Meet Student Leader Lynne Cormier

Nipissing University is pleased to have recognized Lynne Cormier from Temiskaming Shores with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, one of its most prestigious accolades.

Annually, 25 full-time students are recognized with a Dave Marshall Leadership Award. These students have made an outstanding extracurricular contribution to their academic program, to the campus, or to the greater community. They have demonstrated leadership, initiative, commitment, and an ability to motivate and influence others toward the betterment of Nipissing University.

This award is a prestigious, non-monetary award in recognition of the dedication and leadership Dr. Dave Marshall demonstrated during his 18 years of consecutive service as the Dean of Education and President and Vice Chancellor of Nipissing University. Dr. Marshall’s tenure at Nipissing University is a reflection of his commitment to higher education, vision for the future, and leadership in external community service. These were all characteristics reflective of Dr. Marshall’s position at Nipissing University and are qualities embodied in the students chosen for this award.

Lynne is working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a Specialization in Sociology.

Lynne has demonstrated her leadership on campus as a volunteer for the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ programs and events. She volunteered for the Welcome Pow Wow, the Peer2Peer Mentorship program (which pairs Indigenous students at Nipissing University together for mentorship), the Wiidooktaadwin mentorship initiative (a group mentorship program for Indigenous students in local high schools), and for Debwendizon (an annual on-campus Indigenous youth education and recruitment gathering). Lynne also volunteered her time for talking and sharing circles with visiting Elders, as well as a number of other social, cultural, and special events.

With the Wiidooktaadwin mentorship initiative, Lynne mentored youth at Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls. She went above and beyond in this role to make homemade bannock and fry bread, perform songs with her drum, and share traditional teachings with her mentorship group. The way she engaged with the youth led to increased participation in the program and inspired teachers at Northern Secondary School to start their own mentorship program.

Lynne is strong, humble, kind and determined to create a welcoming space for those around her. She is an advocate for Indigenous youth and those who are unable to advocate for themselves. She is driven to build community and takes the initiative to share her traditional cultural knowledge with others.

In the future, she hopes to continue to learn and grow as a proud two-spirited Anishinaabekwe, trying to make positive impacts in all that she does.

The university community congratulates Lynne on her Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Campus Category!