Spring Break
University professor receives prestigious French teaching award
Tyler Will
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Campus
- < prev Page 2 of 2
"It's rare," Gauthier said, commenting on foreign given awards. He gave the award to three American professors last year.
The honor of such an award leaves Durand in shock.
"I have a hard time believing it myself," said Durand, adding that he was speechless.
Durand said it is the cultural aspect that motivates him to teach.
"French culture has such a rich and long history," he said. "It will be beneficial to all students to acquire knowledge about that culture,"
Durand said has always enjoyed academia.
"I didn't want to leave," he said. "The only way not to leave was to become a professor, and [teaching] became like a mission to me."
Colin Lindo has had five classes with Durand and spoke highly of his professor. "He's the best professor I've ever had. He's enthusiastic and humorous. It's like a stand-up comedy routine that I enjoy and it makes me want to come to class."
Lauren Dontek, another student of Durand described him as a passionate teacher.
"He encourages people to experience another culture."
Dontek's remarks shed light on one of Durand's philosophies.
"I think that what is vital is studying abroad. The students get opportunities to go abroad and they are changed forever," Durand said.
Durand said he is sure that people in France will hear he received the Palme Acadèmique.
"They will not believe it," he said.
The honor of such an award leaves Durand in shock.
"I have a hard time believing it myself," said Durand, adding that he was speechless.
Durand said it is the cultural aspect that motivates him to teach.
"French culture has such a rich and long history," he said. "It will be beneficial to all students to acquire knowledge about that culture,"
Durand said has always enjoyed academia.
"I didn't want to leave," he said. "The only way not to leave was to become a professor, and [teaching] became like a mission to me."
Colin Lindo has had five classes with Durand and spoke highly of his professor. "He's the best professor I've ever had. He's enthusiastic and humorous. It's like a stand-up comedy routine that I enjoy and it makes me want to come to class."
Lauren Dontek, another student of Durand described him as a passionate teacher.
"He encourages people to experience another culture."
Dontek's remarks shed light on one of Durand's philosophies.
"I think that what is vital is studying abroad. The students get opportunities to go abroad and they are changed forever," Durand said.
Durand said he is sure that people in France will hear he received the Palme Acadèmique.
"They will not believe it," he said.
