Meet Student Leader Riley Cormier

Nipissing University is pleased to have recognized Riley Cormier from Niagara Falls 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.

Riley is working towards a Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization in Environment and Physical Geography.

Riley has demonstrated community leadership through his extensive involvement within the community throughout his degree. He has been on the board of directors for both the Friends of Laurier Woods and Nipissing Naturalists. He has volunteered his time to provide educational guided hikes through Laurier Woods on topics such as insects, native pollinators, and the history of the woods. This past September, he organized a tree planting event in partnership with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority which resulted in a few hundred trees being planted along Chippewa Creek and contributed to reducing soil erosion in the area. In addition to this, Riley also volunteers with the North Bay Air Search and Rescue where he trains other volunteers to be prepared for search and rescue missions in North Bay and surrounding areas.

Riley also helped to organize a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) day on campus which brought together high school students, university students, university staff, folks from local businesses, and members of municipal, provincial, and federal government, including the Deputy Chief of the North Bay Police Department for an introduction to Geographic Information Systems and how they are used locally. As part of the day, Riley helped to deliver a specially designed demonstration within the Geography Department’s GIS lab for the 50 high school students in attendance. The event was a great success and would not have happened without Riley’s initiative, dedication and leadership.

After graduation, Riley plans to pursue a Master of Science in Geography at Carleton University.

The university community congratulates Riley on his Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the Community Category!