The Three Muses of the Sister City Committee Receive Medals of the Cities of Noisy-le-Roi and Bailly, France

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Mae Ola Dunklin, Dianne Guenin-Lelle, and Mary Slater, who kindly refer to themselves as the Three Muses of the Sister City Committee, received one of the most honorable awards from Albion’s Sister Cities in France. Each received a personal Medal of the City from Noisy-le-Roi and Bailly.

The official beginning of the Sister City relationship was in 1998 between Albion, Michigan and Noisy-le-Roi, France. This relationship built a direct culture exchange, allowing both small communities to have international experiences. In 2010, Bailly, an adjacent city to Noisey-le-Roi, officially joined the partnership.

During the October 2024 Sister City trip to France, Guenin-Lelle received her medals in-person from the mayors of the respected communities. This January, the Committee and community members gathered at Albion College’s President’s house to celebrate the occasion and allow Mayor Victoria Snyder to award Dunklin and Slater their medals.

The Sister Cities awarded these amazing women medals to their cities in honor of the years of hard work and dedication they have had for the Sister City connection.

 

Mae Ola Dunklin

Mae Ola Dunklin has been a part of the Sister City Committee for about 15 years. Her connections began with the Albion College Fritz Shurmur Institute that was later renamed Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development. As part of this work, she travelled with a handful of Albion College students to France for an educational experience. From there, the relationship has been a major part of her life.

Dunklin continues her work because of the opportunities to build relationships with the French, with Albion community members, and with the youth. Dunklin helps drive access to culture experiences for our students through Sister City Youth Trips. “As an educator, former principal, and philanthropist, I know my work for learning, promoting learning, and working to provide cultural experiences, is a part of my DNA. My goal is to help others in their growth and always extend a helping hand whenever possible. I love engaging.”

Dianne Guenin-Lelle

Dianne Guenin-Lelle has been a part of the Sister City connections before it was even official. Her involvement goes back to 1997, and as she shared “bridging the U.S. and France has been a part of my whole life.” Growing up in New Orleans, French was never a foreign language for Guenin-Lelle.

Guenin-Lelle taught French at Albion College for numerous years and providing experiential learning opportunities became innate. “Seeing all the connections between Albion and France and the rich relationships we enjoy has been incredibly fulfilling. I do not know of another French professor colleague who has witnessed this level and this quality of exchanges and programming at their schools, not to mention their communities.”

Mary Slater

Mary Slater has been involved with the Sister City Committee for approximately 18 years. During her life in Albion, Slater, along with her husband, owned and operated the Albion Heritage Bed and Breakfast for 15 years, and served on countless boards, committees, and organizations. Most recently Slater has been a part of Albion Area Lifelong Learners, Albion Area Philanthropic Women, and the City of Albion Arts Commission.

Slater has stayed so involved in the committee because she believes “the relationships, and other such relationships around the country and the world, are vitally important for promoting peace in the world.  Through such relationships we learn to understand different cultures and appreciate diversity”.

“I delight in seeing eyes light up when Albion folk discover a connection with Noisy-le-Roi and Bailly. In those moments, their sense of place and belonging expands.” – Dianne Guenin-Lelle

It is easy to see why these ladies deserve the recognition. Their dedication to culture and building relationships is the be applauded. To learn more about our Sister Cities and cultural exchanges check out these articles. “Successful Youth Trip to Our Sister Cities in France”  & “Sister City Delegates Experience Albion”