York University awarded a doctorate honoris causa to French Professor Jean-Michel Lacroix at its graduation ceremony held on the Glendon College campus on June 15, 2013. The purpose was to underline his pioneering role in the field of Canadian Studies in France.
A professor of North American civilization at the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris 3, Lacroix is an internationally renowned educational leader. He has played a significant role in advancing the study of Canada in French universities. He was one of the founders of the Association française d’études canadiennes [French Association of Canadian Studies]; he co-edited the journal Études canadiennes and served as Vice-President of the Association nationale France-Canada. Lacroix became France’s representative on the International Council for Canadian Studies in 1983 and presided over the Council from 1989 to 1991. His contributions to research and scholarship include the editing of 20 volumes on Canadian Studies, covering a wide range of subjects from politics to culture and language.
Lacroix was also President of the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris 3 in 2001-2002; he had previously occupied the prestigious post of Rector and Chancellor of the Académie de Besançon, a position in which he represented the Minister of Education responsible for education, including at the university level, in this region of France. He also shared similar duties at the Université Aix-Marseille in 2002 and, in 2004, at the Université Orléans-Tours.
Glendon College is very pleased by the homage paid to this eminent academic, a recognition that reflects the improvements that have been made in mutual understanding between Canada and France.
