The Alliance Française de Louisville, is a non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to providing programs and services which educate the community about the language and cultures of French-speaking people.
New director Julie Purcell comes to the Alliance Française after working in marketing and management in both for- and non-profit entities, and with a background of cultural and linguistic studies, including a degree from the American University in Cairo.
“I am passionate about the Alliance Française because of its mission to provide members of the community with the opportunity to learn about people and cultures worldwide. In a world that is “shrinking”, and in a time when we know the value and need of international understanding and cooperation, such an opportunity is vital,” says Julie Purcell.
In a letter to the membership of the Alliance Française, Ms. Purcell announced that the Alliance Française will make unprecedented expansions in its classes and cultural programming, to be available to both adults and children. Unique additions include a course on francophone African Literature language classes for children as young as three years old.
“L’Alliance Française de Louisville is excited about having Julie on board, said Aida Touma, Alliance Française President. She believes in our mission and our vision. Together with the board of directors she will work at expanding French education and culture and making it available to the community. We are lucky to have someone of her caliber join us”.
Says Director Purcell: “My goals as Executive Director are ultimately three: 1) To ensure the continued excellence of language instruction at Alliance Française, while implementing improvements and innovations in our classrooms; 2) To provide the community more ways to experience the French language and Francophone cultures through expanded cultural programming; and 3) To operate our non-profit with a focus on long-term sustainability.”
Fall courses in French and Francophone culture-related topics will begin on August 25th, 2008. The Alliance Française also offers courses in Arabic, and private instruction in six other languages. Visit www.aflouisville.org or call Executive Director Purcell at 327-8529 for more information.
