For 40 years, Professor Simon Laflamme has been part of the Laurentian University community, contributing to its academic and cultural landscape. Having served in many leadership positions throughout those years, he has witnessed significant transformations at the University. Reflecting on Laurentian's 65th anniversary, Dr. Laflamme shared his memories, insights, and hopes for the institution's future.
Dr. Laflamme arrived at Laurentian in 1984, coming from Quebec with little awareness of how rich the Francophone culture was in Northern Ontario. His first memory of the university is of his hiring interview, which enticed him to not only accept the position but to embody the warmth, openness of discourse, and academic rigour he experienced in that moment into the rest of his career.
"I didn't know the university, the campus, or the community. The group of faculty who interviewed me took me to the pub in the basement of the university. It was a warm welcome that showed me the atmosphere and collegiality of the institution," he recalls.
Over the decades, Dr. Laflamme has seen Laurentian evolve in many ways. Among the most significant changes were the construction of the J.N. Desmarais Library and the digitization of the university's resources.
"Shortly after I arrived, digitization began. But then, there was no integration of technology in teaching," he explains. "We were learning to use computers and even using them for our research and teaching. That transition was a pivotal moment in the institution's history."
He also played a role in the development of many graduate programs, seeing the launch of several in his early years at the university. "It was a time of immense growth and it was exciting and refreshing," he says, emphasizing how this expansion strengthened the university's academic offerings, providing a pathway for students to further research in the arts at the highest level. One of Dr. Laflamme's proudest accomplishments was the creation of the PhD in Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity, which he saw as an important step for students in social sciences and in humanities.
In 1996, Dr. Laflamme received the Research Excellence Award, an honour that still holds great meaning for him today. "I was a young professor at the time, and to be recognized in that way was very meaningful. My Dean put forward my candidacy, and that was touching. It made me very happy and proud."
Dr. Laflamme stresses the significance that Laurentian University holds in Northern Ontario. "What would Northeastern Ontario be without Laurentian? Without Laurentian, there would be an extraordinary void. From regreening Sudbury region's forests to groundbreaking research in mining, ecology, and community well-being, Laurentian has shaped our region in ways we can't measure. It's not just a place of learning. The University is a hub of discovery, innovation, and talent that helps to define Northern Ontario as much as Northern Ontario, in return, defines the culture of the University."
More than just an institution, Laurentian shapes individuals and the community, Dr. Laflamme notes. "Our graduates and researchers either stay here in Northern Ontario and reinvest their knowledge and expertise into our region or they take the specificities of this community to their exploits around the world. That's something to be incredibly proud of."
Looking ahead, Dr. Laflamme hopes to see Laurentian rebuild relationships with its community. "The relationship between Northern Ontario and Laurentian can be renewed. My hope is that, with the best interest of the North in mind, the spirit of academia, research, and scholarship are restored to the centre of decision-making at the University."
He also advocates for a renewed focus on academic excellence, prioritizing deep thinking and creativity. "A university's mission is to develop experts not just in practical skills, but in abstract thought. Science and arts are domains that shape the thinkers who enrich our communities."
It's Laurentian's bond with the Northern Ontario community that stands out as Dr. Laflamme reflects on his career. He expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities Laurentian has given him.
"I was born in Quebec, earned my doctorate in France, and completed two master's degrees in Ontario. But Laurentian gave me my understanding of the North of Francophonie in Ontario. Before I came here, I had never even thought about Northern Ontario. Since then, I've never wanted to leave."
Like many in the Laurentian community, Dr. Laflamme's pride in the institution was challenged significantly when Laurentian went through the CCAA process and was forced to close multiple programs.
Even through challenging times, his connection to Laurentian remains strong. "The most successful moments in the university's history came from listening to the community and responding to its needs. That must continue if the university is to thrive. I am thankful for what Laurentian has provided me a rewarding career and fulfilling relationships and I believe in the future of Laurentian."
As Laurentian celebrates 65 years, Dr. Laflamme's reflections serve as both a testament to the University's impact and a call to ensure its future remains bright, innovative, and deeply connected to the community it serves.
