This award honors the memory of Charlotte F. Gerrard, who was a lecturer and professor of French in the department from 1965 to 2000. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1966 and was a specialist of 20th-century French theatre. In addition to her research and teaching on theatre, she acted in plays as a young student and then directed several readings of French plays during her time at Indiana University. She is remembered for her love of teaching and her lasting friendships with former students throughout the world.