We are thrilled to shine our Employee Spotlight this month on Joscelyne Meilleur, one of LUSU’s longest-standing and dedicated staff members.  With a remarkable 38-year history at Laurentian University, Joscelyne’s journey is an inspiring testament to commitment, resilience, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and her colleagues.  

 

Joscelyne’s career began in the Centre for Talent Development and Student Services which was located in SSR Residence where she worked closely with the SGA Executive at that time and met countless amazing students. In 1992 when Laurentian’s first Student Centre opened, she transitioned to the 2nd Floor of Parker Building where the department name was changed to Student Services and Counseling and Resource Centre. During that time, she contributed to the Student Code of Conduct and supported international students, Off Campus Housing and student groups including the SGA, AEF, GSA and LAMPS. Seeking new challenges, Joscelyne took a leave from Student Services to become the Coordinator at the Centre for Academic Writing. After this department closed in 2000, she joined the JND Library as an Administrative Assistant, working with students and engaging in initiatives like student card services.  She also served on various committees, including Teaching and Learning and played a role in reviewing faculty promotion requests.

 

In August of 2012, Joscelyne assumed the role of Administrative Assistant for the Department of Capital Projects where they were mandated by the Senior Leaders to work on transformation projects across campus.   Three years later, in 2015, she was awarded the position of Project Coordinator, collaborating with a team dedicated to campus improvements.  Now, even 1.5 years after retirement age, Joscelyne remains a committed and valued member of Facility Services, where she truly enjoys the work and the camaraderie of her wonderful team. It was not easy for the University community during COVID and then CCAA but Joscelyne continues to see positive changes at Facility Services.

 

Throughout her career, Joscelyne has been an active participant in union matters, and was part of the Negotiation Committee for three to four contracts and truly enjoyed learning the LUSU Collective Agreement and the intricacies of the Union. It was the first time in her working career that she belonged to a Union. Most negotiations were resolved by June 30th, with one exception being the August 1999 negotiations, where LUSU was on strike for six hours. Reflecting on the experience Joscelyne said: “There is tremendous planning that takes place to ensure that everything is ready if we did not reach our deal at 11:59 pm the night before. I truly feel that all members should take the time to be part of the committee as you truly gain a lot of knowledge on how things work and why decisions were made.”

 

Joscelyne was also a member of the LUSU Executive team for many years, holding positions of Secretary and 2nd Vice President.  Reviewing LUSU historical files, she reflected on LUSU’s evolution: from a time when female members were prohibited from wearing pants to work,  sitting in the upper level of the Great Hall and punching time clocks upon arrival and leaving work, to gaining greater equality and fair treatment.  She also came across a memo where LUSU members were not allowed to play cards during breaks or lunches. Joscelyne quotes: “It made me realize how far we have come and thankful that I was not working here when those rules were in place. We have all of the former Executive Members to thank for where we are today.” 

 

Joscelyne has also represented LUSU on numerous University committees including the Capital Campaign in 1996, the Status of Women Committee, Food Committee, Pension Committee and the Parking Committee.  These roles took her to union meetings across Canada, where she met inspiring union leaders.   Locally, she was a member of the Children’s Christmas party, organizing events for Laurentian’s employees, their children and grandchildren in the Great Hall.

 

Encouraging her fellow LUSU members to get involved, Joscelyne offers this advice:  “The Union is here for you and it is a good way to ensure the members' voices are heard. It takes a lot of personal time for those who volunteer on a committee or on the Executive but it truly makes you appreciate the work others do or have done to ensure we have a good collective agreement and are treated fairly.”

 

Thank you Joscelyne, for your incredible dedication and service to Laurentian University.  We’re grateful for the difference you have made and continue to make each day.

 

Sincerely,

MHAC