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Laurentian alumna named a 2021 Sudbury Young Woman of Distinction

The YWCA recognizes the community efforts of Ra’anaa Brown

(Jan 20, 2022) - Ra’anaa Brown, a graduate from the McEwen School of Architecture, will be honoured by the YWCA‘s 2021 Sudbury Young Woman of Distinction award. As a Laurentian student, she obtained her Bachelor in Architectural Studies (2018), and Masters in Architecture (2020). Brown is currently pursuing a PhD in Art History at Concordia University.

YWCA Sudbury is a charitable service organization that seeks to empower women and their families to reach their full potential in body, mind, and spirit through action, advocacy, community collaboration and education. Annually and over the course of the last fifteen years, the organization has honoured inspirational women in Sudbury who have positively impacted the community. About being a recipient of this award, Brown described the following: “I am so excited. I am so honoured. It feels so good to be recognized. I feel absolutely incredible. It all just feels so surreal.”

In 2020, Brown co-founded Sudbury's Black Lives Matter (BLM) chapter. Since the inception of this registered not-for-profit, Brown shared that she has felt more powerful as a Black woman. “Together, we feel so strong and so empowered….[BLM] is about educating one another to move the world forward and make it a better place….It’s about creating space to cultivate education and knowledge and create a safe space for one another for open sharing,” she described. “The BLM movement supports the fight against systemic racism predominantly towards the Black community. We have to let Black people speak for themselves.” For Brown, BLM is significantly more than a group of activists. “We’ve become this kind of family…. [Being] involved [with BLM] has been a beautiful journey.”

In addition to her work with BLM, Brown has been heavily involved in the Sudbury community in a variety of other ways. During her six years of education as a Laurentian student, she was a member of the founding group of the McEwen School of Architecture's Nuit Blanche. This event celebrates the growth and prosperity of the local Sudbury Arts scene. “I’m so proud of this work [having] co-founded Nuit Blanche. Art really brings people together and….Sudbury has worked so hard to cultivate the Arts which creates a sense of connectivity,” said Brown.

Brown has also played a leadership role in Sudbury’s Up Here festival. She’s been the festival’s Installation Coordinator since 2018, as has she volunteered her time as a guest curator. Exhibits she has recently curated, she explained, “have had the main goal of highlighting Black artists.” In addition to last year’s ETHEREAL a collaborative photography installation centralized around the theme of Black beauty, she and her friends Isak Vaillancourt and Sonia Ekiyor-Katimi, both themselves graduates of Laurentian, produced Into the Matrix: Unearthing Black Futures. This immersive multimedia experience allows for the contemplation of a tangible, afrofuturistic tomorrow.

Other recipients of 2021 YWCA Women of Distinction awards who have connections to Laurentian University include Renée Fuchs, Lisa Long, and Angela Vendette. Congratulations to all recipients.

Tickets for the YWCA Sudbury’s 2021 Women of Distinction Virtual Awards Gala can be purchased via EventBrite. More information can also be found on the organization’s Facebook.

LU Board of Governors Elect New Chair

Jeff Bangs will chair the board until a permanent chair begins their term in June 2022

(January 18, 2022 - Sudbury, ON) The Laurentian University Board of Governors has elected a “pro tempore” chair to lead the board until June 2022 in keeping with its bylaws. The board will be chaired by Mr. Jeff Bangs on an interim basis until a new board chair is selected for a full term, which would begin at the end of June.

This announcement marks another step in Laurentian University's continued commitment to an accelerated process of Board renewal.

In connection with the package of support provided in December by the Province of Ontario, Laurentian welcomed five new members to its Board of Governors last month: Debbi Nicholson, Don Duval, Robert Brouillette, Gerard (Gerry) Bilodeau, and Jeff Bangs. These volunteer members were appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC), and they join nine other volunteer members of the Board.

The Board of Governors will hold their next meeting in February, 2022.

About Jeff Bangs:

Jeff Bangs specializes in public sector decision making, public policy advocacy, public relations, stakeholder relations, and organizational change. With nearly 30 years of experience in government and politics, he has a deep understanding of government and its impact on society. He has served in many senior political advisory roles including as the Principal Secretary to the Premier of Ontario, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance and the Executive Director of a political party. His experience in government also includes time as Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines among others. From December 2020 until his appointment to Laurentian’s Board of Governors in December, 2021, Jeff served as a government relations advisor to Laurentian University through his firm Pathway Group.

