From SFU News...

Claire Trépanier, director of the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) at Simon Fraser University from 2008 to 2017, was awarded the insignia of Knight of the Ordre des Palmes académiques at a ceremony Tuesday evening.

Mr. Philippe Sutter, Consul General of France in Vancouver, bestowed the honour at a private ceremony which took place at OFFA.

Trépanier received the award for her numerous contributions to French-language programs at SFU and for the connections and relationships she built between SFU and the Francophone and Francophile communities in British Columbia, Canada and internationally. 

The Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Palms) is a national order of France that was re-instated on Oct. 4, 1955 by President René Coty. It succeeded the decoration of Silver Palms (officer d’Académie) created in 1808 by Emperor Napoléon I.

Today, the award not only honours teachers but also other members in education. It can also be awarded to foreigners and to French citizens living abroad, who contribute actively to promote the value of French culture in the world.

During her mandate at the OFFA, Trépanier contributed to the development of several innovative programs such as the French cohort program in Public and International Affairs which offers studies in French at SFU and student exchanges in France or Quebec.

She also contributed to many programs in the Faculty of Education including the Formation duale which was created in partnership with the Université de Tours.

As a member of several professional teacher associations, Trépanier is an important figure in Vancouver's Francophone community and supports cultural and social organizations in the region.