It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and long-time Fort Collins French member, Michael (Mike) Loughlin. Michael left us suddenly in mid-August, and we will miss him dearly.

Michael brought a gentle warmth to every get-together—which included attendance at 100% (or very nearly so) of all former French Film & Culture Group gatherings. His good humor, kind spirit, and pleasant nature made him a cherished presence in our community. Whether sharing stories, practicing French, or simply enjoying the company of others, he reminded us of the joy found in connection and conversation.

For me, his improvement in French over the years was impressive!

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 1:00 pm, at a home in Terry Shores. Details for RSVP will be available soon.

For those wishing to read more, a short obituary is available on the Coloradoan’s website.

A full obituary and RSVP information will be posted in the coming days at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.

Mike Loughlin smiling while wearing a blue denim shirt, with Lili Francuz standing behind him to his right
Mike Loughlin at the French Film & Culture Group in October 2018. (Photo: Ben Salumu)

Below is the schedule of events for Colorado State University’s Cercle Français group. All events are free and open to the public.

If you want to get on the email list for Cercle Français, send an email to cerclefrancais.csu@gmail.com or Frederique.Grim@colostate.edu.

ActivitésDates et HorairesLieu
Fall Involvement ExpoTuesday, September 2 @ 10am–3pmLSC Plaza
Cultural Presentation: What does Peace Corps mean for language students?TBATBA
Groupe de conversation (Tous niveaux)Wednesday, September 10 @ 3pmLSC Kindness Lounge
Pique-nique de bienvenueSunday, September 14 @ 4pmLawn between Eddy & Education
Groupe de conversation détendus (Niveaux 300–400)Tuesday, September 16 @ 8amMorgan’s Grind
Cultural Experience: African drum class (by Dee Desnoyers)Friday, September 19 @ 5pm–6:30pmLSC 306
Cultural Presentation: What does Peace Corps mean for language students? (Lindsey Singh, CSU Peace Corps Coordinator)Tuesday, September 23 @ 2-3pmLSC 322
Study Abroad Meeting: Education Abroad in a French-Speaking Country (Dr. Gretchen Steidley)Wednesday, September 24 @ 4–5pmLSC 308–310
Cultural Presentation: Le Québec du point de vue d’une Québécoise (Haram Kim)Thursday, September 25 @ 2pmLSC 300
Atelier de Prononciation (Niveaux 100–200)Tuesday, October 7 @ 2pmClark C238
Soirée Jeux: Jeopardy culturel et gourmandises (Marie-Jo Hofmann)Wednesday, October 8 @ 5–6pmWalnut 118
Cultural Experience: Live, Laugh and Languages (LLC Language Clubs)Monday, October 13 @ 4–5pmMorgan’s Grind
LIVE, LAUGH, LANGUAGES all-language club festival! Grab some free French food and stickers, do a craft, chat with us! If you stop by each table (grab the “passport” at the French table), it can count for an activité parascolaire.Tuesday, October 14 @ 11a-2pmThe Plaza
International Film Night: La Passion de Dodin Bouffant (2023)Thursday, October 16BSB 107
Groupe de conversationWednesday, October 22 @ 3pmLSC Kindness Lounge
Cultural Presentation: De Paris à Tokyo (Dr. Isabelle Pech)Thursday, October 30 @ 4pmLSC 300
Cultural Experience: Karaoke and games (LLC Language Clubs)Friday, October 31 @ 6pmBSB 105
Groupe de conversation détendus (Niveaux 300–400)Tuesday, November 4 @ 8amMorgan’s Grind
Cultural Presentation: L’histoire de la mode française (Dr. Paula Alaszkiewicz & Latifah Hirchi-Vogl)Thursday, November 6 @ 2–3pmAvenir Museum
Cultural Experience: Art, jeux et françaisFriday, November 7 @ 6pmBSB 105
Présentation Culturelle: Partage de la vie au Sénégal par Daba Dieng. Contactez Dr. Steidley (Gretchen.Steidley@colostate.edu) pour annoncer votre présence.Tuesday, November 11 @ 12:15pmStadium 1203
National Francophone Culture Trivia: Come celebrate National French Week by playing a game of national trivia (organized by the American Association of Teachers of French) – Bring your phone!Tuesday, November 11 @ 2pmClark C238
Karaoke & Games Night: A fall all-language club social. It will be a fun evening of Karaoke, games, food for CSU language students. Sign-up: QR code to scan on attached flyer or click https://forms.gle/8i5q2UsWPdDtf5kc7. Sponsored by LLC Department.Friday, November 14 @ 6pmBSB 105
Atelier de Prononciation (Niveaux 100–200)Thursday, November 20 @ 2pmClark C238
Groupe de conversationWednesday, December 3 @ 3pmLSC Kindness Lounge
International Film Night: Dahomey (2024)Thursday, December 4 @ 7pmBSB 107
Cultural Presentation: Les Alpes françaises : vie locale, sports et patrimoine, by Amandine Sylvestre, AXIS French teacher Tuesday, December 9 @ 3:30pmLSC 322

Enjoy relaxed French conversation gatherings this summer at Scrimshaw Tattooing (1008 North College Avenue in Fort Collins), hosted by owner Ishmael Johnson. Open to everyone, completely free. There will even be doughnuts!

The meetings will be held the following Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.:

  • June 7
  • July 5
  • August 2
Flyer for relaxed French conversation meetings at Scrimshaw Tattooing in Fort Collins during summer 2025.
Flyer for relaxed French conversation meetings at Scrimshaw Tattooing in Fort Collins during summer 2025.

This autumn, Ishmael Johnson is organizing a series of relaxed French meetups in Fort Collins. The gatherings will take place on the first Sunday mornings of the month, starting on September 7th, followed by October 5th, November 2nd, and December 14th.

Each meetup begins at 8:00 AM at Schrimsaw Tattooing, located at 1008 N College Ave, Fort Collins, 80524.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ishmael at 970-310-8759. It’s a great opportunity to practice French in a laid-back setting!

flyer that says réuniones françaises détendues, l'automne 2024, les samdis matins, 7 sept, 5 oct, 2 nov, 14 dec @ 8h00, schrimshaw tattoing, 1008 n college ave, fort collins, 80524, questions 970-310-8759

Here is information about a French summer camp in Fort Collins from July 29 to August 2. It’s organized by Rachel Macfarlane for children and their friends.

Check out the attached flyer and contact Rachel directly (text 970-222-9354) if you are interested. Rachel has a French degree from Coloroad State University in addition to a K-12 Teaching Certificate.

flyer for Chez Mmme, a French Day Camp for kids in Fort Collins

Aujourd’hui, j’ai créé ce site web pour notre groupe Fort Collins French. Je vais améliorer ce site web dans les prochains mois !

Assurez-vous de rejoindre notre groupe Facebook gratuit. Vous pouvez répondre aux événements, poser des questions, démarrer ou participer à des discussions et y publier des photos !