Aline Chrétien tapped as LU's chancellor

Laurentian University's board of governors has announced that Aline Chrétien has been unanimously approved as the university’s first ever chancellor.

Chrétien, who is married to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, has more than four decades of experience building relationships with parliamentarians, national and provincial leaders, corporate stakeholders, and world dignitaries, stated a press release from the university.

She is fluent in French, English, Italian, and Spanish and received her first honorary degree in 2003 from Laurentian University.

Chrétien will serve a three-year renewable term as the ceremonial head of the university. In this
volunteer role, she will be called upon to preside over convocation ceremonies and confer degrees, provide advice to the president, and assist with the university’s advocacy efforts.

She will be officially installed as chancellor Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

“This is such a wonderful announcement for Laurentian University as well as the communities we serve,” said board chair and former Ontario Deputy Premier, Floyd Laughren. “Mrs. Chrétien is respected nationally and internationally for her intelligence, charm, and commitment to youth. She is a perfect fit with Laurentian.”

Chrétien said she was excited when she was asked to serve as Laurentian’s first ever chancellor, and is even more excited to get started.

“I’ve been watching Laurentian University grow for decades,” Chrétien said.

“Its bilingual and aboriginal programs are areas of education that are close to my heart. And, watching Laurentian grow and succeed with President Dominic Giroux at the helm over the past year and a half has been truly inspiring. It made me want to get involved and help spread the word and hopefully add to those successes.”