May 31, 1983
University of Lethbridge modern languages professor Louis Cormier retires June 30 but plans to retain an office and continue his research into 18th century French North American manuscripts. cormier was appointed professor of modern languages in 1968 and has instructed numerous classes in French literature and language. Born in Becancour, Quebec, Cormier received his education through the classical college system, then continued with a masters degree at Laval University. After learning English in the United States, Cormier obtained a Ph.D. at Northwestern University and taught at Michigan State University for 22 years.
He says of his early years at the University of Lethbridge, "It was a time of youth and great enthusiasm and teaching here was always interesting". The university has stabilized over the years and the general atmosphere has changed with it, he says. "We can't really call ourselves a small university anymore." Cormier says he will miss his colleagues and the teaching atmosphere at this University but expects his research will keep him active and involved. He began his research with his doctoral thesis when he had access to a number of large American libraries. There he discovered important French manuscripts that were not known to the francophone world. "I have had three or four of them published and I have a couple more I would like to complete," he says.
But his retirement will not be entirely devoted to research. Cormier plans a trip to Europe with his wife Madeleine. And the Cormiers will be involved with their daughters: sylvie, a U of L student studying anthropology and sociology, and Louise, studying art history at the doctoral level at the University of Toronto.