ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Caitlin Cleveland

Class of 2016, French and Communication Arts

After graduating with dual degrees in French and Media Production from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in May 2016, I moved to France for the 2016-2017 school year as an English teaching assistant at a high school outside of Paris in L'Isle Adam. Being a part of TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to travel, continue learning French, while also helping young students learn English like I had done with French many years prior.

Upon completion of the teaching program I moved to Los Angeles and got a position as an Assistant Researcher on the documentary Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy Blaché which tells the story of the first female filmmaker who is also French. The project is executive produced by Robert Redford and narrated by Jodie Foster. I was hired specifically because of my ability to speak French as well as my studies at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ about French film and production in general. It has been an amazing, unique opportunity to use both my skills and passion in French and Film/TV Production. None of it could be possible without the amazing French department at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

Grace Wheatley

Class of 2012, French

Bonjour! My name is Grace Wheatley. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in French from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and a Master’s Degree (also in French) from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. I have travelled to France three times, twice with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, to study the language and culture of that marvelous country. While studying for my Master’s, I lived in France for 9 months, in the town of Tours, which is in the Loire Valley. I visited a lot of beautiful châteaux while I was there. Every time I was in France I had, and took, the opportunity to travel (I visited Germany and England), to explore historical monuments, to study art and architecture, to sample varied and delicious cuisines and to just live everyday French life. My exciting journey in French began at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, in a French 101 class, and it’s certainly not over yet. Whether in the workforce or in the academic world (maybe I’ll study for a PhD!), French will always have an important and influential place in my life. Au revoir, and bonne journée!

Eric McLauchlin

Class of 1992, French and Pre-law

Eric McLauchlin has taken the stage at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s Commencement many times, first in 1992 on earning his B.A. in pre-law and French, and more recently to convey congratulations to new graduates as president of the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Alumni Association.

However, when the Bel Air, MD, attorney steps onto the stage at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s 83rd year Winter Commencement 2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, he will be the one receiving the congratulatory messages. McLauchlin is one of two former students being honored by the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Alumni Association during the ceremony, with the Alumni Service Award.

McLauchlin is an attorney with the firm Gessner, Snee, Mahoney and Lutche, P.A., of Bel Air, MD. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1995. He is chair of the Harford County Economic Development Advisory Board, where he also serves as chair of the Land Use Committee. He is also a member of the board of directors and the executive committee of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed to Harford County’s BRAC Preparedness Advisory Commission and is a former member of the board of directors of the Route 40 Business Association.