Dr. Petrossian was a wonderful person. In a way, he was the Cercle Francais. I ran it for a brief time near the end of my studies and I always looked forward to being able to talk with him while we set everything up. One of my favorite memories is making crepes for Pi Delta Phi. He touched the lives of all the French students. --Chris Brandon, French '06
I had a good discussion with him during the French Coffee Hour. I had heard so many wonderful things about him and he certainly personified that. --
Elizabeth Smith '06 French major
Dr. Petrossian was literally a part of my first memories from my childhood. I'm proud to say that he was a beloved family friend, a cherished professor, an inspiration, a mentor. I would not be where I am today if it weren't for his guidance, encouragement and mentoring. He was one of the most genuinely nice people I've ever known. On ne t'oubliera jamais! --
Kathy Comfort (BA
)
George Petrossian was my grandfather. During his life, he told me many wonderful stories about all the places he'd been and things he'd done. I was privileged to accompany him to Grenoble on the last summer he ran the program. It always surprised me that he had such a strong influence on his students. His ability to inspire has, in turn, inspired me. I now study French and Spanish and I am considering becoming a French teacher myself. One thing that stood out among the many things he told was his life philosophy. Nearly every time I saw him, he told me, "Everything in moderation, except in the pursuit of knowledge." I have always tried to live by this standard and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. My grandfather touched everyone he met, and will be sorely missed. --
Kyra Hauck, age 16, granddaughter
I agree with Chris in saying that Dr. Petrossian was Le Cercle Francais. He had a passion for French and teaching that no one will ever match. I went to France for the first time in my life with him and because of his influence, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. (Grenoble 2000) I was not yet 21 and because of his example, I began to establish my own passion for French. I am now 29 and a high school French teacher. If I had a list of people who contributed to my success in the French realm, he would certainly be at the top. His presence in itself made a difference in so many lives. I will remember him fondly and with much admiration. --
Sabrina Binder Presidente Pi Delta Phi (2005)
Abbiamo avuto solo qualche ora per conoscere un uomo molto dignitoso. Abbiamo cenato insieme in casa di amici e ci ha raccontato della sua esperienza militare in Italia.
Ancora grazie per aver contribuito a instaurare la democrazia in Italia.
--
Giuseppe Aronica e Cristina Perino - Narni - Italy
I will never forget Dr. Petrossian, nor the consideration and care he allotted for each and every member of the French Dept, students and teachers alike. His wit and charm furnished a spark in my life for which I am forever grateful. Thank you, Dr. Petrossian, for the indelible mark you have made on my own and so many other lives. --
Sheri Meyer MA '04
“Tout(es) les chose(s) en moderation sauf moderation.”
Amongst all the bits of wisdom Dr. Petrossian bestowed upon me, this was my favorite.
Translated, it means “Everything in moderation except moderation.” Dr P. lived his life this way. He indulged in the finer pleasures of life, like good wines and multi-course dinners, but was never overindulgent.
So much of who I am and how I see the world began with a trip to Grenoble with Dr. Petrossian. It was 12 years ago and I was 19 years old. I had the good fortune to stay friends with Dr. P ever since then.
He was like a grandpa but also a confidant, someone to discuss religion and politics with and who appreciated my life of travel. He was a traditionalist, a romantic, and a philosopher.
Dr. P had this painting in his living room. He said he did it when he was young, when he would listen to classical music and drink red wine and paint a canvas in bold streaks and splatters. The painting was of an abstract man and woman. The woman was a loop of paint, and the man a square, and they fit together, protecting and completing each other. Every time I visited Dr. P I would ask for the story of this, so I could imagine the young man he once was, because I could still see the young in the old, I could still connect it.
Life is about the people you meet. Thank you for inspiring me, Dr. P. I won’t forget you. --
Maureen Dunn, Grenoble trip, 1996
I went with Papa on the summer trip to Grenoble in 2000 and used to go to Cercle as often as I could. He was an amazing teacher and an amazing person who will be dearly missed.
Kristin Huff, Groupe Illinois 2000
Monsieur Petrossian was a pleasure to come visit every Wednesday for our Cercle Français. I could be having the worst week and still be happy to visit--even if for a short while--and he would always greet me, ask how I was and have a little conversation. In fact, his conversations with me helped me gain confidence as a speaker. I loved to hear about stories of his life as well. He was very kind when we had our induction into the Pi Delta Phi. I'll miss his smile.
Audrey Yates, Class of '05, Spanish/French Education Major
Dr. Petrossian was a very special person in my life. He introduced my parents when they were students at the University of Michigan in 1949. Later, he became my God-father. I remember him with great fondness, as my "Uncle George".
