NU receives award for support to reservists

It is a little-known fact that roughly one third of Canadian reservists – part-time members of the military – are students. This means that thousands of people across the country balance school work and commitments to the Canadian Armed Forces. School work entails readings, assignments and exams, while military commitments include training activities, professional courses and occasional field exercises on weekends.

The demands of both roles can be difficult to balance.

But Nipissing University has been helping student-reservists pursue military careers and higher education for years. Last week, the Canadian Armed Forces recognized Nipissing University for its support to the Reserve Force.

On March 11, the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented Nipissing University the award for best practices in provincial support to reservists in the Educational Institution category on behalf of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, during a ceremony at Queen’s Park.

“On behalf of the university, I thank the Canadian Armed Forces for everything they do for Canada. It is very gratifying to be accepting this award,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. “Nipissing has built a strong reputation for its ability to provide a personalized education in a supportive community, and we are proud to be able to help reservists and other members of our military achieve their post-secondary goals.”

Nipissing University was nominated for the award by Second Lieutenant Julian Mateo Gonzalez, an infantry officer of The Algonquin Regiment in North Bay. Currently working in the capacity of platoon commander, Julian is also a fourth-year biology student at Nipissing University. He commends the university for accommodating him and other members of his unit on numerous occasions.

“Professors have excused reservists to allow them to attend training exercises as well as ceremonial events, such as Remembrance Day,” said Julian. “Some staff have also moved exams and provided assignment extensions when reservists had conflicting military duties.”

As one of the largest post-secondary institutions in the North Bay area, Nipissing University’s flexibility means a lot to soldiers who want to do well in school and in their part-time work.

“The Reserve Force provides opportunities to challenge yourself and give back to your community,” said Julian. “But there’s no way we could keep a foot in both civilian and military worlds without the support of organizations like Nipissing University.”