Jeff is a public representative on CPA Ontario's Public Accounting Licensing Board and is a regular guest lecturer in the Seneca College post-grad government relations certificate program. Originally from Mattawa, Ontario, Jeff completed his post-secondary studies at Carleton University in Public Administration.

When the Olympic Games need someone to keep score - they call Randy Pascal

Sports Administration alumni gets a third opportunity to participate in the Winter Games.

(January 17, 2022) - Randy Pascal, creator and owner of SudburySports.com, and graduate of Laurentian University’s Sports Administration program (1985) is all set for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Well known in the city of Sudbury as a local sports writer and hockey official, Pascal is soon to return to Beijing, China, where he will be taking on the role of off-ice hockey official during the Winter games, February 4 - 20, 2022. In November, he was flown out to Beijing for a pre-event, where he had the opportunity to connect with other hockey officials for games, and put to practice his scorekeeping skills that have been honed since he began scorekeeping at the young age of fourteen. “The whole situation was really nice,” said Pascal about this first visit to China. “The games kind of lent themselves for me to be able to do what I do really well, so that was perfect.”

Beijing will be Pascal’s third Olympic games. In 2010, he found himself scorekeeping in Vancouver, and was invited to do the same in Pyeongchang in 2018. In Vancouver, he kept score for both the women’s bronze medal game and men’s gold medal game, where he witnessed Canada’s Sydney Crosby score “the golden goal”. In Pyeongchang, he was the scorekeeper in charge of all the women’s games. To Pascal, opportunities to be involved in the Olympics have been a dream come true. “I never thought I’d be given the chance to do one Olympics, but the chance to do three is more than I could have ever asked for.”

While scorekeeping the Winter event is a skilled job in and of itself, when Pascal received his letter of invitation to participate in Beijing’s games, he was astounded yet pleased that his offer read not only the role of scorekeeper, but also goal and assist spotter. “The goal and assist spotter position, as combined with the scorekeeper has never existed before. It’s not a normal one [position] that gets put together,” said Pascal. “So that’s pretty cool that they actually kind of created this position for me. ‘Here’s what you do. Here’s what we are gonna call it’, they said.”

Pascal proved himself as a scorekeeper ten-fold in both Vancouver and Pyeongchang, and the recognition of his speed and accuracy being able to spot goals and assists all whilst exceeding his responsibilities as scorekeeper is what helped open doors to this new opportunity.

“The whole thing has been excessively rewarding,” said Pascal about his involvement with the Olympic Games. He shared his perception that in part, “what opened the doors for me over the long run [to his participation in the Olympics] has been simply good luck.” Pascal remains humbled by his experiences in sports, and described the importance of this. “You never want to lose sight of the appreciation for it. At any point. When you’re getting those experiences [...] you have to appreciate it all and soak it all in.”

About the atmosphere at the Olympic games, Pasal looks forward to experiencing the magic again. “There’s a special-ness to it. There’s a magic to being in that moment,” he explained.

Pascal attributes much of his joy for sports to the Sudbury community, and described his perception that Sudury has been an excellent location for him to cover exciting sports stories for the past eighteen years and counting. “I find that Sudbury is the perfect size for a local sports community and what I mean by that is it’s small enough to still have all of the charm. The friendliness. It’s enjoyable. It’s fun.”

Pascal is often found at local arenas, fields, and gymnasiums, attending sporting games of all kinds. He prides himself in the relationships he’s formed with others involved in Sudbury’s sporting community, and beyond. “It’s the memories,” said Pascal. "[They] make life worth living.”

He is sure to make many more memories at the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.

Laurentian alumna prepares to embark on international work and travel adventure

Travel enthusiast, Lisa McGowan, journeys towards mental wellness

While the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially altered ways in which we travel, Lisa McGowan (Guelph, ON), a Laurentian University graduate of Psychology (2011) and Education (2012) is eager to embark on a four-month work and travel adventure through Europe and Africa. McGowan expects to depart for this journey this month and in January 2022 through the Remote Year program. Destinations along the way include Portugal, Croatia, Spain, and South Africa. While abroad, McGowan will work to further develop her business, Pop Up Studios, specifically in the realm of travel photography. What’s more, McGowan looks forward to embarking on a journey towards mental wellness; travel has always supported her mental health. Reflecting on this, she described that “any time spent abroad, immersed in another culture, stepping out of your comfort zones, exploring the world, is time well spent and immensely valuable.”

