Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Francoise O. Lepage

Class of 1964

Degree:

Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

Current Role:

Professor

Dr. Francoise O. Lepage has served as a university professor for over a half century. She is celebrating 45 years at Dominican University of California, currently as Sarlo Distinguished Professor of International Business and Special Assistant to the President. She was founding Dean of the School of Business and International Studies, now known as Andrew P. Barowsky School of Business. She founded the Dominican’s MBA program and renowned M.A. in Pacific Basin Studies and was Program Director and Department Chair in multiple disciplines, such Humanities, Political Science and International Studies. She is an alumna of both Marymount College in Virginia and Tarrytown. While earning her M.A. and Ph.D. in International Relations and Comparative Politics at Catholic University, she was Assistant Professor at Marymount College, Virginia for seven years. In 1992, Marymount University, Virginia, awarded her their prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Dr. Lepage’s research interests include Asia, the role of business in economic development, global business, and small to medium sized enterprises. She has delivered keynote speeches worldwide to audiences of all ages and professions and inducted to the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Lepage’s career has been dedicated to advancing global understanding through her teaching, service and scholarship. 

What was your most memorable moment at Marymount University? 

As a student of Marymount University, I have always remembered that the faculty and staff always trusted the students. They inspired us through espousing a University Honor Code that encouraged us to always behave with respect and courtesy toward others. Students were trusted and treated as adults, providing us so many opportunities to practice our speaking, leading and teaming skills. Mother Majella engaged and invited students to participate in campus events, treating us as her valued colleagues. 

As a faculty member of Marymount University, I was mentored by senior faculty to engage my students in the topics and disciplines of my courses with passion. Sr. Frances de Sales taught me how to teach.