My sincere condolences to his family.
Mary Ann (Kainlauri) Shao
This page is a beautiful tribute to my father, he is fortunate to have shared his time with such a loving and supportive community of students, friends, and colleagues for more than half his life. I remember when I used to walk across the street from Metcalf to Edwards Hall when we were little and the language department was housed there. Later I spent after school hours over at Stevenson Hall and 401 where the coffee hours used to be held.
Dad was always regaling our family with stories about the Grenoble trips and French coffee hours. I was also fortunate enough to be part of the ISU community growing up and went to France with him or met up with Groupe Illinois in 1973, 1984, 1994, and 1999. I learned to love travelling from him, I have always felt at home at airports and on planes. And runninng for Le Metro is a fond memory I have of my Dad when we were headed to the Champs-Elysees. He was a little bit like James Bond at Monte Carlo, complete with the silver sportscar in later years, and like McGuyver with masking tape at home. In what were his final days, he remained, as always, positive and hopeful about being able to go home. He sang a capella several renditions of his favorite song, La Vie en Rose, much to the surprise and delight of the nursing staff at Eureka Hospital. --
Rima Petrossian
After my daughter Maureen ( Dunn) accompanied Dr. Petrossian on the 1997 trip to Grenoble we began a wonderful friendship. Little did I know as a parent inquiring that spring about his program ( Maureen was a student at Northwestern )that he would be the best professor she would ever have! That summer changed her forever as he traveled all over France and Italy with Maureen and the other students constantly amazing them with his knowlege of language,culture and art.
She celebrated her 20th birthday in France, very homesick, until he surprised her with a party and presents.
Two years later Maureen and I both traveled back to Grenoble to see "Dr. P"on a surprise visit. When we got to Grenoble the doors of the train opened up and there he was, looking at us in amazement! We celebrated that afternoon and evening with him there, so fortunate to be able to go to his favorite restaurant and have him order for us , all in French, all delicious!
This sharing of meals and friendship continued on; Maureen and I would travel to his home, often to share our birthdays and enjoy one of his famous omelets while listening to French music. The impact that he had on Maureen's life is truley amazing. She has become the world traveler, starting her own fair trade company. All of this I thank George for because he imparted and instilled in Maureen that understanding and loving culture and people is monumental in knowing our world. Through the years we had many great conversations of art, politics, religion; his knowlege a joy!
Dear Rima and Tanya, he often talked of you, was so proud of you both!Your father was an intellegent,dignified,and devoted father, friend and teacher. You will continue to hear stories from the students and people whose lives he has touched.His legacy will not be forgotten! --
Nora S. Howe, Naperville,
I went to Grenoble three times with Dr. Petrossian (four if you count traveling with the group on weekends during the summer when I was 16). Those summers were some of my fondest memories of college. George and my father were the best of friends. They both influenced me, and countless other students, profoundly. They not only taught us French, but how to live life. In Grenoble, Dr. Petrossian would catch me carrying far to many bottles of wine and remind me to enjoy all things in moderation. Sadly my Father and George are both gone now. The world was a better place because of them.
--
Kevin Tarrant '85
I sadly learn of the passing of Dr. Petrossian today; he was our teacher at ISU, and several of us went to Grenoble with him. He was a thoughtful and warm man. I personally was both challenged and encouraged by him. Never to be forgotten.
He told us stories too of his life after the war, before he came to the US.
I send my sympathy to the Petrossian family. Elizabeth Simmons Finnigan, class of 1984; Sophie Finnigan Craft, Chris Craft; Monique Finnigan Reuter and Marie-Antoinette Finnigan, and my husband, David Finnigan
"Papa"
Nous vous aimons très très fort!!
Les condoléances à votre famille.
Kate Hvala, Groupe Illinois 1999
I have very fond memories of Dr. Petrossian. I was his student in Grenoble in 1989 and I remember him as an energetic person who outhiked us "young" people. He recognized my lack of confidence and was a greater encourager to me. He helped me to improve my French pronunciation by meeting me outside of class and never missed an opportunity to teach me something new. Neysa Leichty (Christy) Groupe Illinois 1989
It is with true sorrow that I learned today of Dr. Petrossian's death. As a former president of Le Cercle Francais, I echo the thoughts of others who have already said that Dr. Petrossian basically WAS Le Cercle Francais. He was also a wonderful teacher and a great role model. Over the years since ISU, I've taught French at junior high, senior high, and college levels; and Dr. Petrossian's gentle manner and true love of the language and culture remain a constant inspiration. I treasure my memories of Grenoble, Le The Dansant, and relaxed after-class dinners.