March 11, 2021 – The University of Sudbury would like to congratulate the five participants and scholarship recipients for this 2020-2021 academic year.
The Normand Forest Leadership Program allows students to take on a leadership role at the University of Sudbury, in addition to receiving a $1500 scholarship. This program was launched in 2017 by the family of Mr. Normand Forest, to honour this University of Sudbury / Collège du Sacré Coeur alumnus (1959). Amongst other things, he was a lawyer, a leader and an engaged volunteer for many years, within the University of Sudbury, Laurentian Federation, and Greater Sudbury communities, with particular involvement in the Franco-Ontarian community. Following his passing in June 2020, the University of Sudbury received many donations towards the scholarship in memory of Mr. Forest, including from his former Collège du Sacré-Coeur classmates. We are grateful for this generosity allowing his legacy and memory to live on.
This third edition in 2020-2021 sees the scholarship awarded to five students: Vivianne Claude, El Hadji Baye Dame Diop, Mohammed El Mendri, Isabelle Minor and Zachary Zarichney. Amongst the activities of the program, the students attended various leadership trainings. This year, Dominique Forest – the daughter of the late Mr. Forest – took part by meeting with students each semester, offering her leadership expertise, thanks to her vast experience in communication, change management and team leadership.
In February, the students were initiated to Toastmasters, a worldwide organization allowing individuals to improve their communication and leadership skills. The students participated in different meetings, notably to the French-language clubs in Sudbury – Voix du Nord and Mots du Midi – or a Toastmasters Charlebourg meeting, from Québec.
Finally, to conclude the year, the recipients will work on a project with Carmen Bertrand, Community Engagement Coordinator at the University.
During this program and their studies at the University of Sudbury, these students develop not only their resumes, but themselves, to join the ranks of “people for others” who make a difference locally, nationally and internationally through servant leadership and right relationships.
The University thanks the following individuals and organizations who accompanied the students in their learning: Dominique Forest; Suzanne Rondeau, Toastmasters member in Sudbury who offered a special workshop to the students; the Toastmasters Charlebourg club from Québec; Elise Leblanc; Carmen Bertrand; and Fr John Meehan.
A screenshot of a Toastmasters session (Voix du Nord).
A screenshot of a workshop with Dominique Forest in March 2021.