Sen. Mike Tipping celebrates induction of University of Maine Franco American Centre Director Dr. Susan Pinette into the Franco American Hall of Fame

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 23, Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono, celebrated the induction of the Director of the Franco American Centre, Dr. Susan Pinette, into the Franco American Fall of Fame. As part of Franco American Day at the State House, Sen. Tipping presented a legislative sentiment to Dr. Pinette. 

“I was honored to nominate Dr. Pinette for induction into the Franco American Hall of Fame,” said Sen. Tipping. “Like many families across the district, Dr. Pinette has deep Franco American roots. Beyond exploring her own family’s heritage, she has made it her life’s mission to enrich the community and the state with a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Franco American culture. It’s critical that folks today can be a part of this special community and know this history, whether it affects them personally or someone in their lives.” 

Dr. Pinette’s interest in the Franco American culture is largely a result of her upbringing. Her family is from the St. John Valley in Aroostook County, and she grew up curious about the culture and language of her parents.

After graduating from the University of Maine with degrees in French and international affairs and political science in 1991, Dr. Pinette received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach in France. She then moved to the University of California at Irvine, where she earned a Ph.D. in French literature.

Now, as Director of the Franco American Centre, Dr. Pinette has a special mission: “I want to bring together all the resources that exist out there. The Franco American Centre has been on campus for over 25 years, and there has been a lot of community activism and research in the area. Part of what I see the program doing is complementing that community effort with more theoretical and academic research.”

Each year, lawmakers have the opportunity to nominate Franco Americans from their districts into the Franco American Hall of Fame. If you know someone you’d like to nominate, contact Sen. Tipping directly at Mike.Tipping@legislature.maine.gov or the Senate Majority Office at (207) 287-1515.

Dr. Pinette joins the following individuals for induction into the Hall of Fame: Andrea Quaid (Lewiston-Auburn, posthumous), Dr. Louis Robert (Lewiston, posthumous), David St. Laurent (Rockport), Bernard and Stella Forcier (Biddeford), Diane and Robert Cyr (Biddeford), Gordon Soucy (Grand Isle), Annie Proulx (Portland) and Jacynth Blais Jacques (Lewiston).

From left: Gov. Janet T. Mills; University of Maine Franco American Centre Director, Dr. Susan Pinette; Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono; and Canadian American Director Frédéric Rondeau, with the proclamation declaring March 2025 as Francophonie Month in Maine

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