McGowan is no stranger to international travel. When she was a third year student at Laurentian, McGowan studied a semester at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. She was able to do so through the LUGO (Laurentian University Global Opportunities) program that recognizes the value of the university experience outside the classroom. Participating in an international exchange can create opportunities for growth in vibrant and diverse ways. “I “wanted to make the most of the University experience and study somewhere else apart from Canada alone,” said McGowan. “Travel has had such a profound impact on my well being.” It finds McGowan prioritizing her passions, and she has set the “goal to create a life for myself where I can forge my own path to the version of success where prioritizing my mental wellness and protecting my energy is foundational.”

McGowan’s participation in LUGO catalyzed her interest in other global opportunities. Soon after her graduation from Laurentian, she was hired by EPIK (English Program in Korea) to teach English as a Second Language. While this experience was initially to occur over a 12 month period, McGowan lived and worked in South Korea for nearly two years. “I moved to South Korea in February 2013 and lived on the mainland in Daegu. I worked at two different public schools with children aged 3 to 12, which was an incredible experience. After that first year, I found a teaching job at a private academy on Jeju Island and lived in an apartment there. I loved immersing myself in Korean culture, and getting to live that life was a beautiful gift.”

For McGowan, teaching English as a Second language came with its challenges, but more importantly, its rewards. Her experience teaching abroad enhanced her passion for helping to positively develop the minds of youth, and she later found herself employed back in Canada through the Upper Grand District School Board. A most memorable moment for McGowan teaching Canadian students was when she developed an extensive six-week long Shark Tank simulation project for her grade seven class. This project found McGowan helping to develop her students’ self-confidence and creativity while also learning about entrepreneurship. It was this project that catalyzed McGowan’s interest to develop her own enterprise.

While it is likely that protocols surrounding the global pandemic could have an impact on McGowan’s fast approaching journey, she remains hopeful that she will be able to take on this adventure. “This is one of my wildest dreams coming true! I’m going to make the most of it.”

All are encouraged to follow McGowan’s travels via her Instagram as she pops up around the world. No matter where she travels next, her experiences at Laurentian will always be kept close to her heart.

Five members appointed to Laurentian University Board of Governors by the Province of Ontario

Board members begin on-boarding

(December 21, 2021) As part of Laurentian University's commitment to an accelerated process of Board renewal and in connection with the financial support package provided by the Province of Ontario, it is pleased to welcome five incoming members to its Board of Governors. These volunteer members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) and will hold office for a one-year term, pursuant to the terms of their LGIC appointments.

Appointed Board Members

Debbi Nicholson, President and CEO, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce

Born in Sudbury, Ms. Debbi Nicholson is one of the longest-serving chamber executives in Canada today, a proven community leader and a champion for business and community prosperity.

Don Duval, President and CEO, NORCAT

Mr. Don Duval brings more than two decades of experience leading, growing, and transforming organizations and businesses. He oversees a leading-edge not-for-profit dedicated to building and delivering programs that enhance skilled labour training and development. He is also a member of the Health Sciences North Board of Governors.

Robert Brouillette, Owner, City Welding

An experienced lawyer, business owner, and proud Laurentian alumnus, Mr. Robert Brouillette joins the Board with a wealth of knowledge and strong commitment to the university.

Gerard (Gerry) Bilodeau, President, GBMC Inc.

Mr. Gerry Bilodeau is an acclaimed business leader in the mining industry, with more than 40 years of hands-on experience in strategic planning, project and operations management, and organizational development.

Jeff Bangs, Partner, Pathway Group

From Mattawa, Mr. Jeff Bangs is a seasoned strategic consultant, with over two decades of experience in public sector decision-making, stakeholder relations, and organizational change. Until his appointment to the Board by the Province, Jeff served as an advisor to Laurentian.

Laurentian wishes to thank these individuals for their commitment to the university. It looks forward to working with them through the restructuring process and emergence as a financially viable and vibrant institution serving students, employers and communities in Northern Ontario.

