About the Author

Mary Kenney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language and History from Doane College, Crete/Lincoln, Nebraska, and a Master of Arts degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She has also studied at the University of Paris, La Sorbonne, at the University of Versailles, and the University of Tours, Loire Valley, among other institutions.

Her teaching career began in Nebraska, both in high school and college positions. After a move to Missouri, she was head of the foreign language department at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. She is now retired and works with the Center for Distance and Independent Study.

Madame Kenney was the coordinator of the Cambodian program at the University of Missouri–Columbia when that program was organized. She cherishes the friendships formed at that time with Cambodian graduate students and their families.

Since joining the Center, Madame Kenney has very much enjoyed the contact with students, parents, and staff. Dedication, enthusiasm, and energy are the hallmarks of the Center. It is a wonderful alternative to conventional classrooms!

A fervent advocate of foreign language study, Madame Kenney encourages students to learn as much as possible about other cultures and languages. Her three children and eight grandchildren have heard the message. They are all studying or have studied foreign languages and cultures and love to travel abroad.

A declared francophile, Madame Kenney loves following the progress of students as they grasp the wonders of language and begin to appreciate other cultures and tongues. When not traveling, Madame Kenney enjoys friends, students, and her garden at home in Columbia, Missouri.

About the Native Speaker

The clear and lovely French voice you will hear throughout this course belongs to Madame Aline Kultgen. This French-American lady was born in France and lived there until she was nine years old. She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.A. from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She recently retired from a career as a French teacher with Columbia Public Schools, and she still resides in Columbia, Missouri.