Jeanne Zarucchi, professor of French and Art History, was named by the French government as a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms. Professor Zarucchi helped create the website
http://frenchart.umsl.edu that provides a comprehensive guide to the French art works on display at the St. Louis Art Museum. Founded by Napoleon in 1808, the Order of Academic Palms is the oldest non-military French decoration, and it is awarded to those who have served French education and promoted French culture.