You
Wouldn't Know They Majored in French
Have you ever heard someone say that
majoring in French in college limits your options? What can you do with
a degree in French? Actually the question should be "What can't you do
with a degree in French?" The following web sites will show you general
academic, cognitive, developmental, neurological and psychological,
benefits of foreign language learning, and its role in the development
of analytical and critical thinking:
A Rationale For Foreign Language Education (NCSSFL)
http://www.ncssfl.org/papers/index.php?rationale
Benefits of Being Bilingual (ACTFL)
http://www.yearoflanguages.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651
Foreign Languages: An Essential Core Experience
http://www.utm.edu/departments/french/flsat.html
All of these are yours with a major
in French, even if you do not become a diplomat, a translator or a
French teacher. It should be obvious that your degree need not sound
like a job title, and your curriculum need not be a training film
for how you behave in your cubicle. Another thing you will take away
with you is the capacity to communicate with 220 million people in 56
countries world-wide (30 where French is an official language). Of
course the language of your major has its fashionable edge, spoken by
some of the high-profile and famous people whose names are constantly
front-page news:
THE LANGUAGE OF THE STARS
http://www.utm.edu/staff/globeg/celebfrench.shtml
Getting back to the question of a
college degree, if you would like to see 150 French graduates who have
great careers, and who are not in a French classroom, look at this list
of people with multiple interests, and talents. In a number of cases,
these people have a second major or went on to an advanced degree in a
field specific to their
careers. Now nobody can say that a French degree "limits your options."
They
all majored in French:
Allison Adams, Managing Director & Group Publisher of Institutional
Investor Newsletters & Journals, earned a B.A. degree in French
from B.A. degree from The University of Rhode Island.
Louis L. Ainsworth, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and
Secretary of Pentair, Inc. (a Golden Valley, Minnesota based company
focused on water technologies and enclosures for electronic products),
holds a BA in French from Seattle University.
Susan Akbarpour, General Partner in Linkore (location of funding
entrepreneurs and high-technology ventures), earned her B.A in French
Literature and Language from the University of Ferdowsi-Mashadv (Iran)
Christina Amendolia, inaugural member of Peter Kyle Dance (New York
City based contemporary dance company), earned her BA in French
Language and Literature from the College of the Holy Cross
Jenee Andreev, Northern Region International Trade Manager of the
Virginia Economic Development Partnership, holds a B.A. in French from
the University of Mary Washington.
Corazon C. Aquino, past President of the Republic of the Philippines
(1986-1992), majored in French and Mathematics College of Mount Saint
Vincent in New York.
Diane Ashley, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was appointed in 2011
to the Board's Office of Diversity and Inclusion . She holds a
bachelor's degree in French from Yale University.
Leigha Basini, Program Manager and child health coverage specialist
with the National Academy for State Health Policy, holds a BA in French
from Queens University of Charlotte
Emanuel Ax multiple Grammy-winning American-Jewish classical pianist,
majored in French at Columbia University.
Gloria Baldino, Vice President of Sales at All Star Directories
(Seattle Washington) earned a Bachelor's degree in French from Portland
State University.
Lacy J. Banks, Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter/columnist and Baptist
preacher, graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in French.
Dianne Barkley, a Senior Vice President, Private Client Consultant at
U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management, earned a BA in
French, History and Education from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame.
Peter Battiste, a contributor to "Sustainable Wealth", an Analyst and
part of the portfolio management group at Merk Investments, holds a
B.A. in French from Siena College in Loudonville, New York.
Molly Beacham, Director of Development of Democracy North Carolina, earned a
BA in French Literature from Louisiana State University.
Katherine [Kate] Beckinsale, English film and television actress,
majored in French and Russian at Oxford University.
Cynthia Bennett, a Policy & Compliance Analyst for Deloitte &
Touche and serving on the Tennessee Alliance for Progress Board,
holds a B.A. and an M.A. in French from Purdue University.
Amy Benson, Librarian/Archivist for Digital Projects, Radcliffe
Schlesinger Library, holds a BA in French and Modern Languages from
Beloit College.
Lisa Michelle Borders President of the Henry W. Grady Health System
Foundation, current president of the Atlanta City Council of
Atlanta, Georgia, holds a bachelor’s degree in French from Duke
University
Amanda Brecker, prize-winning international jazz and pop singer/song
writer, majored in French and Spanish at Bucknell University.
Joan Brett , founder owner and CEO of the Culinary School of the
Rockies, holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Smith College.
Ellen Brostrom, Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge, majored in French
literature at Boston College.
Megan Boutwell, a project manager for Stillwater Associates (services
to clients with needs in the downstream oil sector) earned a BA in
French and English Literature from Hollins University.
Cara Boyle, a Partner in Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu (trademark,
copyright, design and unfair competition law), received a B.A. in
French and History from the University of Virginia.
John E. Broussard, Jr., Director of Legislative Affairs and
Communications for the USA Rice Federation, has a B.A., with a major in
French, from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Sarah Cady, Director of Refugee Resettlement & Employment with the
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, received a dual B.A. in
International Relations and French Language, Literature and Culture
from Syracuse University.
Holli Herbert Carlson, Clinical Project Manager at Abbott Laboratories,
in Arlington Heights, Illinois, majored in French at Knox College.
Rebekkah Carney, Vice President, MedTech Prime Market Research, holds a
a BA in French from from Mount Holyoke College.
Nigerian Transport Minister Kema Chikwe majored in French at the
Advanced Teachers’ College, Owerri. Her first and second degrees from
Queen’s College of the City University of New York were also in French.
Chloe Cho, CNBC Asia Pacific in Singapore and sole hostess of "CNBC's
Cash Flow", graduated in French from the Hankuk University of Foreign
Studies.
Dr. Lizzie Clapham, licensed naturopathic doctor with Pathways to
Natural Health (Santa Barbara), earned a BA in French from Colby
College.
Catherine Clark, Director RISE program Columbia Business School, a
leading authority in the field of social entrepreneurship, social
investing and social impact assessment, earned her BA in French and
Russian literature from the University of Virginia.
Marc Cohen, Research Fellow, Food Consumption & Nutrition Division,
International Food Policy Research Institute, earned his B.A. in French
at Carleton College.
Catherine Cooling - Marketing Coordinator, Cheese and Manufactured
Products at U.S. Dairy Export Council, was a French major at Georgetown
University.
Alfred Corn, prize-winning poet and essayist, author of over a dozen
volumes, received his B.A. in French literature from Emory University
Joseph Covington, Director of Education at the North Carolina Museum of
Art , holds a B.A. in French from Vanderbilt University.
Linsey Daman, founder of the Cultural Arts Center St. Louis, majored in
French at Webster University.
Eve Rachelle Daugherty, Human Resources Manager, Market Decisions
Corporation in Portland, Oregon, majored in French at Knox College.
Angela Davis, famous political activist and currently a Distinguished
Visiting Professor in the Women's and Gender Studies Department at
Syracuse University, majored in French at Brandeis University, and
lived for some time in France.
Jane G. Davis, a member of the Corporate and Financial Services
Department. for Shumaker Williams P.C., legal and business counsel,
received a B.A. in French from Elmira College.
Anne E. Derse, confirmed to be the US ambassador to Lithuania on July
24, 2009, earned her B.A. in French and linguistics from Macalester
College.
Jennifer W. DiBerardino, senior vice president, treasurer of Selective
Insurance Group, Inc. holds a B.A. in French and Spanish from West
Virginia University in Morgantown.
Allison Domicone, Development Coordinator for Creative Commons,
graduated from the University of San Francisco, with a double major in
French and International Studies.
Jon Ellms, Vice President/Principal, part-owner and board member of
Access TCA (communications planning, event and exhibit production,
creative and media products, and support services) , holds a bachelor’s
degree in French from UMass/Amherst.
Sandra Gilbert English, Design Engineer for Michelin Tire Corporation,
in Greenville, South Carolina, majored in French at Knox College.
Richard Ericson, Principal; Towers Perrin (human resources and
financial services consulting), holds a B.A. in French literature from
Northern Illinois University.
Juliet Evans, Administrative and communications assistant for
Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development's Programme for
International Student Assessment, has a B.A. in French Studies from the
University of Nottingham.
Nina Fan, member of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra since 1997, winner
of the 2002 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians, earned
her BA in French literature from Harvard.
Mark Gauthier, Vice President, in charge of Indexing and Editorial
Services in the H.W. Wilson Company (publisher of Reader's Guide to
Periodical Literature, etc.) graduated with a French major from the
University of Vermont.
Sandra Gillis, Senior Program Assistant at the Center for International
Exchanges, earned her B.A. in French from Florida State University
AnnMarie Ginella, Executive Director and Editor for WidowSpeak
(multidimensional widow support project), earned a B.A. in French
Literature at Sonoma State University
Linnea Good, singer-songwriter and leader in the fields of music in
worship, nominated for major Canadian awards as Outstanding Children's
Album of the Year, received her BA in French Literature from Emmanuel
College of the University of Toronto.
