(December 1, 2022) - The Laurentian University Board of Governors is pleased to welcome four new members with the recent appointments of Aaron Barry, André Guay, Angela Recollet, and Laura Kurkimaki to three-year terms.
“We are thrilled to see the depth of experience and expertise within our Board bolstered by these outstanding leaders,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Board renewal is a critical component of our commitment to sound governance and in restoring confidence and trust that the university is on the right path forward. This is a significant step in that direction.”
Aaron Barry has held multiple leadership positions over the past eight years including; Principal at the St-Albert Adult Learning Centre, Marymount Academy, and most recently, St. Charles College. He successfully led more than 130 staff members in advancing pedagogy to respond effectively to pandemic conditions. A former secondary school teacher for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, he holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, and a Masters in Business Administration (Finance Specialization) from Charles Sturt University.
André Guay is a former Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, North East Region - Sudbury District, a position he held for more than three decades until his retirement in 2021. He began his professional life as a secondary school teacher in Kampala, Uganda before embarking on his law career. Over the past few decades, he has been involved in many community programs and activities including the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, the Sudbury Restorative Justice Program, the Greater Sudbury Soccer Club and the Parish at the University of Sudbury.
Angela Recollet is E-niigaanzid” (CEO) of Shkagamik – Kwe Health Centre, an Ojibwe woman from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, and a member of the Wahnapitae First Nation. With deep ties to Laurentian, she is a graduate of the Faculty of Arts and was the lead in Aboriginal Affairs at Laurentian University from 1994-2010. She has extensive experience working with the aboriginal community both as an advocate in education and in improving the general living and health conditions of aboriginal populations.
Laura Kurkimaki is a Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, a recognized Canadian leader in strategic communications, government relations and opinion research. Originally from Sudbury where she attended elementary school and high school, Laura recently served as Principal Secretary to the Leader of the Official Opposition, as well as having held several roles within the Conservative Party of Canada during her career, including as Deputy National Campaign Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Political Management from Carleton University.