About
History
Dr. Omer E. Boivin, a Fall River physician, was a life-long student of the French language and culture. He believed that UMass Dartmouth represented the best opportunity to keep the language alive, and to educate area residents about the culture and history of France. To that end, in 1985, Dr. Boivin, on behalf of himself and his late wife Laurette M. Boivin, donated $100,000 for the creation of The Boivin Center for French Language and Culture.
The Center has:
- Hosted events celebrating French language, arts and culture
- Awarded annual scholarships
- Offered a certificate program in International Marketing/French and
- Interviewed Franco-Americans within the region to document for future generations the positive impact these wonderful individuals had on their community
Mission statement
The Boivin Center for French Language and Culture promotes the teaching of, and appreciation of French language and culture and acts as a catalyst for French studies at the university and regional levels. The Center was founded to be an enduring symbol and constant testimonial to the interest of Omer E. and Laurette M. Boivin in the study, promotion, and preservation of French language and culture.
Scholarship winners
- 1997-98: Natalia Gonçalves, Catherine Kostek
- 1998-99: Sandra Lynn Methe
- 1999-00: Sandra Lynn Methe
- 2000-01: Jessica Nadeau, Rebecca C. Weinman, Richard Guerin
- 2001-02: Richard Guerin
- 2002-03: Heather Contaut
- 2004-05: Lisa Rowell
- 2005-06: Joseph Moses
- 2006-07: Myriam Jeannis, Myrdell Belizaire
- 2007-08: Jill Shastany, Mayra Quinones, Andrey Ryazanov
- 2008-09: Molly Howarth, Melissa Malone, Nathan Yetton
- 2017: Sunny Winthrop