Hybrid classroom creating global community of learners

PhD students find positive in challenging situation

For students at Laurentian University, online learning has long been a way to learn. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, virtual and hybrid modes of learning have not only increased in volume, but have also been enhanced. Students are now accustomed to learning both in and outside of the classroom, and this year’s cohort of PhD students in the Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity program attribute much of their ongoing academic success to the hybrid mode of learning made available to them. Said for example, Dr. Mohammad Bagher from Iran, “the hybrid method has been helpful, and if this method hadn’t been available, some of us may not have been able to participate in this class, or maybe even in this program at Laurentian.”

Dr. Hoi Cheu is this semester’s instructor of the program’s core theoretical course. In attendance are a dozen students who from various corners of the globe, have formed an incredible sense of community. Some study locally in Sudbury, but most attend virtually from other regions including Nova Scotia, Ottawa, Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, South Korea, Iran, Nigeria and India.

To Dr. Cheu, the hybrid format of learning, supports equity of education. “We are bridging the digital divide, but more than that, the geographical divide. While some of our students are studying in Canada, others are international students. Some come from rural or remote areas. They prefer to do their research and their work near their communities. Being able to run classes in a hybrid mode turns out to be very helpful, and supports the equity of education. Being able to have live discussions online allows people who may be disadvantaged because of geographical limitation, to exchange knowledge with others. Projects can now be done and supervised remotely, all while learners remain connected to their peers. In short, we are working beyond the confines of a classroom.”

Said Julie Burtt from Ottawa: “I’m learning in a classroom with people who are becoming more than just fellow students.” Added Lima Nizami from Nova Scotia: “We’ve formed a community, in the classroom. One of the biggest advantages of having this course offered in a hybrid format is being able to learn from different minds. From different people coming from different areas and backgrounds.”

Given its interdisciplinary scope, diversity of students has always been a strength of the program, which since its establishment in January 2007, has awarded sixty-one doctoral degrees.

Though some students in this year’s cohort spoke of the desire for a return to in-person learning, as described by Monica Motamed from Iran: “We are supposed to see things from the positive point of view, so we are optimistic.” Charu Yadav from India echoed this positivity in her statement that “the hybrid method, I really think is working out very well. It’s been marvelous to learn so much and connect from different geographies and perspectives.” To Judy Binda, Garden River First Nation member from Sault Ste. Marie, being able to leverage virtual connections is beneficial for her research: “My research hinges on Indigenous inclusivity and integration, which I feel is beneficial to scholarly works. I plan to do research with Indigenous communities in Canada from the four directions of the medicine wheel teachings. Instead of having to travel, I may be able to conduct my research virtually.”

The research projects of this year’s Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity students are themselves as equally distinct as their geographic origins. Topics range from feminist architecture for Iran, wholistic Indigenous health, policies for nuclear power, multicultural industial design, and media for mental health, to name but a few.

The program’s annual Human Studies Colloquium provides the opportunity for students to share their research with their peers and other members of the community. The event typically occurs at the end of the Winter semester, in March or April.

Province of Ontario Confirms Clear Commitment to the Future of Laurentian University

New package includes additional financial support and renewed Board of Governors

(Sudbury, Ontario – December 16, 2021) Laurentian University today announced a new package of support from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) that will see the university emerge from its restructuring as a stronger, financially viable and vibrant institution serving students, employers and communities in Northern Ontario.

Laurentian is very pleased with this demonstration of the Province’s continued support for Laurentian and commitment to its long-term success. The university is grateful to the Province for its assistance and collaboration throughout this restructuring.

Financial Terms

The financial terms of the support include $35 million to refinance the existing DIP (debtor-in-possession) financing made available within the CCAA proceeding. The Province also expressed an intention to replace the DIP Facility with a long-term loan upon Laurentian’s emergence from the CCAA proceeding with a successful Plan of Arrangement, on terms to be agreed.

Other terms include up to $6 million in COVID funding for the university, and enrolment corridor and performance protection of up to a combined amount of $22 million over a number of years. This will ensure that the effects of the restructuring do not unduly impact Laurentian’s operations and provides the university with a period to stabilize all of its operations following emergence from CCAA.

Laurentian has appreciated MCU’s support prior to and throughout its CCAA restructuring, and looks forward to continuing that positive relationship with MCU as DIP Lender.

