Marie-Christine Koop received the Renaissance Française Gold Medal for Francophone Values (Médaille d'Or des Valeurs Francophones). Founded in 1916 by French President Raymond Poincaré, the Renaissance Française is under the auspices of the French government. Its main mission is the promotion of French culture as a cradle of humanism and respect for all beliefs and nationalities. The Gold Medal for Francophone Values recognizes individuals who devote themselves to the development of the French language and culture in their country.