Graduate Spotlight: Émilie Ménard

November 2, 2026— As Laurentian University prepares to celebrate its Fall Convocation on November 7, 2026, graduating student Émilie Ménard stands out as a bright example driven by campus involvement, academic curiosity, and community spirit.

Completing her Éducation (B.Éd. concurrent) alongside a major in History and dual minors in English and Indigenous Interdisciplinary Studies, Émilie’s path through Laurentian highlights both dedication in the classroom and active leadership across campus.

For Émilie, a graduate of Sudbury’s École secondaire Macdonald-Cartie, choosing Laurentian University was a natural decision shaped by strong family ties and unique academic offerings.

"I chose the education program specifically because it was the five-year program offered in French," Émilie shares. "It was kind of my defining factor, being done a year earlier and getting my education in French."

Beyond the program's efficiency, campus life felt like home from day one. With her sister, who previously shared her own story at Laurentian, and two cousins attending at the same time, Émilie found an instant sense of community.

Throughout her degree, Émilie threw herself into practical experiences, completing teaching placements ranging from a high school technology course to an ÉNA/ÉPAF center helping newcomer students from grades 2 through 8 learn French and English.

Outside the classroom, Émilie quickly became an integral part of student life. Over her university career, she served four years on the Bachelor of Education Student Association (BEdSA) Student Council as Academic Coordinator, participated in two Model Parliaments (and is heading into her third), played ringette, and worked as the Senior Student Ambassador for over four years in the Recruitment Office.

In her ambassador role, Émilie cherished guiding the next generation of Laurentian students: "My favourite part is seeing prospective students who are genuinely excited for the future. I love being able to help them start on the right foot, recommend profs and courses, and ease their transition into university."

One of Émilie’s most memorable academic achievements was completing her undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Dr. Janice Liedl, Full Professor, School of Liberal Arts. Bringing together her interests in history and literature, Émilie examined how the portrayal of women has evolved over time. Her research traced the progression from historical conduct literature to the novels of Jane Austen and, ultimately, to the Bridgerton book series and its television adaptation. Through this research, she explored how the representation of women, societal expectations, and romantic ideals have been shaped and reinterpreted across different historical periods and forms of popular culture.

For new and incoming students starting their own journeys at Laurentian, Émilie offers straightforward, reassuring advice:

"Just let it go, it’s not that serious. Stop holding onto things; at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Get out there, get involved, and do stuff, because it really does change your experience at Laurentian and helps you meet lifelong friends."

Following her Fall Convocation in November, where she will receive her Honours Bachelor of Arts and her upcoming graduation from the Éducation (B.Éd. concurrent) in May, Émilie plans to work in the field and gain teaching experience before returning to pursue her Master’s degree.