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French-language rights activist receives honourary doctorate

University of Sudbury presented doctorate at awards ceremony last month

The University of Sudbury presented an honourary doctorate in sacred letters to Gilles LeVasseur during the federated university's annual awards ceremony late last month.

Lavasseur is a well-known Franco-Ontarian who is actively involved in a number of matters pertaining to the French language, notably linguistic rights and equality in Canada.

“It is in the North that we have defined the heritage, values and our (Franco-Ontarian) identity, and we often forget this,” said LeVasseur, who spoke about the importance of the University of Sudbury and of Northern Ontario, where Franco-Ontarians can find many of their roots as well as a warm family-like environment.
 
Among the awards for students are the Senate Awards and the Leadership Awards, with the most prestigious being the Sword of Loyola Award.

The symbol of the sword is linked directly to the University's history and relationship to the Society of Jesus, and this award was established in 1966 by the board of regents to recognize a graduating student who is an outstanding example of the university's ideal in scholarship, leadership qualities and concern for others. 

This year, the award was presented to Edréa Fechner, a student who stands out by her energy, the quality of her work and her level of involvement within the university community at large. 
 
The Caritas Award is presented to an employee who embodies the university’s core values. This year, it was presented to Suzanne Paquin, who is always ready and willing to help. 

Many employees were also recognized for their long-standing service, including Ginette Trottier, Mary Recollet and Melchior Mbonimpa for 25 years of service. 


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