as well, facilitating the client's experience in the session.

Most recently, I discovered my father's small diary from World War I and I have written a memoir based on his experiences in France 100 years ago. He remained in France after the war ended and attended the Univ. of Lyon for a term, where he met a young French lady. Their correspondence after his return from France was quite interesting, and I was able to translate her letters. My language skills also assisted me in my research while writing the book, as he was moved back and forth across the country during 1918.

When I graduated in 1958 I was quite fluent, with an excellent accent, thanks to my professors there at KU, especially, Madame Crumrine, and Messieur Mahieu. While my fluency and vocabulary have diminished in the last 60 years, I can still carry on a conversation and my accent is still pretty good. I hope to make one more trip to France yet (I'm 82). I love the language, the country, and the culture. I was last there in 2008.