April 9, 2019 - Third-year Indigenous social work student Mathew Dueck has become Laurentian’s first ever student to be awarded the prestigious 3M National Student Fellowship.
Dueck was among 10 accomplished students from across Canada to receive the 2019 award.
The 3M National Student Fellowship Award was introduced in 2012 to honour undergraduate students in Canada who have demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership and who embrace a vision where the quality of their educational experience can be enhanced in academia and beyond.
Dueck prepared an trilingual essay -- in English, French and Cree -- for his application, where he talked about the initiatives he has undertaken on campus to improve access for students with disabilities, advocate for mental health and support the university’s annual Giving Tuesday initiative.
“Mathew is the embodiment of what constitutes a student leader committed to equity, Indigenization and innovation,” said Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel, who is himself a 3M National Teaching Fellow. “The Laurentian University community congratulates Mathew for this achievement.”
Each fellow will receive a $5,000 award, and will have the opportunity to participate in the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they will work on a project related to post-secondary education.
ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.