Nazareth's French House receives Friend of World Languages Award

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Nazareth University's French House has been named the 2026 recipient of the Friend of World Languages Award for the role it plays in promoting the French language and cultures. The award will be presented March 21 at 8 a.m. at the New York State Association for Language Teachers’ Rochester Regional annual conference at Nazareth. Honorary Consul of France Bertrand Juillet will attend the ceremony.

The Rochester Regional Friend of World Languages Award is given to a person, institution, or business that champions world language education within the community. The award looks for those who go above and beyond to promote the knowledge of world language beyond educational institutions. 

In the award letter, the New York State Association for Language Teachers said, “As world language teachers, we strive to develop proficient language skills as well as respect and appreciation for the diverse language and cultures we teach. La Maison Francaise on the campus of Nazareth University has achieved that and so much more. It has maintained an impressive program of French language instruction as well as numerous opportunities for students and the community to explore the French language and culture for the last 75 years!”

Nazareth provides a supportive, engaging environment to introduce college students,  community adults, and children to the French language and culture. The French House offers a vibrant selection of courses for adults and children, classes where Nazareth University students can pursue internships working as teaching assistants, a film and lecture series, and the Franco- American choir composed of students, faculty, and community members. The French House also hosts annual events such as the Rochester French Music Festival, pizza and conversation hours in French hosted by international students from France and Quebec studying at Nazareth, art exhibits, concerts, multi-cultural Noël celebrations, egg hunts, dinners, and cooking classes.

“The French House is a special place for Nazareth University and the community, a special place in everyone’s hearts where magic happens related to the French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world we love so much,” said Mireille Le Breton, director of Nazareth’s French House. “We have so many partners across campus that help us every step of the way, for whom I am so grateful and to whom I want to say thank you, including the students, faculty and staff, the Center for Life’s Work, the Weider Center for Community Engagement, the Center for International Education, the amazing facilities and campus operations teams, Marketing and Communications, and last by not least, the World Languages and Cultures Department. We also have a new advisory board of 11 community members who help support and build partnerships in the community and literally every day.”

Recently, the French House teamed up with the Brighton Memorial Library to bring a bilingual story and craft session to community children one Saturday each month. The French House also partners with the Da Igramo Dance group to host Global Dance for All — a bimonthly dance gathering where French and world dances are shared and taught by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Earlier this month, the French House welcomed an amazing group of kids from the Agape of Abundance Youth Organization for a fun introduction to Caribbean and Breton Francophone cultures, and will soon repeat the experience.

Every Thursday at iSquare, the French House hosts the Apéro Francophone, a social club for French-speaking young professionals. And every third Tuesday of the month, French House members host the Rochester French Book Club.

“La Maison Française has given me a place where I can immerse myself in the French language and Francophone cultures, while surrounded by a community of my friends,” said current Naz student Emily Berardicurti. “The program also allowed me to study abroad in France for a semester, which is something I never thought I would be able to do. But, above all, it's given me a place where I feel comfortable just being myself.”

Every semester, the French House welcomes students from three to five area high schools to explore our beautiful Maison Française and campus community, discover the many fields of study that pair well with their French studies, and enjoy cooking, crafts, and hands-on learning alongside college students.

High school students also volunteer with the French House’s "Learn French through Play" kids' programs, gaining incredible experience.

An award celebration organized by students, faculty, and staff will take place on April 25, from 5-7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Families with children are welcome.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 March
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• Foreign Language/International