About Us

a) History
b) Mission statement
c) Staff
d) Scholarship winners/criteria

History

Dr. Omer E. Boivin, a Fall River physician, was a life-long student of the French language and culture. He believed that UMass Dartmouth represented the best opportunity to keep the language alive, and to educate area residents about the culture and history of France. To that end, in 1985, Dr. Boivin on behalf of himself and his late wife Laurette M. Boivin donated $100,000 for the creation of The Boivin Center for French Language and Culture at UMD.

The Center has sponsored a variety of notable cultural programs; awarded a number of annual scholarships; offered a certificate program in International Marketing/French; and has begun interviewing Franco-Americans within the region to document for future generations the positive impact these wonderful individuals had on their community.

Mission Statement

The Boivin Center for French Language and Culture promotes the teaching of, and appreciation of French language and culture and acts as a catalyst for French studies at the university and regional levels. The Center was founded to be an enduring symbol and constant testimonial to the interest of Omer E. and Laurette M. Boivin in the study, promotion, and preservation of French language and culture.

Staff

Director: Dr. Mel B. Yoken	Board Members in 1999 (seated left to right) Norman Valiquette, Cynthia Yoken, and Mel Yoken; (standing left to right) Prof. Suzanne Pelletier, Prof. Robert Stavrakas, and Janel Paquin.

Current Board Members:

James Beardsley, Prof. Michelle Cheyne, Nancy Cronan, Janel Paquin, Prof. Stephanie O'Hara, Prof. Suzanne Pelletier, Norman Valiquette, Cynthia Yoken, and Prof. Mel Yoken.

Honorary Board Members:

Marie-Claire Blais, Pierre de Boisdeffre*, Art Buchwald*, William Carter, Julia Child*, Jean-Louis Clapin, Adam Gopnik, Marcel Marceau, Polly Platt, John A. Rassias, Paul Simon*, and Richard Wilbur.
* deceased

Scholarship winners

International Marketing/French Certificate

2007 Brandon Lozeau

Scholarships are awarded annually to freshmen and upperclassmen. For more information, please contact Susan Clarke, the financial aid officer at 508.999.8636.

 Last Updated On: 3/25/08