A few days ago, MCC lost a great friend. Henry Pierson "Pete" French, Jr., brought passion and intellectual greatness to the classroom and blessed his colleagues and students with the contributions of a wonderful scholar and a talented humorist. He was a dear friend and his lifelong commitment to MCC was an irreplaceable gift.
A historian, philanthropist, community volunteer and Korean War chaplain, Professor Emeritus French joined the MCC faculty at the Alexander Street Campus in 1964 and was a widely acclaimed expert in history, literature, philosophy, politics, and the religion of China and Japan throughout his remarkable 41 year teaching career. Upon his retirement in 2005, he was honored for his service with the designation “professor emeritus.” The following year, Dr. French began his three-year term as a director on the Monroe Community College Foundation board.
Dr. French earned his doctorate in Chinese and Japanese Cultural Translation from the University of Rochester. Local reporters frequently interviewed him regarding the international, national and local political landscapes, U.S.-China relations and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was included in editions of Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the East,and Who’s Who in the World.
French and his wife, Beverly, created a lasting legacy through the MCC Foundation with the creation of the Henry P. French Sr. Endowed Chair in Business Administration/Economics, the Henry Pierson French II Scholarship (for political science students) and The Beverly and Dr. Henry P. French Endowed Award for Excellence in History. In 2010, Dr. French was named Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professions, Genesee Valley Chapter.
Final arrangements are being made and details are forthcoming. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mrs. Beverly French, 78 Smith Road, Pittsford, NY 14534.
Anne M. Kress
President
02/15/2012 |