Centenary College celebrates 15 years of Le Quartier Français
Centenary College proudly celebrates the 15th anniversary of Le Quartier Français (LQF). The College’s first living-learning residential program began in 2010 and has significantly shaped the academic and social experiences of students.
Located in the heart of James Residence Hall, LQF was first proposed as a French language immersion community on the first floor of James Proper. The original proposal included 17 residential spots—one for a Resident Assistant (RA), three for French international students (including a teaching assistant), and 13 for other Centenary students. The mission was clear: create an immersive environment where students speak only French and live in a culturally rich space that promotes global understanding.
Over the years, LQF has grown to include vibrant traditions such as French Table, an informal weekly gathering where students and faculty speak exclusively in French, and student-led events and organizations like Le Tintamarre and Crêpe Night. These immersive experiences bring the French-speaking world to life for Centenary students both inside and outside the classroom.
The program draws strong support from the College’s French Department, especially from faculty members like Dr. Andia Augustin-Billy (Dr. A-B), Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies. Dr. A-B, a key figure in LQF’s development. “For 15 wonderful years, Le Quartier Français has been essential to the college experience, extending French learning beyond the classroom,” said Dr. A-B. “The James Hall lobby has become the heart of our community, a place where students of every background build lifelong connections and experience the rich, inclusive French-speaking world through events like French Table, crêpe night, and Mardi Gras.”
The program's roots run deep. Katherine Shamburger, now Centenary College’s Director of Residence Life, served as the Hall Director of James Hall when LQF was launched. “I got to work with the first group of residents living in the Quarter and helped shape the student experience,” Shamburger shared. “While I didn’t speak French at the time, we laid the foundation for a thriving community that has since become an integral part of campus life.”
Over the past 15 years, LQF has welcomed not only Centenary students but also visiting international students from partner institutions, further enriching the cultural exchange within the community. In recent years, the introduction of the LQF Program Assistant role has provided additional mentorship and structure, ensuring the community continues to thrive and evolve.
To mark the 15th anniversary, Kappa Pi, Centenary’s Art Honor Society, has completed a new series of murals in the LQF wing. These murals, designed and painted by students, celebrate French culture and the longstanding legacy of the Quarter.
The murals were unveiled on December 4 at 6:15 p.m. in the James Hall Lobby, where students, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered to honor this milestone.
“We are particularly proud to celebrate this milestone, which perfectly aligns with the College’s values, during this historic bicentennial year,” adds Dr. A-B. Centenary College is also celebrating 200 years of excellence.
Centenary College President Dr. Chris Holoman praised the significance of the project. “This mural represents so many great things about Centenary,” said Dr. Holoman. “The connection to French culture, both in Europe and in Louisiana, is an important part of the College’s identity and student experience. Le Quartier Français is an amazing example of the immersive education that a residential liberal arts college can provide. And having Kappa Pi active on campus has been truly enriching, including this beautiful addition to our residence halls.”
For more information about Le Quartier Français and upcoming events, please visit Centenary College's website at centenary.edu or email Dr. Andia Augustin-Billy at augustinbilly@centenary.edu.