Edward St. John Gorey, an American writer and artist noted for his
macabre illustrated books, received his B.A. in French from Harvard.
Kevin Hamlin, technology research associate with Telematics Research
Group Incorporated, earned his B.A. in French from St. Olaf College.
Edith Head, costume designer, winner of eight Academy Awards (nominated
for 34), received her B.A. in French from the University of California,
Berkeley.
Holly Henley, Director of the Arizona State Library’s Library
Development Division , earned her B.A. in French and Secondary
Education from the University of Richmond
Joan E. Herbig, CEO of Centro|Scan, a PCI compliance and security
solutions company, earned a B.A. in French from the University of
Louisville.
Philip Hersh, internationally known sportswriter for the Chicago
Tribune, graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in French and a
specialization in early 19th Century French literature.
Vivienne Heston-Demirel, Director of Communications, earned a BA
in French Language and Literature with honors from the State University
of New York at Stony Brook.
Marguerite Higgins (1920-1966) , Pulitzer Prize-winning American
reporter and war correspondent, ,
graduated from the University of California at Berkley with a BA in
French.
Julie Holunga, Business Development Director of iRelaunch (career
reentry consulting), earned a Bachelor's degree in French Literature at
Union College.
Allison Hooper, Co-founder, Vermont Butter & Cheese Company ($7.5
million in annual sales), was a French major at Connecticut College and
lived in Paris for a semester .
Louise A. Howard, Senior Investment Analyst with the YMCA Retirement
Fund has a BA in French, from the University of New Orleans.
Steve Hughes, founder and President of Hit Your Stride, LLC, a
communications consultancy, holds a BA in French Literature and
European History from the University of Kansas
Gary John Ilagan, the Principal of the Houston immigration law firm of
Ilagan & Associates, P.C. , earned his B.A. in French and Political
Science from Vanderbilt University.
Carin Jacobs, Director of CARE: Center for The Arts, Religion
& Education (Berkeley, CA), earned a BA in French Literature from
the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Ambassador Janice L. Jacobs, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs
in the US Department of State, received a BA in French and Education
from Southern Illinois University.
Amy Janzen, Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications with
Major League Gaming, holds a B.A. in French from the University of
Pennsylvania.
Walter Jennings, market leader and managing director of public
relations firm Burson-Marsteller Australia, earned a BA in French from
St. Laurence University (NY).
Lisa Johns, Managing Editor of Yogi Times, received a BA in French
Language and Literature from the University of Akron.
Maryfran Johnson, a leading IT journalist, Editorial Director of
Executive Programs, CXO Media, Inc., graduated in French from State
University of New York at Albany.
Kristin Jones, Vice President of Business Development, Indiana Health
Industry Forum, received her B.A. in French from Indiana University in
Bloomington, Indiana.
Marie M. Jones, Esq., an equity member and former managing attorney
with Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek and Eck, P.L.L.C., of Pittsburgh,
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Duquesne University.
Fred Joyal, a graduate in French from the University of Rhode Island,
is the successful CEO of 1-800-DENTIST.
Hollywood superstar, Ashley Judd majored in French at the University of
Kentucky.
Gopinder Kaur, Sikh writer, ecology activist, Punjabi curriculum
specialist for the European Union, graduated in French and Russian from
the University of Cambridge.
Erica L. Keller, a Partner in Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
(Michigan-based, practicing international law), earned a B.A. in
French from the University of Michigan.
Emily Kettle: Client Services Director for Facts International,
graduated in French and Economics from The University of Reading.
Haesun Kim, CEO of Suntransglobe Co., Ltd., has a BA in French and
English languages from Hankook University of Foreign Studies.
Gwendolyn King, President of Podium Prose, a Washington DC-based
speakers bureau and speechwriting service, graduated from Howard
University with a B.A. in French and Education.
Valorie L. Klemz, Vice President of Marketing with Capstone Publishers,
earned a BA in French from the University of Minnesota.
Hannah Knapp, Artistic Associate with Shakespeare’s Associates, Inc.
(California), holds a BA in French and Theater Theory and Performance
from Mount Holyoke College.
Famous Icelandic writer, Gerður Kristný (poetry, novels,
children's literature), graduated in French and Comparative Literature
in Reykjavík.
Mr. Carroll S. Keim, President & CEO of Hidell-Eyster International
(beverage consulting firm in Accord, MA) holds an undergraduate degree
in French from Wesleyan University
William Moses Kunstler (1919-1995), American "radical lawyer" and civil
rights activist, board member of the American Civil Liberties Union,
co-founder of the Law Center for Constitutional Rights, majored in
French at Yale.
