Honouring excellence in the Francophonie, Dr. Vincent Georgie and Dr. Emmanuelle Richez celebrate their induction as Knights of the Order of La Pléiade, recognizing their contributions to French language and culture. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Two University of Windsor professors are being recognized on the provincial and international stage.
Dr. Vincent Georgie and Dr. Emmanuelle Richez have been named Knights of the Order of La Pléiade by the Ontario section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie — two of just six recipients selected across the province for 2026.
The distinction honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the French language and Francophone culture. It underscores both scholars’ impact and elevates the University of Windsor’s reputation within the global Francophonie.
“It sends a strong message that the Francophonie in Windsor is vibrant and that the University of Windsor is a welcoming institution,” said Richez.
The Order of La Pléiade, established in 1976, recognizes service to the ideals of the Francophonie worldwide. The rank of knight — the first of five levels — is awarded to leaders who have worked to sustain and grow the French language in minority settings.
Having two recipients from the same institution in a single year is a notable distinction.
Richez, a professor in the Department of Political Science whose research focuses on language rights, said the recognition reflects both her academic and community work — including her role as vice-chair of the Viamonde French public school board and her advocacy for Francophone education.
“It is a tremendous honour,” she said. “The knighthood motivates me to work even harder for the empowerment of the Francophone community.”
Richez said universities play a central role in sustaining French-language life in minority settings, offering critical access to education and helping integrate newcomers into Canadian society.
“By offering programming taught in French, universities allow the growing French-speaking immigrant population to access postsecondary education and better integrate,” she said.
While Richez’s work centres on language rights and education, Georgie’s contributions extend into arts and cultural leadership.
Georgie, a professor in the Odette School of Business who also serves as the executive director of the Windsor International Film Festival, said the honour reflects both personal pride and broader community impact.
“Personally, it’s an acknowledgment that my family, my friends and my community are proud of,” he said. “Professionally, it’s a moment that tells me that, in a small way, my leadership matters to Ontarians — francophones, francophiles and allies alike.”
He added that his work at the festival has helped elevate Francophone cinema, noting the festival now screens more Francophone feature films than any other in North America, according to Georgie.
“We can all be proud of that,” he said.
Both recipients pointed to collaboration — on campus and in the community — as key to their success. Their efforts, the two say, complement each other by strengthening both cultural visibility and access to French-language education.
“I love seeing good leaders acknowledged,” said Georgie. “To see us both here, it speaks to the many outstanding colleagues doing quality work at the entire institution.”
Beyond recognition, the honour also highlights ongoing challenges facing Francophone communities in Ontario.
Richez noted that access to French-language education remains uneven and that assimilation pressures persist.
“Forty per cent of Francophones in Ontario do not have access to a French-language school for their children,” she said, adding that demographic shifts, including increased Francophone immigration, are helping renew and diversify communities.
Both scholars say the award carries a responsibility to continue advocating for the next generation.
“Being Francophone is an asset — it opens up a lot of opportunities,” said Richez. “But it should not be taken for granted. The new generation must be proud of their heritage and continue ensuring that their communities thrive.”
The two will be formally inducted into the Order of La Pléiade on May 28.