News > 2010 > Four Recent Graduates Receive Lieutenant Governor's Youth Medals

Four Recent Graduates Receive Lieutenant Governor's Youth Medals

         

June 2, 2010

Étienne Girardin, Valérie Laforge, Andrée Lavoie and Louis-Philippe Thibault have each been awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Youth Medal. The decorations, recognizing exceptional academic and community involvement, were presented at a ceremony on May 1, in Montréal.

Étienne Girardin (BBA 2008, Specialized Graduate Diploma 2009) is currently pursuing his studies toward an MSc in Administration (Public Accountancy option). He also received a merit scholarship from the Specialized Graduate Diploma program administration, as well as a grad class scholarship. Étienne is a deputy auditor with Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche, and was a student teacher with the HEC Montréal Department of Accounting Studies in 2009-2010. This summer he is coaching candidates for the Uniform Final Evaluation (UFE) for chartered accountants. In 2009, Étienne achieved the highest standing in Quebec on this examination, earning him the gold medal from the Chartered Accountants of Canada for the province. He has served as an advisor for the Jeunes Entreprises du Québec program, volunteered at the HEC Montréal income tax clinic and helped organize fundraising activities for World Vision.

Valérie Laforge (BBA 2010) was granted Mercure enriched track standing and studied for one term at Singapore Management University. Valérie also received a Canada Millennium scholarship, and is very involved in the university community. She was Vice-President, External Affairs, with AEHEC, and recognized as an outstanding cheerleader for the Carabins, as well as working as an organizer or volunteer for such events as the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge and Five Days for the Homeless. She is the Co-founder and Treasurer of Juripop, a non-profit organization providing legal services for underprivileged clients.

Andrée Lavoie (BBA 2008) is pursuing her studies toward an MSc in Administration (Controllership option). Andrée took first place in the case examination of the Ordre des comptables en management accrédités du Québec (CMA), in August 2009. She was granted Mercure enriched track standing in her undergraduate studies and is now on the MSc honour roll. She has received a travel bursary from KPMG, a merit scholarship from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, along with an internship, and the CMA award, as well as the Master’s Program Director’s scholarship. She has been a student teacher in the Department of Accounting Studies since June 2008. Andrée has done a great deal of volunteer community work for sports events, including the Jeux du Québec.

Louis-Philippe Thibault (BBA 2008) is working toward an MSc in Management. He received an Édouard-Montpetit—Standard Life scholarship for his academic achievements. At the School, he is involved in many projects related to teaching and research, in particular as a research assistant. His extracurricular activities include working as a coach for two years for the corporate finance team in the Financial Open Cup, sitting on the board of the AEHEC and representing the Applied Economics specialization at the AEHEC university round table.

The purpose of the Lieutenant Governor of Québec Awards Program is to recognize Quebeckers who through their involvement, determination and desire to go beyond their personal bests, have had a positive influence on their community or Quebec. There are three honour categories:

The Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Medal is awarded every year to deserving graduates of high schools, CEGEPs and universities and vocational and adult education centres in Quebec.