StFX Dean of Education Dr. Lace Marie Brogden has been awarded one of France's highest academic distinctions, the rank of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Palms), in recognition of her longstanding contributions to French language education and international academic collaboration.
Dr. Brogden received the insignia for the award during a ceremony held November 24 in Moncton, NB, presided over by M. Bertrand Cahuet, Consul General of France in the Atlantic provinces. Founded by Napoleon in 1808, the Order of Academic Palms recognizes exemplary service in teaching, scholarship, and the advancement of knowledge, and remains one of the most coveted honours bestowed on members of the academic community.
L-r, M. Bertrand Cahuet, Consul General of France in the Atlantic provinces presents StFX Dean of Education Dr. Lace Marie Brogden with the rank of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes académiques.
"I was just so very honoured," Dr. Brogden said of receiving the medal at the Consul General's home, where her family, decanal colleagues from UPEI and UMoncton, as well as Dr. Pierre Zundel, President of CCNB and Chair of the Board of Directors of Colleges and Institutes Canada, joined her to mark the occasion, a gesture she described as making the day especially meaningful.
Dr. Brogden traces her passion for the French language back to her school days in core French. She went on to earn a four-year Bachelor of Education in French and spent much of her career working in French-language education before joining StFX. "I've always loved French and pursued the challenge," she said on completing her undergraduate degree in a second language.
During her time as Director of the French teacher education program at the University of Regina, Dr. Brogden collaborated closely with the Université de Nantes. What began as informal student exchanges evolved into efforts, led by Dr. Brogden and Nantais colleague Jocelyne Barreau, to formalize the partnership. Their work resulted in the first-ever double diploma in education between a French and a Canadian university, enabling students to graduate with degrees and teaching qualifications recognized in both countries.
Her commitment to fostering French language learning has continued throughout her career, including at StFX. This January, the Faculty of Education will welcome its first assistante de langue from France, part of a longstanding France-Canada partnership. The assistant will work alongside the department's part-time French faculty and support StFX students in their language learning. Students will benefit from working directly with a native French speaker, while the assistant gains experience in a Canadian educational setting. Dr. Brogden says StFX exchange coordinator Nate Taylor provided much support for this initiative.
At the pinning ceremony, Consul General Cahuet highlighted the symbolism of the medal's distinctive violet ribbon: "La couleur violette du ruban des Palmes académiques est symbole de sagesse, de connaissance, d'autorité et de spiritualité" a poetic balance of wisdom, knowledge, authority, and spirituality.
Reflecting on the opportunities her work in French has afforded her, Dr. Brogden said she has always embraced them. Her commitment to promoting French extends to her work in Nova Scotia's education system as well. During annual consultation meetings with Nova Scotia's regional education centres, she also encouraged participation from the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) school board. When the CSAP expressed interest in holding a similar meeting conducted in French, a new French-language session was created, another step in language collaboration and representation.
