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Graduate Spotlight: Business, Burgundy, and Beyond - Emily Davidge’s Path to Success

Graduate Spotlight: Business, Burgundy, and Beyond - Emily Davidge’s Path to Success

Convocation ceremonies commemorate the achievements of graduating students. This Spring, Laurentian University will celebrate their graduates with ceremonies taking place June 2nd to June 6th, 2025 in the Fraser Auditorium.

(May 20, 2025) - When Emily Davidge (Burlington, ON) arrived at Laurentian University for a campus tour in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Social distancing had come into effect, most in-person visits had been paused, and campus was unusually quiet. Nevertheless, she and her father were offered a “wonderful personalized experience” that she described not only highlighted the beauty of the Sudbury campus, but also offered her a glimpse into a close-knit learning environment that just felt right.

Now graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a minor in Law and Justice, Davidge’s time at Laurentian has been anything but ordinary. A walk-on player for the Voyageurs Women’s Soccer team in her second year, she also held leadership roles across the Business Student Council — rising from Social Media Coordinator, to Vice President and ultimately, serving as President. Davidge also got involved as a student member on the Faculty of Management’s Grade Appeal committee, and was hired by the Office of Domestic Recruitment as a student ambassador in her first year. “I took great pride in representing Laurentian at recruitment events such as Open House and the Ontario Universities’ Fair. Chatting with future business students about what makes Laurentian’s BBA unique was incredibly motivating.” According to Emily, staff like Events and Communication Liaison Coordinator, Danielle Yasko, foster a supportive and positive work environment for student ambassadors, leading to the development of meaningful bonds.

But one of her most defining experiences came during her third year: a semester abroad in Dijon, France, where she specialized in Wine Tourism at the Burgundy School of Business.

“At the time, I didn’t speak much French, and I was the only Laurentian student there,” she recalls. “But those four months were transformative. I met people from around the world, traveled across Europe, and grew so much by being outside my comfort zone.”

That sense of growth has become a theme for Davidge, both academically and personally.

“Looking back to my first year, it’s amazing to see how much I have evolved. My experiences both inside and outside the classroom have shaped me into a much stronger, more capable person - it’s been a journey of building confidence and leadership.” In recognition of her many accomplishments, Davidge earned the 2025 Business Excellence Award through the Business Student Council. 

Her next challenge begins at dentsu Canada, where she’s accepted a full-time role as a Media Planning Coordinator - a position she secured after completing two internships with the company. She also plans to keep traveling, reconnecting with friends from her exchange.

For future students, Davidge offers this advice: “Stay passionate, and find what makes you, you. Explore student teams, clubs, and initiatives—they’re invaluable for personal growth, building your resume, and creating lasting connections. Also, stay consistent. Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Go to lectures, do the readings, and commit to the work outside of class—it really does make a difference. You can’t ask questions if you don’t show up, and you can’t grow if you’re just going through the motions. Stay engaged, stay curious, and make sure you actually understand what you're learning. That’s where the real value is.”

As she prepares to cross the stage at convocation, Davidge says she’ll always carry a deep appreciation for Laurentian and the opportunities it gave her. Until then, she’s heading into the future with curiosity, confidence, and a few more passport stamps on the horizon.

 

Business leaders visit campus to inspire the next generation

Business leaders visit campus to inspire the next generation

Inspired Entrepreneurs Event A Success

October 23, 2024 - The first annual Inspired Entrepreneurs event brought together nearly 100 students from various programs across the university. The event, held in the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space of the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building on September 25th was designed to bring students together with experienced business leaders in the community.

Local entrepreneurs and business leaders shared invaluable insights on building successful businesses and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

The panel of professionals included diverse community entrepreneurs, some of whom are Laurentian alumni. Each shared their journey, highlighting both the challenges and successes they encountered along the way.

Community Entrepreneurs in attendance included:

  • Pat Dubreuil, President of Let’s Roll Ideation Consulting
  • Nicole Paquin, Owner of Nickel City Cheese Sudbury
  • Hailey Hastie, Founder and CEO of The Social Soulpreneur
  • Melissa Deschenes, Innovation Quarters, Regional Business Centre


Led by Dr. Patricia Orozco and supported by Laurentian University’s Bureau des Affaires Francophone, the event featured a bilingual speaker's panel of past and present student entrepreneurs, keynote speakers, and a networking lunch. The goal of the event aligned with Dr. Orozco’s research interests which focus on entrepreneurial skills and competencies and the significance of attributes like creativity, resilience, and leadership.

“As educators we want students to feel empowered to reach for their goals. With this event, we wanted to create a space where students can not only learn about business but also understand the personal journeys that made these diverse entrepreneurs successful,” said Dr. Orozco.

A panel discussion, moderated by fourth-year Business Administration student Athena Florentis Grandmaison, gave attendees the opportunity to hear from current and former students who balanced their course work with building their business as emerging entrepreneurs, including:

  • Samantha Blender, Owner of Gwiddy (@shopgwiddy)
  • Emma Lapointe, Founder of Solace Supply and Co-Founder of Go & Glow Cleaning Services (@shopsolacesupply, @goandglowservices)
  • Florish Abebayo, Owner of Beiwty Rish Rish Cosmetics, fourth-year biochemistry student (@beiwty_rish)


“The multi-layered approach to this event is what made it so special. Attendees were in the presence of brilliant, successful local business people and given the chance to mingle with them,” remarked Florentis Grandmaison. “Hearing their experiences and engaging in discussion allowed us to see firsthand how entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario are creating impact in the business world.”

