On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Society of the French Academic Palms (ASFAP), Professor Emeritus of French John C. O'Neal was invited to dinner with France's ambassador to the United States, Philippe Etienne, at his residence in Washington, D.C.
Attending the Nov. 5 event were current and former directors of this society, which includes Americans appointed to the ranks of chevalier, officier, or commandeur in the Napoleonic Order of the French Academic Palms (l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques), founded in 1808, that recognizes teaching and research in the service of France. Hamilton alumnus Fred Gitner '73, and now treasurer of ASFAP, was also among the attendees.
O'Neal was named a commandeur in 2016 and served on the board of directors of ASFAP from 2008-2015.
