(May 3, 2022) - Recently, l’AÉF held its annual elections for incoming 2022-2023 leadership. New leaders begin their roles this month of May, with Hemliss Konan taking on the role of AEF President. Konan is an international student originally from Ivory Coast in West Africa. She is a third year Politics and Law student, also studying a minor in Criminologie.
The Association des étudiantes et étudiants francophones (AÉF) is dedicated to supporting Laurentian students. L’AÉF advocate first and foremost for Francophone students and spaces, and provide political representation for their members at various administrative and government levels. They also organize activities and events that promote the development and celebration of Francophone arts and culture.
Konan has many goals for her tenure as AÉF President, and spoke confidently about the advocacy she anticipates to provide to fellow students. “I want to ensure that francophones truly feel and are able to celebrate their francophone culture on campus,” said Konan. “I also want to advocate for international students, and support their needs in any way possible.” Alongside her involvement with the AÉF, Konan is a member of Laurentian’s African and Caribbean student association (LUACSA), is a student ambassador with Liaison Services and with the keep.meSAFE program, and provides peer academic support through the Student Success Centre to french speaking students.
Dr. Robert Haché, Laurentian’s President and Vice-Chancellor is looking forward to working with incoming student leaders: “Students and their success is the number one priority for us all at Laurentian. Student associations contribute exponentially to the student experience, and I applaud incoming leaders for their commitment to their peers. I have always appreciated the significant contributions of our student leaders, they play a critical role within Laurentian University."
Other elected leaders of L’AÉF’s 2022-2023 team include Nawfal Sbaa, Vice-President of Politics, and El Hadji Baye Dame Diop, Vice President of Sociocultural Affairs and Services. Both are 3rd year administration des affaires students.
Outgoing President of l’AÉF, Simon Paquette, who will be graduating this Spring with a B.Sc. spécialisation Biologie biomédicale avec mineur Théâtre, is confident that l’AÉF is in good hands with the support of incoming leaders: “I see the AÉF continuing to be innovative and creative to meet the needs of its students. I have complete faith that the association will continue adapting to the obstacles thrown its way. The students have chosen a great and unique team that will undoubtedly do their best. I am excited to see what they do!”
Paquette held the role of President of l’AÉF during his third (2020-2021) and fourth (2021-2022) years of undergraduate study at the University. He has also represented the LGBTQ2S+ community on the AÉF board (2019-2020).
For students interested in getting involved with l’AÉF, by-elections will be held early in the Fall semester of 2022. The Student General Association and the Graduate Student Association will also be holding by-election in the Fall semester.