Micheline Lavallée, a Psychology professor in Cambrian College’s School of Justice and Community Services, is the recipient of this year’s President’s Award for Excellence – Faculty category.

Presented annually at Convocation, the President’s Award for Excellence acknowledges faculty who have been exemplary in their efforts to achieve their own professional goals and to inspire the faculty community to set and achieve the highest standards in the classroom.

Lavallée, who began her full-time career at Cambrian in 1999 as a faculty member in the American Sign Language – English Interpreter program, is respected by her peers and by her students for her professional experience, for her innovative teaching methods, and for her focus on student success. She is known for her inclusive teaching style, her ability to actively engage students in the learning process, and her willingness to take on new challenges.

A graduate of the American Sign Language – English Interpreter program at St. Clair College, Lavallée also holds an honours degree in Psychology from Laurentian University. As a student, her academic endeavours earned her the Terry Fox Award and the Governor General’s Award.

Prior to joining Cambrian, Lavallée worked as an American Sign Language interpreter for the Canadian Hearing Society and today, she continues to provide interpreter services on an on-call basis for Northern Ontario police services, healthcare facilities, provincial courthouses, and government agencies.

In addition to her professional commitments, Lavallée is also an active community volunteer. She assists in the organization of the annual Fishing 4 Children’s Charities Pike Derby, proceeds of which go to the Northern Ontario Children’s Charities, and she is the past chair of the Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer fundraising committee. Earlier this year, Lavallée received an award recognizing her 10 years of volunteer service with the Canadian Cancer Society.

The President’s Award for Excellence will be presented to Lavallée on Thursday, May 29 at 2 p.m.

Awards and Medals
Cambrian’s 40th annual Convocation ceremonies will also feature the presentation of eight additional awards and medals — the President’s Gold Medal, the President’s Silver Medal, the Governor General’s Academic Medal, the Dr. Fred Sheridan Award, the Alumni Award, and three Certificates of Recognition.

Convocation Ceremonies
More than 2,100 members of Cambrian’s 2008 graduating class will be honoured during four ceremonies – two on Thursday and two on Friday.

Thursday, May 29, 2008 – 10 a.m.
Health Sciences and Emergency Services

Thursday, May 29, 2008 – 2 p.m.
Justice, Access and Community Services

Friday, May 30, 2008 – 10 a.m.
Computer and Engineering Technology
Trades and Apprenticeship
College Transitional Skills

Friday, May 30, 2008 – 2 p.m.
Community and Workforce Development
Business, Media and Creative Arts
Part-time Studies

For the recipients of the Dr. Fred Sheridan and the Cambrian College Alumni Awards, read the Media Release, or for information on the Gold, Silver, and Governor General Awards Winners, download the communique (PDF). For more on the 2008 Convocation Ceremonies, read the News Feature.