Dr. Beaupré was born and grew up in Biddeford. After attaining his PhD in French Literature from Brown University, he returned and taught at St. Francis College for 30 years. He is also a prolific writer, having published 24 books. Many of his books are in French and capture the essence of the Franco-American culture that he grew up in. Experiences during his extensive world travels also provide material for his other books.
Dr. Beaupré has been instrumental in numerous community initiatives to preserve his Franco-American culture. His accomplishments have been recognized through several awards presented by Biddeford, the State of Maine and the Government of France.
He has one daughter and continues to live in Biddeford with Lucille, his wife of over 60 years.
NORMAN BEAUPRÉ, PHD
INTERVIEW DETAILS
Date of Interview: 4/22/2019
Location: Biddeford, Maine
Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner
Transcriber: Nicole Morin Scribner
SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
Life in a working class family “I grew up in a community that was poor but as far as I was concerned, we were not poor”
The journey from being a last puller in a shoe shop, to working in the Accounting Department in the Pepperell mills to retiring as professor emeritus at the University of New England
Personal insights on the history and transitions of St. Francis College/UNE
Efforts to preserve Franco-American language and culture including origins of la Kermesse
Exposure to other cultures and why he always comes back to Biddeford