This spring, Laurentian students graduated at a convocation ceremony unlike any other in the 60 years the university has been in operation. Another year has come and gone. Though graduation marks the end of a chapter, it is not the end goal; it is just another step on a path leading to many more accomplishments on the journey we call life. We would like to share advice from some of our top students, who have achieved recognition for their achievements in the 2019-2020 academic year.
Each of our graduates have demonstrated their commitment to growth. This commitment will carry on with them throughout their lives.
“I know that this may not be the format, or the circumstance any student envisioned for their convocation, but I assure you that your hard work and dedication should be acknowledged and celebrated,” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. “Congratulations on your well earned success as you enter this next stage in your journey. Like any strong community, we take pride in your success."
When asked about what advice he might have for the next generation, Biomolecular Sciences PhD graduate and winner of the Governor General’s Gold Medal, Jake Pirkkanen shared that students should “never be afraid to ask questions, seek knowledge, make mistakes or admit that something isn't working. Embrace all of your passions and interests, follow them with all of your heart, you never know where they may end up leading you.”
Here’s more of what Laurentian’s top achievers have to say about their experiences:
Jake Pirkkanen
Mr. Pirkkanen recently completed his PhD in Biomolecular Sciences. His dedication and outstanding devotion to his education awarded him the Governor General’s Gold Medal. “It is a remarkable honor and privilege to have received this award” said Dr. Pirkkanen in a recent interview. “I wholeheartedly feel that this recognition is not received singularly, but shared by all the mentors and peers who supported this academic pursuit.”
One of his favourite experiences, without question, was being able to run biology experiments two kilometres deep-underground within SNOLAB. To other students in the field of science, he says, “Science is not done alone. Embrace the help and advice of your peers both in and outside of the laboratory. Offer it in return, and through that reciprocal support observe how much your work is affected.” Above all else, he strongly recommends that you “make sure to laugh and have fun along the journey.”
Anika Rancourt
Anika Rancourt from Hearst, Ontario, just received her undergraduate degree in Forensic Science. Her commitment to her studies awarded her the Governor General’s Silver Medal. In a recent interview Miss Rancourt said that “Receiving this award means a lot to me because it shows that I did not let others’ opinions on my potential change my goals or lower my expectations for myself. Never let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do!”
Her advice to other students is “Never be afraid to ask questions! Chances are that if you don’t understand, some of your classmates don’t understand either.”
Josée Scott
Josée Scott, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc. Inf.) was awarded the Dr. Edna L. Moore Graduation Scholarship. “It’s nice to know that all that hard work was recognized by others and I’m very proud of myself,” said Miss Scott in a recent interview. She hopes to become a registered nurse in the cardiac medical unit at Health Sciences North after she passes her NCLEX (nursing exam).
Much like Mr. Pirkkanen and Ms. Rancourt, Ms. Scott stated, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions because most likely, others have the same question as you.” She recommends, “Get out of your comfort zone and make new friends!”
Melanie Carlson
Melanie Carlson, a Sudbury local, and mother of three, is the proud winner of the Hartman Award and the Huntington University President’s Scholarship! “The award is a nice boost to my morale, a pat on the back, a reward for the effort I put into my work. I am grateful to accept it,” said Mrs. Carlson in a recent interview. The ongoing pandemic has put convocation to a screeching halt, however, Mrs. Carlson stated, “once my diploma is in my hands, I definitely plan on celebrating! There may be dancing!”
Mrs. Carlson who recently graduated from the Communication Studies program, shared her approach to school life and work life, “I always do my best and allow myself the breaks that I need.” She also advises, “Learn healthy ways to manage stress, don't take on too much at once, and ask for help if and when you need it.”
Award winners for the Spring 2020 Convocation:
Governor General’s Gold Medal:
Jake Pirkkanen
Governor General's Silver Medal:
Anika Rancourt
Hartman Award & Huntington University President’s Scholarship
Melanie Carlson
Dr. Edna L. Moore Graduation Scholarship:
Josée Scott
Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Undergraduate Student Award:
Anne Boulanger
Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education (OPEFE) Gold Medal and Certificate
Nicholas R. Zannier
Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering (CMSE) Gold Medal
Danyk G. Levesque
The Patrick Demeyere Health Promotion Excellence Award
Hailey O’Grady
Le Prix d’Excellence
Michel Guay
Mikela Lemieux
The Kinesiology Dedication Award
Caleb Beland
The Kinesiology Excellence Award
Samuelle Villeneuve
The Wendy Jerome Excellence Award
Taylor Staden
The Sandy Knox Excellence Award
Roxxanne Mandamin
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Award (note: This award is announced at the Convocation Ceremony)
Anne Boulanger
The Bob Rogers Outdoor Adventure Leadership Award
Graham Fong
The CROSH Graduating Student Award
Amanda Dodaro, Health Promotion
CCUPEKA Student Leadership Award
Mackenzie Dube, Sport & Physical Education