Dr. Michael Guignard

 The St. Louis Alumni Association congratulates Dr. Michael Guignard, class of 1965, and his family for his recent induction into the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center’s Hall of Fame.  The award recognizes remarkable individuals whose dedication has been instrumental in fostering the growth, well-being and historical contributions to the City of Biddeford. Dr. Guignard’s induction was as a result of his contributions as a local historian, author and preserver of culture. He is one of six 2024 inductees.   

   Dr. Michael Guignard was born in Boston and adopted as an infant by a Biddeford couple. He enjoyed the life of a typical Franco-American family of his time and went on to capture its roots through research for his doctoral dissertation, later publishing "La Foi-La Langue-La Culture: The Franco-Americans of Biddeford, Maine" in 1982. The dedication reads "To my parents, Rella and Wilfrid Guignard.” Dr. Guignard retired from a career with the US State Department where he served in numerous locations around the world, focusing on immigration issues. He currently resides in Arlington, VA with his wife Sue. 

   In 2018 Dr. Guignard shared insights of his life growing up in Biddeford during the 1940s-1960s in an interview conducted for the “Voices of Biddeford” where he talks about his transition to college, his work in Washington The St. Louis Alumni Association congratulates Dr. Michael Guignard, class of 1965, a DC and service in various countries around the world as a member of the US State Department.  The interview also reflects on his research of St. Andre's Home and the evolving societal view of unwed mothers. He also shares his personal story of finding out, later in life, that his birth mother was actually his mother's younger sister.  

    To listen to Dr.Guignard’s  interview click on https://biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org/voices-of-biddeford/ then click on Programs, click on Voices in Time and then on Dr. Guignard.  The Voices of Biddeford series also contains many other St. Louis and St. Joseph High graduate stories from Michelle Morin-Scribner, Rev. Robert Labarre, Bob Cote, Ron Cote, Paul Gagne, John Conroy and Norman Sevigny (apologies to any one I overlooked). 

   As mentioned in our Fall 2024 newsletter, alumni graduates from all professions and careers made significant personal and professional contributions in their lifetimes.  If you know of someone who should be recognized please contact us at stlouisalum@gmail.com.