Renewal of the Board of Governors

Laurentian is committed to an accelerated process of Board renewal. In connection with the financial support package provided by the Province and with two of the five Lieutenant-Governor-In-Council (“LGIC”) nominee spots vacant, the three existing LGIC nominees on Laurentian’s Board of Governors resigned yesterday, together with eight other Board members, for a total of eleven outgoing Board members. These resignations are effective immediately.

The Province is appointing five individuals to fill its LGIC nominee spots on the Board of Governors in accordance with the Laurentian University of Sudbury Act. Once onboarded, Laurentian looks forward to working with these new members of the Board.

Laurentian wishes to acknowledge the commitment demonstrated by its outgoing Board members during this difficult time in its history, and thanks them for their volunteer service in the face of tremendous adversity.

A Sustainable Laurentian

With this announcement, new applicants who may be considering Laurentian can feel even more confident in their choice to study in the North, with a fully restructured university. This package of support from the Province will benefit the entire Laurentian community, as well as the broader region in the North that it serves.

Laurentian remains steadfastly committed to emerging from the CCAA restructuring process, so that it continues to be a university of choice for students in the North, and there is still much work to be done. As part of Laurentian’s ongoing efforts, the university committed to a full operational and governance review, which is nearing completion. In addition, Laurentian will be completing a full strategic review with the benefit of an independent third party, as it emerges on a solid financial footing.

Laurentian is confident the Province’s package of support will contribute significantly to the university’s emergence in 2022 as a fully restructured and financially sustainable university.

Tireless student leader supports peers day and night

Ana Tremblay embraces and contributes to student life

We often hear stories of graduating students who thank the people around them for supporting them through their education. Behind each student is a support network made up of many faculty, staff, and of course, other students. For some students, dedicating their time to their colleagues is more than an interest - it’s a passion.

Laurentian University student, Ana Tremblay, is one of these students who is going above and beyond for her colleagues. Tremblay (Kapuskasing, Ontario), a fourth year History student, is both representing her peers and supporting them in her many roles. She is currently the President of Pride Laurentian, a Peer Advisor with the Student Success Centre, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Student General Association (SGA). To Tremblay, balancing her studies in tandem with efforts to support students brings her a sense of accomplishment. “I decided to get involved with Laurentian in a variety of ways because I want to make a difference for future students. It is important that the University consider the point of views of students when making decisions, and I want to be able to be that student voice.” While Tremblay attested that her involvement in the University has the primary goal of supporting her fellow students, these experiences have also positively contributed to her confidence, as have they conditioned her to stand up for what she believes in.

Recently, Ana celebrated the success of Laurentian’s Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP); an after-hours event hosted by the Student Success Centre that links students to services and peer support. Tremblay served as Chair of the student-led committee, and reflected enthusiastically about this experience. “I think that LNAP was a great success! I loved being able to interact with other students and introduce them to services they may not have known about. At the event, we focused on the promotion of student-led services like the peer support specialists and the first-year coaches so that students could discover more about these services, while also discovering ways that they could help other students through on-campus employment and volunteerism."

The Student Success Centre provides transition, academic and career-related support, as well as services for health and wellbeing to help students succeed and thrive through their academic journey. Peer Support Specialists can offer one-on-one coaching for writing and other academic skill building. Appointments can be booked online through the myLaurentian portal or via email: success@laurentian.ca.

To Tremblay, participating in events such as LNAP, and holding leadership roles such as with Pride Laurentian and the SGA has been “really rewarding.” Speaking directly to her role in Pride, she explained that “Pride is currently in the process of transitioning from a student centre to a resource centre and we hope to be able to offer more services and events for students in the near future. Stay tuned.”

Tremblay expects to graduate with her degree in History this Spring. She intends to return to Laurentian in the Fall of 2022, to undertake a second degree in Indigenous Social Work. “I hope to be able to continue to bring positive change to the school.” Tremblay has inspirational goals set for herself, and will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact in the student community.

Students turn class project into community building and charitable ventures

Sports Administration students highlight local sports achievements and combine with alumnus for fundraiser

(December 1, 2021) - Laurentian University's School of Sports Administration consistently recruits, retains and graduates top students. Amongst their current student body include longtime best friends Tommy Vlahos and Alex Cimino. Born and raised in Sudbury, both are fourth year students who with their friend and producer, Mason Savage, founded the podcast Behind the Bench (BTB). The podcast showcases Northern Ontario talent, and started off in October 2020 as a class project in their Sports Media & Communications class.

