Arthur J. Gionet, retired professor of French who died Jan. 16, was my high school teacher and then my mentor at the university.

I achieved a B.A. in French because of his excellence as an educator, and our friendship continued through the years.

His belief in the cultural and practical benefit of hands-on learning and direct access to modern language proficiency resulted in a state-of-the art language center in the new Language Building constructed in the late 1960s.

Rewarded for his efforts in promoting the study of French, Dr. Gionet was awarded the Ordre des Palmes Académiques on three occasions by France.

He enjoyed mentoring incoming professors at UNT, and he was a lifelong mentor of prospective French teachers. After his retirement, he continued to encourage educators and prospective teachers to travel to France to enrich themselves through cultural exposure.

He was a marvelous educator and representative of UNT.

Donna Beth Lee Shaw (’65)
Houston

Editor’s note: Read Shaw’s full obituary for Gionet.