Veronica Matthews Eid, AS '60, '88M, a University lecturer in foreign languages and literatures, recently received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques, which recognizes outstanding service in the teaching of French language and culture.

The award, which was founded by Napoleon in 1808, was presented to Eid by Gilles Montagnier, Consul General of France in Washington, D.C. (right).

Eid has taught French for more than 30 years in Japan, Switzerland and Delaware. Director of UD's Semester in Paris in 1994 and 1995 and the summer program in 1998, she also has served as co-director and later director of the UD program in Martinique.?

Her other honors include being named Teacher of the Year by the Delaware Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages, and she received awards for excellence in teaching adults in 1990 and 1992 from UD's then Division of Continuing Education.

Eid was president of the Alliance Française of Delaware from 1990-92 and served on its national board. She also was president of the American Association of Teachers of French from 1994-99.

Her husband, Raymond Eid, AG '59, (left) also has been honored by the French government as former honorary consul of France in Delaware and with the French National Medal of Merit in 1999.