Investiture of Dr. Dana Kress as French Honorary Consul takes place Thursday, Oct. 14

UPDATE: Video: Dr. Kress Named French Honorary Consul

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — An investiture ceremony will take place Thursday, Oct. 14 for Dr. Dana Kress as new honorary consul of France by the Ambassador of France to the United States, Ambassador Pierre Vimont.

Dr. Dana Kress

Dr. Kress, Professor of French at Centenary College, was named to the honorary position in December 2009 by the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and selected due to his important involvement in the development of French language and culture in North Louisiana.

On this occasion, The French Ambassador, His Excellency Pierre Vimont, will visit Shreveport to entrust him with the mission to represent the French Republic in North Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria), under the authority of the Consul General in Louisiana.

According to Marie-Josée Lanez, Assistant to the Consul General, as Honorary Consul, Dr. Kress will perform consular work; act as a link between French and local institutions and business; and act as a representative of the French Embassy at events and public functions. "Basically, he will help provide information and assistance to French nationals who run into difficulties overseas," she said. "He will be the interface between the consulate and the French citizens who reside in North Louisiana."

The honorary consul appointment is good for five years, but renewable up until the time Dr. Kress reaches age 65. He will also receive official accreditation from the U.S. State Department, the use of the official seal of France and French flag, and an office at the Consulate General of France building in New Orleans.

Listen to Dr. Kress discuss the ceremony with Kate Archer Kent from Red River Radio.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.