The Inspired Entrepreneurs event is exemplary of the School of Business Administration’s broader mission to connect students and the local business community, fostering relationships to guide and inspire future entrepreneurs. Plans are already underway to make Inspired Entrepreneurs an annual event.

Future-forward industry research driven by collaboration

Future-forward industry research driven by collaboration

Dr. Zéphyr is working with industry to leverage renewable energy and modernize power system management

December 7, 2023 - When we think of problem solving, we think of mathematics but when it comes to Dr. Luckny Zéphyr’s research, problem solving far exceeds numerics to profoundly impact the environment, community and academia.

A proud Haitian Canadian citizen, Dr. Luckny Zéphyr, Associate Professor with the School of Business Administration, is an entrepreneur and a scholar. In 2014 the business that Dr. Zéphyr co-founded in Haiti began to see immense success but, as he was just nearing the end of his post doctorate at Cornell University, Zéphyr knew that he wanted to continue in academia. When the opportunity to teach at Laurentian came in 2018, Dr. Zéphyr was happy to move back to Canada. “I love to work with youth. It’s the best means to make a difference in this world, if I can influence youth,” says Dr. Zéphyr. “I have the chance to see the future leaders of the world.”

Dr. Zéphyr’s work focuses on the development of mathematical models for power system optimization, the integration of renewable energy sources into traditional power grids, including energy storage, and the optimal deployment of electric vehicles. The outcomes of these mathematical models create sustainable solutions and innovation. Dr. Zéphyr says that the desired outcome of more sustainable solutions in industry is guided both by a developing world-view that prioritizes sustainability in the sector and by Canada’s goal to reduce industry carbon footprint. Dr. Zéphyr recently received the NSERC Alliance grant for a project with Rio Tinto in Saguenay that will explore the potential integration of wind energy into the hydropower system.

Connection to industry sometimes comes through funding opportunities but Dr. Zéphyr credits his outgoing personality as a major contributor in his ability to connect with folks in industry, students, and non-governmental organizations alike. He doesn’t shy away from making connections and talking about his research and how it can be applied to the work others are doing. “I have the chance to apply my research to practical contexts and help organizations make better decisions - to me that’s valuable. It makes an impact,” says Dr. Zéphyr. “That’s why we do research. We want to solve real problems and help people and organizations do better”.

As Dr. Zéphyr innovates the integration of renewable energy into power grids and power system management, he says that it’s his work with students that continues to be a huge motivator. When asked what he looks forward to most, Zéphyr talks about further developing his work with students, in addition to the PhD candidates already under his supervision. “I have my first Masters student starting in January and I’m recruiting three more students, two masters and a PhD student”. Dr. Zéphyr continues, “I look forward to supervising more students and continuing to support them with the success of their projects”.

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Hires support needed in multiple programs and schools.

(August 17, 2022) - Laurentian University is investing in the faculty complement by adding 12 limited-term faculty members across multiple academic departments. The roles will support teaching and learning for the upcoming academic year and will extend into the 2023 academic year.

The wide range of programs and schools for which faculty members are being sought includes:

  • School of Indigenous Relations
  • Nursing  
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • Engineering 
  • Computational Sciences
  • Business Administration 
  • Library and Archives

“This investment into our teaching and learning capacity will undoubtedly improve the student experience. Students will continue to have the opportunity to learn directly from their professors through personalized learning.” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University's Board of Governors. 

The university’s staff and faculty are eager to welcome back students for Orientation activities, beginning on September 1, as well as for the first official day of classes, September 7, 2022. 

A full list of faculty positions that are currently open can be found at: https://laurentian.ca/careers/faculty-vacancies. 
 

University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

Liaison leaders Stéphanie Ménard and Caleb Piché-Larocque make a positive impact in the student journey

(March 3, 2022) - As Laurentian University welcomes back students with the resumption of in-person classrooms this week, the university community is also preparing to welcome many more future students at the March 12th Open House. 

Laurentian’s Liaison Services delivers the event and supports the future student journey towards post secondary education. Liaison is the first point of contact for all persons interested in programs and services offered by Laurentian, and team members are dedicated to guiding those considering the University as their post secondary destination of choice. 

Stéphanie Ménard, a third year Psychology student and Caleb Piché-Larocque, a fourth year Business Administration student, are Liaison’s current Senior Student Ambassadors. Both are francophones and expect to graduate with certificates of bilingualism. 

“We provide guidance to the many student ambassadors who work in Liaison. We also support the organization and smooth execution of events,” said Ménard. While Ménard has worked with Liaison since the first semester of her undergrad, Piché-Larocque joined the Liaison team in his second year. Speaking about his passion for student recruitment, Piché-Larocque said as follows: “I’ve enjoyed my student experience, and sharing that experience with future students is very rewarding.” Ménard agrees and outlined that a reason why she loves her job so much is because it enables her to “make a positive impact.” As she described: “The Liaison team is amazing. Everybody is passionate about their work, and we do our best to ensure that each and every prospective student experience to Laurentian, is unique.” 

According to Liaison’s Events and Communications Coordinator, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin, “student ambassadors like Stéphanie and Caleb are inspiring. They come to work every day ready to help students from around the world.”
       
While Liaison Services regularly offer information sessions and campus tours to showcase Laurentian’s beautiful campus, the current focus is this year’s March Open House event, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 10am - 3pm. This in-person event will include an academic and services fair, as well the opportunity to participate in a personalized campus tour. 

Registration for Open House is available online. 

Students unite in support of Black History Month

Students unite in support of Black History Month

The Laurentian University African and Caribbean Student Association offers opportunities to celebrate and learn about Black history.

(February 15, 2022) - At Laurentian University, there are many student-led clubs, organizations, and associations. When like-minded students share a common interest, they are encouraged to organize. This helps foster an enhanced sense of community amongst students. The Laurentian University African and Caribbean Student Association (LUACSA) is one such association making a tremendous contribution to Laurentian’s student body, as well as to the Greater Sudbury community.

According to LUACSA’s President, 3rd year Business Administration student, Isaac Kouadio, “the mission of our association is to gather African and Caribbean students who share cultures and values”. To Isaac, members of LUACSA seek to bring attention to the diversity of students and cultures present on campus. “I feel as though it is important for us to be recognized and to be valued.” Taking action towards this recognition, LUACSA organizes events and opportunities for cultural learning, for students and wider reaches of the Sudbury community. With February marking the celebration of Black History month, LUACSA members, who Isaac described form “more than an association, more than a group, but a family,” unite.

“We believe that Black History Month is an important month for the Black community because it allows us to share our history, to talk about our fights, achievements [and] accomplishments.” Black Canadians and their communities have contributed substantially to the prosperous nation that Canada is today, and Black History Month brings attention to this. Every Friday in February, LUACSA has organized opportunities for members to connect, play games, win African cultural prizes, and learn from the “many Black personalities who make Black history great.” LUACSA is also planning a blood donor clinic, in partnership with Canada Blood Services. For LUACSA members, giving back to the community is important, and what better way to serve the community than to donate blood.

LUACSA encourages Laurentian students, staff, and faculty to participate in as many initiatives and events connected to Black History Month as possible. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook, where this month, their social channels regularly feature the profiles of inspirational Black personalities.

An innovative strengthened collaboration among Laurentian University, Collège Boréal and La Cité

An innovative strengthened collaboration among Laurentian University, Collège Boréal and La Cité

Creating an accessible and unprecedented pathway for Francophone college graduates in business administration

Sudbury (ON), January 26, 2016 – Laurentian University, Collège Boréal and La Cité signed an articulation agreement today to accelerate the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration for graduates of Ontario’s two francophone colleges.

 

As of September 2016, graduates of the two-year Business Administration programs at Collège Boréal and La Cité will benefit from a practical 2+2 model allowing them to earn a Baccalauréat en administration des affaires (B.A.A.) from Laurentian University. According to the agreement, college graduates will need to complete the equivalent of two years of university studies as well as a statistics course to earn the degree. This prior learning recognition in business is without precedent in the Francophone community and among the most beneficial in Ontario.

 

Students of Collège Boréal and La Cité who wish to pursue their studies in Laurentian University’s Faculty of Management will also have the option to take their courses in French on campus or through a hybrid model. This added flexibility may allow them to enter the job market while completing their studies and pursuing their professional activities. Furthermore, by combining a college diploma and a bachelor’s degree, these students will have a competitive edge on the job market as well as access to several professional designations.

 

The agreement was made possible with a grant from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

 

Quotes:

 

“This agreement was implemented by Laurentian University, Collège Boréal and La Cité and fits within their willingness to further progress the postsecondary education continuum in French on a provincial scale. As the first bilingual university designated under the French-Language Services Act, Laurentian also aims to recognize the quality of French-language training programs offered by the colleges and increase the Francophone gateways to university studies for the benefit of students.”

            Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancelor of Laurentian University

 

 

“Thanks to this new articulation agreement, Collège Boréal and its partners will continue to collaborate closely at the provincial level to offer more flexibility to Francophone students throughout Ontario striving to reach their career goals. For Collège Boréal, La Cité and Laurentian University, this initiative reflects a joint desire to work together within a concerted strategy that puts their students first.”

Pierre Riopel, President of Collège Boréal

 

“This new agreement stems from an innovative and strengthened collaboration and reflects a willingness shared by our three institutions to offer the very best training options to our students while further responding to the current and future realities of the job market.”

Lise Bourgeois, President of La Cité

 

“ONCAT is proud to support our college and university partners like Laurentian University, Collège Boréal and La Cité for their commitment to building an education system that is responsive to students’ needs. With a focus on student mobility, this agreement will help to produce graduates that are highly skilled, diverse and adaptive to Ontario’s economic demands.”

Glenn Craney, Executive Director of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer