Contact Information: 2027 ERF Phone: (312) 996-3601 Fax: (312) 413-0447 E-mail: amirouch@uic.edu Laboratory: 1032 ERF Phone: (312) 413-8717

Dear Colleagues:

I have received word from the Chancellor and I am very happy to inform you that Farid Amirouche has been inducted into the "Palmes Académiques" of France. This prestigious order was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon appreciated the importance of education and research. By the decree of March 17, 1808, he established the honorary titles of Titulaire, Officier de l'Université, and Officier d'Académies as award for devotion and accomplishment in the areas of teaching scholarship and research. These arts and sciences awards have been cherished for almost two hundred years. The form of the award has changed, as has the organization which administers it. Over time the Palmes have survived the social and political storms which have shaken France, and has earned an esteem not readily measured. The greatest change in the history of the Palmes took place in 1955, when the Palmes Universitaires was officially raised to the status of a ministerial order. Three ranks were created: Commandeur, Officier, and Chevalier. More information can be found at
http://www.ambafrance-us.org/culture/people/texts/palms.html
The Palmes Academiques are the highest honor in the french system and we are very proud of Dr .Amirouche, the MIE Department and UIC to be internationally recognized. A special ceremony is scheduled for Fall at the French Embassy in Chicago. I will keep you informed.

Congratulations to Farid on this highly prestigious accomplishment.

Sincerely,

Bill Worek