“We found ourselves in a cool spot - a kind of niche area where no one covered Northern Ontario athletic talent, where people are doing really amazing things,” said Cimino. Added Vlahos, “we have different guests from a wide range of sports on the show. It’s been an incredible and very fulfilling experience so far.”

Guests to date have included professional women’s hockey player and member of Canada's National Women’s Team, Rebecca Johnston, National Hockey League players Nick Foligno (Boston Bruins) and Marcus Foligno (Minnesota Wild), and curler and Laurentian alumna, Sara Guy, who represented Northern Ontario at the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

While Vlahos and Cimino are passionate about bringing attention to Northern Ontario talent via their podcast, and spoke fondly about their comedic banter on BTB, they are equally invested in charitable ventures. “This summer, we at BTB, with the matching support of local Sudbury business, Velco Machining, hosted golf matches that we called “Bench Brawls” to raise roughly $2,000 for the Hearts Playbook,” said Vlahos. This foundation strives to build stronger communities in heart health.

BTB also recently partnered with Ottawa-based apparel line, mssn, to develop a special edition hoodie. One of the company’s founders is SPAD alumnus, Roberto Bagnato. Like BTB, mssn is dedicated to charitable efforts; 5% of their sales benefit the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa. “mssn’s primary mission is to raise awareness for youth mental health,” said Bagnato. “It’s about breaking down that stigma. COVID has especially played a toll on a lot of people’s mental health. We miss how things used to be. We miss our friends. We miss vacations. We miss everything. That’s how we at mssn came up with our business name. We came to the realization that we had something here.” While the idea to develop mssn began in March 2020, it was in June 2020 that mssn celebrated its official launch.

Cimino, Vlahos, Savage, and Bagnato look forward to future collaborations between BTB and mssn. Explained Cimino, “we want to continue giving back to the Sudbury community, so that’s something we’re looking into for 2022.”

Tune into BTB, currently airing on a bi-weekly basis on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
BTB can be followed on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
mssn can be followed on their website and Instagram.

Special Advisor of Francophone Affairs, Roch Gallien

Memo from the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic

(November 26, 2021) We are pleased to welcome Roch Gallien to the position of Special Advisor of Francophone Affairs. He will report directly to the provost and vice-president, Academic to support operations of the Office of Francophone Affairs.

Mr. Gallien has dedicated the last five years to overseeing training for Francophone and Anglophone teachers in all of Ontario’s faculties of education as director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation with the Ontario College of Teachers.

He is a seasoned educational professional and a manager with considerable experience in minority French-Canadian school boards. For several years, he led the Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario and, previously, was superintendent of education at Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario.

Trained in Ontario to teach French, History and Political Science, he received an undergraduate degree and an Ontario Teacher’s Certificate from Laurentian University’s French-language school of education. He also holds a Master of Education in administration and school management from the University of Ottawa.

His professional development pathway led him to obtain additional basic qualifications (ABQ) in instructional leadership, language pedagogy, technology and communication.

Quotes

“As we seek to renew our commitment to the francophone community and give its voice the weigh and influence it deserves in shaping the future of Laurentian University, we are thrilled to have Mr. Gallien on board as we strive to provide French-speaking students from across the province, the country and the world with a postsecondary education and a student experience that is second to none. Having spent the last five years overseeing training for Francophone and Anglophone teachers in all of Ontario’s faculties of education with the Ontario College of Teachers, we believe Mr. Gallien, as a lifelong advocate for a thriving francophonie, will bring a critical eye and a fresh perspective not only to our academic offering but also to our on and off-campus programming.” – Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

“As a graduate of Laurentian, I know first-hand what this institution has to offer and how its DNA is embedded in everything that makes our region such a vibrant, diverse and resilient place. I also appreciate the complex relationship the francophone community has with the university and the erosion of trust that has marked its recent past. As I watched from afar the events of the last few years, I feel a strong sense of duty and purpose in wanting to be part of the solution and play an active role in the transformational change that is required to make Laurentian the pride of the North once again – and to make francophones feel a ‘part entière’ of its renewal.” - Roch Gallien

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