Teacher accepts French award
By Heather Poston
Staff
Writer
A representative from the French government was
on campus Wednesday to recognize the achievements of a Purdue University
professor.
Paul Benhamou, associate professor of French literature,
was awarded the distinguished Palmes Academiques Award for his exemplary
service in promoting French culture and education. The award was established
in 1808 by Napoleon and is the most prestigious award a scholar can
receive from the French government.
"I am very pleased to have been given this award,"
said Benhamou.
Benhamou grew up in Algeria and attended the University
of France in Dijon. He received a master's equivalent in English and
returned to Algeria to teach high school. He then transferred to the
University of Iowa where he received a master's and a Ph.D. in French
literature. He received a teaching position at Purdue in 1969 and has
been working here ever since.
"Everyone made us feel so welcomed at Purdue. Me
and my wife have been very comfortable here," said Benhamou.
Benhamou teaches 18th century French literature
and culture. He was twice the chairman of the French department and
was the founder of the Friends of French organization.
He described himself as being an interactive teacher.
He said he tries to keep the students interested by relating the topics
of French culture and literature to the lives of the students.
"He is an excellent professor in the classroom.
He holds high standards and is loved by his undergraduate and graduate
students," said Christiane Keck, head of the department of foreign language
and literature. "He has also done excellent research on the 18th century
French literature and culture."
The deputy cultural attaché from Chicago,
Veronique Renault, presented the award to Benhamou on behalf of the
French government.
"This award could not have been awarded to a better
person at a better time," said Renault.
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