Earlier today, the College of Staten Island was honored by a visit from Villa Albertine, The French Institute for Culture and Education. The organization recently recognized College of Staten Island Professor of Cinema Studies David Gerstner, with the designation of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters and attended the campus today for an official tour and film screening.

Attending today from Villa Albertine were Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France in the United States and the Director of the Villa Albertine; Judith Roze, Deputy Cultural Counselor of France in the United States and Deputy Director of the Villa Albertine; Vincent Florant, Director of Film, TV and Digital; and Sandrine Neveux Film Program Officer.

Joining Prof. Gerstner from the College of Staten Island were CSI President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch, Provost Dr. Michael Steiper, Dr. Stephen Ferst, Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement, Dr. Bilge Yesil, Chair and Professor of Media Culture, Jessica Collura, Chief of Staff, Robert Wallace, Executive Legal Counsel and Chief Administrator in Charge of Community Partnerships and Government Relationships, Mitchell Lovell, College Laboratory Technician of Media Culture, and Winnie Brophy from the Center for Global Engagement.

After a full luncheon enjoyed by the guests, the group took a tour of campus and the Center for the Arts before film screenings in the Media Screening Room.

See a gallery from the day’s activity below: