You are now in the main content area

Graduate Spotlight: Sophie Tremblay Blends Academic Pursuit, Athletic Excellence and Student Leadership

Graduate Spotlight: Sophie Tremblay Blends Academic Pursuit, Athletic Excellence and Student Leadership

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 28, 2025) - As Sophie Tremblay crosses the stage to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology this spring, she leaves behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and athletic achievement.

A proud Francophone and Métis whose ancestral roots derive from the Mattawa region, Tremblay completed her undergraduate degree with a minor in Sociology, all while competing at the highest level of Varsity sport and serving as an engaged member of the Indigenous Students Circle

Born in Sudbury (ON), Sophie’s family moved to Ottawa when she started the third grade. Growing up in a “big ski family” found her skiing as soon as she could walk, so she spent plenty of time exploring the Laurentian trails in her youth. But it wasn’t until high school when she returned to Sudbury for a ski race that she realized how well the campus matched her future academic and athletic goals. “I remember being shocked because I knew Sudbury and would visit family there all the time, but this was actually the first time I realized that there was a University, there was a forest, and there were ski trails right across the road. And I thought to myself, how great would it be for me to study on such a nice campus where there’s nature, ski trails, running trails - you just can’t beat it! It’s amazing! There’s all these lakes around too — it’s just so pretty!” 

Though Laurentian remained a dream post-secondary destination of hers, a competitive cross-country ski team based in Thunder Bay found her choosing Lakehead for her studies. However, the year was 2020, and the pandemic impacted methods of teaching as well as opportunities for sporting and other social events. “It was a weird time, and I ended up making the decision to move back home in my third year, since my parents had themselves returned to Sudbury during the pandemic.” 

Once at Laurentian and for the next three years, Tremblay became a key member of the Nordic ski team. She competed at Ontario University Athletics Championships, and represented both the University and Canada at the FISU World University Games in 2023 and again in 2025. “Being able to represent Laurentian on the world stage was an incredible honour. The support from my teammates and coaches made all the difference. I always recommend people try cross-country skiing — it’s such a rewarding sport.”

Beyond athletics, Tremblay was a dedicated student leader and advocate. She served as the Métis representative and later Secretary of the Indigenous Students Circle, while also representing Indigenous and Métis students on the Laurentian University Native Education Council and the Strategic Research Planning Committee. “These roles allowed me to connect with so many inspiring students and community leaders,” she explains. “I learned a lot about First Nations traditions and the importance of cultural representation in education. It really deepened my understanding of my own identity and roots.”

Next for Tremblay is the undertaking of her Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) program at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, this fall. This program provides students with a unique mix of learning opportunities in a diverse range of sites, including Indigenous and Francophone communities; the fit for Sophie couldn't be better. 

Tremblay credits her involvement in Indigenous governance on campus with shaping her career aspirations. She hopes to pursue graduate studies with a focus on Indigenous education. 

As she prepares to graduate, Sophie reflects with gratitude on the people and experiences that shaped her time at Laurentian. “I’m really thankful to everyone who has supported me. Being part of the Laurentian community has helped me grow in so many ways. I’m so glad that I was encouraged to get involved in student life because whether it's volunteering, joining a committee or attending an event, it’s all valuable…. I’m excited to see what’s next.”

Profile: Service social student goes the extra mile for inclusivity on campus

Profile: Service social student goes the extra mile for inclusivity on campus

Sam Bénard-Barry, Laurentian Pride’s Work-Study student, is proud to advocate for peers

(April 4, 2023) - Sam Bénard-Barry, is a student leader and fearless advocate for their peers. 

Bénard-Barry is a queer, Francophone and Anishinaabe-Algonquin fourth year Service Social student at Laurentian University. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Bénard-Barry is also a local graduate of École Secondaire Catholique l'Horizon (2019). As the President of the Indigenous Students Circle, a member of Laurentian's Consent is Simple Action Team, and a founding member of the Students for Social Action Coalition, it is evident that Bénard-Barry is an active member in the university community.

As Laurentian Pride’s Work Study student, Bénard-Barry has the opportunity to follow their passion for involvement by representing the queer community on campus and in Greater Sudbury. Before taking on this paid position, Bénard-Barry was a student volunteer for two years. 

Laurentian Pride is a resource center for the queer community and just one of many student services offered on campus. Resources, education and advocacy that support Laurentian Pride are contributed by partners such as LU’s Health and Wellness Services, Sudbury Pride, Réseau Access Network and Black Lives Matter Sudbury. In affiliation with the Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights office, Laurentian Pride student volunteers host many exciting events while also providing a safe space for all. Coming together recently as a team, an entire week of events on campus was dedicated to goals of equity, diversity and inclusion. For example, hosted in the Student Centre on March 24th, many students enjoyed themselves and met new friends at Pride Prom. 

“A lot of the work I do for Laurentian Pride is intersectional as I am a queer, Francophone, and Indigenous student. I am trying to find a way to integrate those communities together so everyone can coexist. Laurentian Pride compelled me because as a queer person and a gender non-conforming person, I have lived experience that I think is essential to bring positive change.”

Laurentian Pride is currently looking for volunteers. “I think that volunteering with Laurentian Pride is a great opportunity for any student to get involved and experience personal growth. The volunteer experience and connections you make within the group really creates a sense of friendship and network,” said Bénard-Barry. 

Those interested in volunteering with Laurentian Pride are encouraged to reach out through Instagram or email at pride@laurentian.ca.

“Having a community feel on campus has been important to me,” said Bénard-Barry. “I am passionate about advocating and educating others on a wide variety of topics that involve inclusivity. I am proud to be a part of this.”