Cynthia Reed receives the Legion of Honor from Minister Sylvie Retailleau
Cynthia Reed was promoted to the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the Minister of Higher Education and Research, Mrs. Sylvie Retailleau, for her contribution to the promotion of the French language and culture.
During the ceremony, which took place on January 16th, 2023, the Minister recalled the work of C. Reed, who has enabled the emergence of particularly innovative programs at MIT.
Her contribution to promoting and enhancing the French language began at Princeton University, where she supported programs in the Humanities, notably at the Institute for Advanced Study.
In the 2000s, Cynthia Reed began her partnership with MIT, enticed by Gilberte Furstenberg’s course, which featured small group discussions and early use of new technologies. Charmed by this innovative method, Cynthia Reed has continued supporting the more unique and modern means dedicated to promoting the French language and culture.
Her support has continued through establishing two permanent funds: the French Initiatives Endowment Fund (2006) and the Cynthia L. Reed Professorship in French Studies (2014).
In addition to these specific projects, MIT has become an important player in the field of French language education by welcoming authors, organizing festivals, and hosting seminars with international appeal. Her recent projects to renovate MIT buildings only confirm Cynthia Reed’s exemplary dedication to the teaching of French at MIT.