Professor Cindy Yetter-Vassot’s 36-year career at Franklin & Marshall College is marked by her dedication to excellence in teaching and her pioneering efforts in integrating technology into pedagogy, profoundly impacting generations of students, faculty, and the wider educational community.

A philologist in French, Professor Yetter-Vassot earned her doctorate from the University of Virginia, specializing in 18th-century French literature, with a particular focus on Pierre de Marivaux, one of the most thought-provoking authors of his time. Drawing from this foundation, she created courses that encouraged students to engage with French culture through innovative and non-traditional perspectives, especially in courses such as “Luxe et Élégance” and “Fashion as a Reflection of French Culture.” Whether guiding students through French conversation, exploring French civilization, or revealing the timeless beauty of French poetry, her classrooms were environments where curiosity and creativity thrived.

Professor Yetter-Vassot was an early adopter of new technologies, which played a pivotal role in modernizing the French department’s teaching approach. Long before the internet as we know it, she codeveloped “La Poésie Française,” one of the first interactive Macintosh applications. She also co-created “The Virtual Café,” an early precursor to today’s chat rooms, which provided a non-threatening space for students to practice their language skills. A strong believer in the power of technology, she pioneered the use of screencasts to provide audio and visual introductions to French poems. This groundbreaking work led to a series of influential publications in the field of blended learning.

Professor Yetter-Vassot’s legacy extends far beyond her classroom. Her students, affectionately calling her Professor Y.V., often recall the lasting impact she had on their academic and personal development. Her renowned course “Chocolate: The Dark Side” created a unique space for students to explore critical social issues, leaving a lasting impression on them. One former student, a Rouse Scholar, credits the class as the inspiration for founding the Human Rights Initiative on campus.

As chair of the French Department for 14 years, Professor Yetter-Vassot led the department through periods of growth and change, overseeing the development of a dynamic curriculum. Among her many contributions, she helped modernize the French curriculum and established the F&M chapter of Pi Delta Phi, the French National Honor Society. Her commitment to faculty governance and her exemplary work on Faculty Council, the Committee on Academic Technology, and the College Instruction and Research Committee demonstrate her broader dedication to the College’s mission.

Professor Yetter-Vassot’s influence is felt by the students she mentored and the faculty she supported with grace, care, and patience. Her spirit of innovation and intellectual curiosity left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from her. Her colleagues and students are deeply grateful for her extraordinary contributions and will miss her wit, passion, and forward-thinking vision.

Cindy Yetter-Vassot, Associate Professor of French