An ‘unwavering dedication’ to French education in the U.S.: St. Mike’s professor knighted by France

Professor Peter Vantine has long borne the title of Saint Michael’s College Purple Knight over his more than a decade of teaching French at the College. But, thanks to the French government, he recently got an upgrade to his knighthood.

Mustafa Soykurt, Consul General of France in Boston, pins a medal to Professor Peter Vantine’s lapel signifying his status of Knight in the Order of Academic Palms. The honor was bestowed on Vantine during a ceremony on March 12, 2025. (Photo by Sophie Burt ’26)

Recently, Vantine, who is Chair of the Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures Department, was recognized as a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms (or Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques). Mustafa Soykurt, Consul General of France in Boston, bestowed the honor upon Vantine during a ceremony on campus March 12.

“I am deeply touched by this recognition granted to me in the name of the French government, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education,” Vantine said. “Everywhere in this world, here as elsewhere, education is essential. It is a need and a good. It is a gift that we deserve by the mere fact of our humanity. It is a sacred responsibility that every generation owes to itself to transmit to the following generation.”

Vantine, a South Burlington resident, received the honor for his commitment to promoting French language, culture, and education in the U.S., at Saint Michael’s, and in Vermont. He has taught classes on the French language, literature, and culture at Saint Michael’s since 2011, and he currently serves as faculty advisor to the College’s French Club. He has also worked throughout this time 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.

Watch a video by Patrick Bohan with highlights from the ceremony. Story continues below.