Shapiro Honored by French Minister of Culture and Communication

Norm Shapiro, professor of romance languages and literatures, was decorated as Officier de Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Minister of Culture and Communication in France on April 23.

France has a long history of official government distinctions for exceptional achievement. The “Order of Arts and Letters” was established in 1957 to recognize eminent artists, writers and people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.

Shapiro is the author of dozens of books on French culture, literature and poetry. Many are award-winning.

The Order of Arts and Letters is given out twice annually to only a few hundred people worldwide. Robert Paxton, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep are among the Americans who are recipients of the medal.

Recipients of this decoration are entitled to wear the lapel rosette and the medal, insignia of this order.