St. Thomas University will recognize advocate Paul Ouellet and Professor Léo-James Lévesque during Summer Convocation, July 4 at the Fredericton Playhouse.
Paul Ouellet will receive an Honorary Degree, recognizing his advocacy for the marginalized in our society.
Professor Léo-James Lévesque will be honoured with the University Service Award, in recognition of his contributions to the university, the Bachelor of Education program, and the community.
Honorary Degree Recipient - Paul Ouellet
Paul Ouellet is an advocate for the marginalized in our society. For more than four decades, he has dedicated his life to serving people suffering with mental illness, addictions, and homelessness. This has meant advocating in countless individual cases to lobbying government and elected officials to improve or provide the services and programs that individuals and families desperately require and deserve. A graduate of Vanier High School, and the New Brunswick Community College, he worked for Service Canada for thirty years as a program and financial officer. Paul's early life was marked by hardship as his father and later four of his siblings would be diagnosed with schizophrenia and many of his close family members suffered from addictions. Paul's experience as a family caregiver over 53 years, starting at age 21, ranged from caring for siblings with schizophrenia, addictions, and homelessness. This experience has shaped Paul's compassionate response to those who suffer with debilitating illnesses and conditions.
Paul shares his family story so that healthcare workers also see treatment and recovery from a family perspective. He works alongside staff in long-term care homes and rehabilitation centres, clinicians, and social workers to ensure that those journeying through care are connected to appropriate services and care. On their behalf, he has lobbied premiers, cabinet members, senior civil servants, and community leaders. He has been particularly committed to the establishment of a Mental Health Court in Moncton and of a Mental Health Advocate for New Brunswick. The mission of the newly established Fondation Paul Ouellet Foundation, is to "work with community organizations, businesses and governments to find lasting solutions for people suffering from mental illnesses, addictions and homelessness."
The words from those he has helped speak the most poignantly about his impact. "He sees those journeys with people when they are at their lowest and when they have found recovery and wellness and everything in between." "Some of our most vulnerable citizens remain invisible to the majority of people going about their day-to-day lives. Paul sees them, he sees their humanity and he responds to it, he goes where others do not." "With his help, we were able to improve the lives of many, and honestly, save a few lives along the way."
University Service Award - Professor Léo-James Lévesque
Professor Léo-James Lévesque, Field Placement Coordinator and French Language Specialist in the School of Education, is an award-winning educator who has made a significant contribution to the Bachelor of Education program. Nationally recognized for his leadership in French Second Language education, he has collaborated with school boards, districts, administrators, and teachers across Canada. He has also travelled extensively to promote STU's BEd program, taken part in numerous Open Houses, and developed strong relationships with educational partners to secure school-based placements for teacher candidates. Prof. Lévesque has played a key role in expanding access to innovative and relevant programming by regularly teaching overload courses, enabling teacher candidates to be better prepared for the transition to the teaching profession. During the pandemic, he developed innovative virtual field placement experiences, ensuring that students could benefit from practicum opportunities despite school closures. He has established the Partnership in Learning Initiatives to support collaborative educational projects. Through his promotion of professional, linguistic, and cultural development for students, Prof. Lévesque demonstrates his outstanding service to the School of Education and the broader educational community.
