On the first day of this year’s convocation ceremonies, Laurentian University in Sudbury on Tuesday awarded an honorary doctorate of law degree to Michelle O’Bonsawin, a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Judge O’Bonsawin told the graduates that you must always persevere despite life’s challenges and be surrounded by good mentors to succeed.
I am happy to be recognized at a university where I obtained my bachelor’s degree during my studies
said Justice O’Bonsawin, who was appointed to Canada’s Supreme Court on September 1, 2022.
Laurentian University’s new president and vice chancellor, Lynn Wells, emphasized that Michelle O’Bonsawin is a good representative of Laurentian’s values.
She is French speaking and native to the Sudbury region. She is the perfect person to represent Laurentian at this ceremony today
she said.
Lynn Wells, president and vice chancellor of Laurentian University, said the return of honorary degrees is a symbol of Laurentian’s stability.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Venant Nshimyumurwa
Serge Demers, Registrar of Laurentian University, recalled that the awarding of honorary degrees, which his institution resumes after a four-year hiatus, is an opportunity for the recipients to convey their words of wisdom to the graduates.
The university will also confer an honorary doctorate in business administration to Catharine Farrow on Wednesday and an honorary doctorate of letters to Daniel Andreae on Thursday.
In principle, it is about recognizing these individuals who, directly or indirectly, share the same values as the institution.
The Registrar of Laurentian University, Serge Demers, indicated that his institution will have approximately 2,000 graduates this year.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Venant Nshimyumurwa
Always persevere
Judge O’Bonsawin, a member of the Odanak First Nation, invites Indigenous people not to give in to discouragement. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t complete a task.
I’ve heard people in my life say, “Michelle, you know, you’re from a small French-speaking town in Northern Ontario, it’s very likely that you’re not going to become a lawyer”
confided to the judge, who claims to have decided to become a lawyer when she was just 9 years old.
She said her success is a result of perseverance, as well as support from parents and mentors.
The graduates followed with interest and said Judge O’Bonsawin inspires them.
It inspires a lot. First of all, a lot of respect, a lot of attention, but it also gives motivation to want to do the same or more. It shows that we can do the same
says David Daouda Golo, who is completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
The event took place during a ceremony attended by more than 150 graduates. In total, approximately 2,000 students will receive their diplomas this week.