SUMMARY

The Consul General François Penguillly accompanied Ambassador Philippe Etienne to Charlottesville on November 9, 2022 for a visit to the University of Virginia (UVA). They were welcomed by Ian Baucom, Dean of the University, and Steve Mull, Associate Dean for Global Affairs, and met with Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics, and Laurent Dubois, Director of the Karshin Institute for Democracy. They then met with faculty from the French department and French-speaking students, in the presence of Christa Acampora, Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Buckner W. Clay, Professor of Philosophy. During a ceremony in the University's Rotunda, the Ambassador presented Janet Horne, head of the French Department, with the medal of Chevalier des Palmes académiques, before speaking and discussing with students about Europe and the war in Ukraine. Vincent Michelot, Attaché for University Cooperation at the French Embassy, announced on this occasion the admission of the University of Virginia to the network of Centers of Excellence, which includes 28 American universities. This visit allowed for in-depth discussions on the prospects for strengthening academic partnerships with the University of Virginia.