Saint Michael’s professor to receive French order of knighthood for promoting French language, culture

A longtime Saint Michael’s College professor is set to be honored by the French government for his commitment to promoting French language, culture, and education in the U.S., at the College, and in Vermont.

Mustafa Soykurt, Consul General of France in Boston, will bestow the Ordre des Palmes Académiques upon Peter Vantine, a Professor of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures specializing in French, during a ceremony on campus on March 12 at 4:30 p.m. The honor is an order of knighthood in France and is one of the oldest civil honors bestowed by the French Republic.  

Saint Michael’s College Professor Peter Vantine.

Vantine, a South Burlington resident, has taught classes on the French language, literature, and culture at Saint Michael’s since 2011. He currently serves as the Regional Representative for New England to the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), the national professional association for French teachers at all levels in the U.S.  

Along with his lessons in the classroom, Vantine has worked to bring French culture to the wider Saint Michael’s community by holding lectures, screening French films, organizing French theatrical performances and concerts, and bringing French film festivals to the College. He often collaborates with the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region (AFLCR) to make these events possible. He is also faculty advisor to Saint Michael’s French Club. 

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition of efforts that are, for me, both a passion and a pleasure,” Vantine said. “I’m also humbled, knowing how many other talented teachers work tirelessly to teach world languages and cultures. 

“Collectively, we strive to expand our students’ personal and professional horizons by developing their ability to communicate with people across the globe and fostering intercultural understanding. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to teach and promote the French language and Francophone culture at Saint Michael’s College and to foster ties between France and Vermont, as well as France and the United States more broadly.” 

Vantine’s nomination for the title of Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques reflects not only his individual achievements but also the influence of his work on the historical and cultural connections between Saint Michael’s College and France, particularly through the Burlington-Honfleur Sister City project. The Honfleur Committee, on which Vantine and others connected to Saint Michael’s have served, has continued to foster cultural exchange between the College and the French town of Honfleur for almost two decades. 

“Peter, you are the kind of professor students admire and we all wanted to have as teacher,” said Soykurt, the Consul General in Boston. “It is your unwavering dedication and commitment to French language and culture that we celebrate.” 

President Richard Plumb, second in the procession, is led out of the McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall by Faculty Grand Marshal Professor Peter Vantine following the Inauguration of Saint Michael’s College’s 18th President on Oct. 26, 2024. (Photo by Steve Mease)

Saint Michael’s College’s connection to France goes beyond the Honfleur Sister City project. The College’s founders, the Society of Saint Edmund, originally organized in France during the 18th century, and they later came to Vermont via Canada in the early 20th century. The College maintains its connection to France through Edmundite heritage trips and academic study trips led by faculty and members of the Society of Saint Edmund. 

“We are proud of our College’s heritage and continued connection to France, both through the Society of Saint Edmund and people like Professor Peter Vantine,” said Saint Michael’s College President Richard Plumb, Ph.D. “Peter exemplifies the type of professors we are fortunate to have here at Saint Michael’s — those who are committed to global learning and literacy as an avenue to deeper cultural competency and understanding. We are so thrilled he is being recognized for his dedication to that key part of our College’s mission.”   

Join us: 

• What: Ceremony honoring Saint Michael’s Professor Peter Vantine with l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques 
• When: 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025 
• Where: Saint Michael’s College Dion Family Student Center, 3rd floor (Roy Room)  
• RSVP: As there is limited seating for the event, community members who would like to attend should register here.>> 

Members of the media who would like to attend the ceremony should contact Associate Director of Public Relations Liz Murray at emurray@smcvt.edu. 

About Saint Michael’s College 

Saint Michael’s College, founded on principles of social justice and leading lives of purpose and consequence, is a selective, Catholic college just outside Burlington, Vermont, one of the country’s best college towns. Located between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, our closely connected community guarantees housing all four years and delivers internationally respected liberal arts together with an innovative Purposeful Learning Program, preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. Young adults here grow intellectually, socially, and morally, learning to be responsible for themselves, each other, and their world.