Emily Larson, Communications Coordinator with Office Evolution (office
services and office space for small business professionals along the
Colorado Front Range) earned a B.A. in French from the University of
Colorado in Boulder.
Alicia Lee holds a B.A. in French Language and Literature from Columbia
University. World-famous clarinet player.
Jae-Bong Lee, President and Chief Marketing Officer Ener1 Korea, Inc.
(technologies for utility grid, transportation and industrial
applications) holds a Bachelor’s degree in French from the Hankuk
University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Korea
Erika Lehmann, Beauty and Style Co-Editor at Lifetime Moms, and
entrepreneur founder of web-based "Chic Shopper Chick", graduated with
a BA in French from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Tanya Lervik, General Manager of Classical Movements, Inc. (concert
touring company for major orchestras and choruses) holds a BA in
French from The George Washington University
Kimberly J. Manhard, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
and Development Operations for Ardea Biosciences, has a BA
in French from the University of Florida.
Jennifer Marshall, Director of Domestic Policy Studies at The Heritage
Foundation, holds a B.A. in French from Wheaton College
John F. Matheus, famous African-American poet and short story writer,
graduated in French from Coilumbia University.
Tim McCoy - Graduate in Political Science and French from the
University of Tennessee at Martin, is Vice President for Member
Services, Corporate Council on Africa (Washington, DC).
Matthew Meares, Director of Project Finance for solar technology
producer Amonix, Inc., holds a BA in French Language and Literature
from North Carolina State.
Anne Miles, Managing Director of BlueOrchard Finance USA Inc., holds a
BA in French Literature and Economics and from Drew University, New
Jersey.
Eileen D. Millar, Vice President and Manager of Operations of
Grass® Technologies (Neurophysiological Instrumentation), holds a
BA in French and Education from Queens College of New York.
Esther Morales, Curator of Education for the Miami Art Museum,
graduated from Wells College with a B.A. in French Literature.
Philip David Morehead, Head of Music Staff of the Lyric Opera of
Chicago, the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, and the Patrick
G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, majored in French at Swarthmore
College.
Craig M. Mullaney, a veteran and the author of and the author of The
Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier’s Education (Penguin Press)
(Penguin
Press)a senior advisor on Afghanistan and Pakistan issues,
double-majored in French and History at USMA West Point.
Sarah Nash, a Research Staff Member of the Science and Technology
Policy Institute, holds a bachelor's degree in French from Dickinson
College.
Grael Norton, Acquisitions Manager for Wheatmark Book Publishing
Company, and screenplay author, holds a BA in French and Romance
philology from Columbia University.
Sarah Schaerr Norton, Director of Public Relations for Accuracy in
Media, holds a B.A. in French from Brigham Young University.
Bruce Pacht, Executive Director of Twin Pines Housing Trust (NH),
earned a B.A. in French from Dartmouth College.
Michael Palmer, prize-winning author or translator of nineteen books of
poetry, essayist, dance and art collaborator, earned his BA in French
from Harvard.
Martina Pelešková, European Commission Representation in Czech
Republic, graduated in French philology from Charles University in
Prague.
Benson-Perella, the Founder and Managing Director of “Muffie on
Markets” (Article Directory) and Muff Cap, LLC., an invitation
only, private investment vehicle, holds a B.A. in French and Art from
Vassar College.
Crystal Porter, a Principal in Market Access International, Inc.
(nternational trade, investment and enterprise development services)
earned a BA in French from Georgia State University.
Erin Quinn, Project Director for AuthorsOnTheWeb (website design &
development, internet marketing, publicity services), earned her B.A.
in French and Linguistics from the University of Michigan.
Steven Raichlen, King of Barbecue, Cordon bleu and La Varenne chef,
host of TV shows for Radio Canada and PBS, author of award winning
cookbooks, holds a BA in French from Reed College.
Nicole Redford, United States Program Manager of Art for Refugees in
Transition, received her B.A. in French and International Relations
from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Marjorie ("Midge") Osterlund Rendell, Third U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals Judge in Philadelphia, majored in French at the University of
Pennsylvania.
Douglas Renfield-Miller, Acting President and Member of the Board of
Directors, Kyrgyz-North America Trade Council received his B.A. in
French and Philosophy from Connecticut College.
Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and candidate for President,
was a French major at Tufts University.
The Rev. Dr. Catherine Robinson, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian in
Albuquerque, NM, received a B.A. in French from the University of Texas
at Austin.
Brian Rodocker, Vice President of Sales and Purchasing with Tiedemann
Globe (exporter of vintage apparel) earned a B.A. in French from
Arizona State University.
