Former Nickel Belt MP, Gaétan Serré was honoured by Huntington University with its Distinguished Award of Excellence on Nov. 19.
Serré was recognized for his lifetime of dedication to serving his community and country. He served as the Liberal MP for Nickel Belt from 1968 to 1972, in the government of Pierre-Elliott Trudeau. He was succeeded by NDPer John Rodriguez.
Coincidentally, Serré the elder's son, Marc, is the current MP for Nickel Belt, and also serves a prime minister named Trudeau.
The honour was presented to Serré by Dr. Kevin McCormick, president and vice-chancellor of Huntington University. Rick Bartolucci, the former MPP for Sudbury and a current member of Huntington University's board of regents, was also in attendance for the award presentation.
“I was recently reminded of the contributions of Gaétan Serré, a man who has achieved much over the years," said McCormick. "He is a former member of parliament for Nickel Belt, was a leader in the post-secondary field, as well as a business owner and avid volunteer, who has dedicated much of his life to the betterment of Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario.
"His history of civic leadership embodies the true spirit of Huntington University, and for this reason we are proud to honour his legacy.”
In addition to this award, McCormick announced the creation of the Gaétan Serré scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a student who embodies Serré's passion for public service.
“I am incredibly proud to have been present while my father accepted the Award of Excellence for his lifetime of dedication to service to his community and country," said Serré the younger, Marc. "I wish to thank Dr. Kevin McCormick for bestowing this distinguished award upon my father and to all those who attended to offer their support."
