This award is given in memory of Ronald S. Love, an energetic and distinguished scholar, teacher, and leader of the Western Society for French History. A proud Canadian, his major research fields were early modern France and the French colonial project in Southeast Asia, but his publications reflect interests that ranged from the European Age of Discovery to the history of Canada’s telecommunications industry. He achieved the rank of full professor at the University of West Georgia, where he was recognized as an accomplished and devoted teacher, mentor, and colleague. The Western Society for French History, which he joined shortly after completing his graduate studies, provided a welcoming community of friends and fellow scholars of French history. Ron in turn contributed to the Society by serving several terms on its Governing Council and as its president in 1999 - 2000. Moreover, he participated actively in its annual meetings for twenty years: presenting papers, providing comments, chairing sessions, and always welcoming newcomers as well as old friends. Like the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century philosophes and diplomats he studied and admired, he will be remembered not only for his learning, but also for his lively conversation, engaging sense of humor, and generosity of spirit. The Ronald S. Love Prize, made possible by a generous bequest from Melissa Stock, commemorates Ron's dedication to nurturing the talent and development of new scholars, as well as his many contributions -- both personal and professional -- to the WSFH.