The French Republic decorates the Rector of USAMV Cluj-Napoca, Prof. Dr. Cornel Cătoi, with the Order of “Palmes Académiques”, in the rank of Officer. The distinction will be awarded at the ceremony on 22 September 2025 by HE Mr Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania.

The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca is honoured to announce that Rector Prof. Dr. Cornel Cătoi will be awarded the prestigious Order of Palmes Académiques, in the rank of Officer, by the French Republic at a ceremony scheduled for 22 September 2025, at 3 p.m., in the “Mihai Șerban” Aula Magna.

The distinction will be presented by His Excellency Mr. Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania, in the presence of special guests and the academic community of USAMV Cluj-Napoca.

The Order of Palmes Académiques, in the rank of Officer, is a recognition of the exceptional commitment of Prof. Dr. Cornel Cătoi in supporting university Francophonie, research and education, as well as promoting the French language and culture in the academic environment in Romania.

An essential element of his management and academic activity is the creation and development of the Francophone programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine within our university, a programme that has contributed decisively to the internationalisation of the university and the consolidation of academic and scientific collaborations with the Francophone world.

On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Cornel Cătoi said: “I receive this distinction with great emotion and gratitude. It represents not only personal recognition, but above all a confirmation of the value and involvement of our university, together with our Francophone partners, in supporting young people and quality education.”

The event will be attended by prominent representatives of the French Institute in Romania, the Francophone University Agency in Central and Eastern Europe, the Francophone Business Club in Cluj-Napoca, partners from the Auvergne region, with whom USAMV Cluj-Napoca has a tradition of collaboration spanning over 35 years, representatives of partner universities, as well as other institutions from across the country. Francophone students and representatives of their associations will also be present.

The “Palmes Académiques” distinction, the oldest French civil honorary order, is awarded to personalities who have made a significant contribution to the development of education and the promotion of French culture internationally.