2025 French Department Honors and Awards

As the semester comes to an end, the French Department celebrated our students' accomplishments.

As the academic year ends, we would like to congratulate  the 2025 recipients of French and SLLC undergraduate scholarships and awards. These students were nominated by faculty and instructors and chosen for their skill and interest in French. Félicitations!

Ashley Hill
AATF Outstanding Senior in French 

"I began my time at Maryland as a French minor, and eventually becoming a French major was one of the best choices I made (or should I say, choice that was made for me). I got to take classes that related to a wide array of my academic interests, such as history and politics, and I’m departing with an even greater love of the French language than I had four years ago. Most importantly, taking French at UMD allowed me to meet classmates who would become lifelong friends, and professors who I knew took a genuine interest in my progress and well-being. These folks and this language will have a special place in my heart forever; thank you, UMD French Department!"
 

Margaret Senturia
SLLC Donald Hirsch Scholarship

I have been formally studying French for six years now, but my interest in the language started at an early age. My father often played music in French for my siblings and I throughout my childhood and I was mesmerized by the unique sounds of the language. I always dreamed of understanding the lyrics, and would take time to read them and try to understand them. Today, I am very grateful to be able to analyze and appreciate the words of songs as well as complex poems and novels in my French courses here at UMD. In the French department, I have been able to embrace and expand my passion for the language through unique course content. I have also been able to create connections with classmates and other French speakers on campus. I could not imagine my university experience without the French department and all of its interesting people and opportunities. I am very much looking forward to studying abroad through the Maryland-in-Nice Program next year to elevate my French skills and enjoy this incredible program.
 

Taylor Dickerson
Dr. Anna Bartsch-Dunne Language House Scholarship
Outstanding First Year at the Language House Student

Studying French has been such an integral part in becoming who I am today. Learning this language has taught me that I am far more capable and resilient than I give myself credit for. The decision to pursue a career in French was a huge risk, and I will forever thank my past self for believing in my abilities. As I enter into my senior year, I will continue to work hard to improve my French abilities and engage with the culture as much as I can.
 
Angela Chavez
AATF Excellence in French

Learning French at UMD has been so special. I have always loved learning the language long before college, but did not expect to be earning one of my degrees in it! I started college with the intention of possibly being a French minor, but mainly to take a few classes to keep practicing the language. However, I was quickly drawn in by the amazing faculty and the fascinating course topics. The classes cover meaningful topics like diplomacy, culture, immigration, literature, and so much more. The last four years have been such a great experience. I was welcomed by the incredible French faculty, who care about every student in the department, and I have made such meaningful and lasting friendships. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of the community and I am going to miss it! Congratulations to my fellow graduates!

James Crabtree
Excellence in Intermediate French

I began taking French courses at UMD to enhance my proficiency in French and pursue my passion for exploring the language and culture of the French-speaking world that I had developed during high school. The professors that I have had and the vibrant community surrounding UMD's French department have provided me with an incredible amount of support that has helped me work towards these goals. Studying French has also offered numerous benefits that I did not expect, such as improving my abilities to write and analyze texts in English, making French a critical component of my education. I would like to combine my skills in French with the degree in computer science that I am pursuing to live and work in Canada after graduation.