Ilka S. Rodríguez-Díaz, Director of Central Intelligence
Agency University’s Mission Academy
to the United States Agency for International Development, graduated
from New York University with a B.A. in French and German.
Emmy Award winning CNN biz correspondent Christine Romans was a French
and Journalism major at Iowa State University.
Nancy Royce, Owner and Director of The Nancy Royce Studio of Dance
(Aberdeen, NJ), is a graduate of Hofstra University with a BA in French.
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, graduated from Exeter
in French and Classics.
Alexie Rubin, Legal Assistant and Office Manager at Dominguez Law
Group, majored in French at Columbia University in New York.
Stuart H. Sadick, a Partner in the consulting firm Heidrick &
Struggles, received his BA in French from Connecticut College.
Martha Dunagin Saunders, ninth and current president of The University
of Southern Mississippi, earned her B.A. in French from the University
of Southern Mississippi
Rachel Saunders, founder of Blue Chair Fruit Company, maker of jams and
marmalades in the San Francisco Bay Area, majored in French at Smith
College.
Marjorie Scardino, CEO of multi-billion dollar international media
conglomerate, Pearson, earned a BA in French and psychology from Baylor
University.
Colonel Parker B. Schenecker, United States Army (highly decorated),
earned a B.A. in French from Washington & Lee University.
Pierre Seligman, Managing Director of China Solar Energy, holds a
Bachelor’s degree in French Literature from the University of Leeds.
Priscilla Seuss, Vice President of Sales for Northern Light Group,
LLC (strategic research portals, business research content, and
search technology to global enterprises), holds a BA in French from the
State University of New York and an MA in French from the University of
Buffalo.
Brooke Shields, American actress, author and model, Graduated with
honors and a French major from Princeton University.
Lauren Shockey, a freelance writer who specializes in culinary
journalism (Her memoir of learning to cook around the world, Four
Kitchens, will be published in 2011), majored in French literature at
the University of Chicago.
Sheila Siden, Community Development Director of Artist Trust
(supporting and encouraging individual artists), has a BA in French
from San Francisco State University.
Bill Smith, General Manager of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, was a
French major at Hamilton College.
Kevin Smith, COO of Arysta LifeScience - Europe (life sciences
and crop protection), Bachelor’s degree in French from University of
Leeds.
Lorrie Stuart, associate specializing in designing, conducting,
and interpreting of qualitative research for Greenhouse
Associates (consulting firm), holds a B.A. in French Literature
from Tulane University.
Tabitha Suzuma - author A Note of
Madness, From Where I Stand,
A Voice
in the Distance, Without
Looking Back, graduated in French Literature
from King’s College London.
Scott Tieman, Head of Client Services at Red Bricks Media, holds a B.A.
in French from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Archimandrite Tikhon, Bishop of South Canaan in the Orthodox Church of
America, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in from Franklin and
Marshall College, Lancaster, PA
Benjamin Toso, Vice President for Information Technology Services of US
Energy Services in Minneapolis, has a degree in French from Concordia
College (Morehead, MN).
Amanda Truman, Director of Product MarketingLeisure Pass Group (prepaid
entry to rich history and cultural treasures at attractions), holds a
BA in French and Linguistics from the University of Leeds.
Hideko Tsubota, Senior Consultant for media relations firm
Arex Corporation, earned a B.A. in French literature from Waseda
University in Tokyo.
Anne Vasile, Project Coordinator for TD Consulting (Westchester County
New York), holds a B.A. in French from Fordham University
Jenny L. Verner, vice president of supply chain management for Cargill,
Inc., earned a BA in French from the University of Minnesota.
Nobel Prize winning West Indian poet Derek Walcott, majored in French,
Latin and Spanish at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Award-winning Chef Lucia Watson , proprietor of Lucia's
Restaurant, Wine Bar and Lucia’s To Go (Minneapolis), earned a B.A. in
French from the University of Minnesota.
John Wirt, BA in French from Knox College is Associate General Counsel
for Don King Productions, Inc., Oakland Park, Florida.
David Zucker, a Senior Vice President and Partner of the multinational,
multicultural public relations firm, Porter Novelli, has a B.A. in
French Literature from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
Stri Zulch, Vice President of Marketing for Solaria (silicon PV
products), holds a B.A. in French and a B.A. in International
Relations, both from the University of California, Berkeley.
TennesseeBob Peckham
Director, Globe-Gate Intercultural Web Project
Made in Tennessee to bring you the
world
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for French Language & Culture Advocacy in the US