On a campus of talented and ambitious students, Christopher French has always been a standout. A married father of three and a professional entertainer who runs his own business, Metro Music Entertainment, Christopher maintains high academic standards and carves out time for his campus and community.

“Chris is a student who I will not forget,” says Susan Sheth of language, culture and communication. “His enthusiasm for learning is above and beyond all others … He had tremendous experience from some of his business projects that he has developed in the corporate world, and he brings that knowledge to the classroom.”

Christopher’s years on campus have been busy. He served as a moderator for New Detroit’s Conversation of Race, which was hosted on campus; assisted with the MiVote project at the 2010 gubernatorial debate; participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service; organized and hosted a College Republican’s charity event benefiting Make-A-Wish; and off campus Christopher continued to serve his community as a trumpet player and volunteer with the 60-piece Downriver Community Band at events benefiting groups including the Fish and Loaves food pantry and the Association for Retarded Citizens. As a Spanish honors award recipient, he is researching and developing a program that hopes to pair University Spanish students with native Spanish speakers in senior living communities and nursing homes. He plans to eventually attend law school and focus on immigration law and reform.

“Chris is a non-traditional student who is a joy to have in class,” says Tim Kiska, of language, culture and communication. “He voices his opinion, stirring class participation. He works hard, usually doing twice what is required of him. He has a ‘can-do’ attitude that is, in my opinion, a great example for other students.”