Churchpoint (NS), April 15, 2016 - Université Sainte-Anne is proud to announce that it will award an Honorary Doctorate in Administration Sciences to Mr. Noël Després at the convocation ceremony on May 7th, 2016.
Noël Després, known both for his success in the business world and his community work, is President and CEO of Comeau's Sea Foods, a dynamic company that harvests, processes and markets seafood products and is recognized as an cornerstone of Southwest Nova Scotia's economy.
Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, Mr. Després holds a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) 1973 from Université Sainte-Anne. He was a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1974 to 1978 and served as a peacekeeper in Cyprus in 1976.
In 1978 he returned to Saulnierville, Nova Scotia, where he began working for Comeau's Sea Foods. He joined the company as an executive assistant, but it is as General Director, a position he held for over 30 years that he developed his business acumen and his administrative ability. In 2012, he became Chief Operating Officer and in 2015 he was appointed President and CEO.
Mr. Després has an extraordinary knowledge of the business world and spends much of his time sharing his experience with companies and organizations in Eastern Canada. He is, among other things, Chairman of the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia and Vice-Chair of Perennia. He is a past President of Assumption Life's Board of Governors in Moncton (NB) and a former Board Member of the Canadian Manufacturers Association of Nova Scotia.
Besides his professional activities, he is very committed to his community: he is a member of the Health Medical Foundation of Clare and has been involved with the Sacred Heart Parish of Saulnierville for over 20 years. He was Vice-President of the Clare Acadian Festival from 2005 to 2011 and was engaged in various organizations involving young people in the region, including Clare's Preschool.
In addition, Mr. Després has always been active with his alma mater. He contributed as a member and Chairman for almost ten years to the Board of Governors of Université Sainte-Anne; additionally, he was President of the Alumni Association and Friends from 2007 to 2012, and President of the theater group les Araignées du Boui-Boui from 1994 to 1997.
Mr. Després is a role model for the younger generation of leaders and professionals in the region, and Université Sainte-Anne is proud to award him an Honorary Doctorate in Administration Sciences.
All community members and the media are welcome to attend the convocation ceremony honoring our students and Mr. Després. It will be held at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, May 7th at 2:00 p.m. For those who cannot attend, the event will also be available via webcast on our website: www.usainteanne.ca/tv.
About Université Sainte-Anne
Université Sainte-Anne, the only French language post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia, offers university and college-level courses as well as a French immersion program and customized training in French as a second language. Recognized for its excellent programs as well as its unique and exceptional living environment, Sainte-Anne offers experiential learning opportunities that promote student engagement and success, and an atmosphere which encourages a culture of excellence in research and development. Solidly established in its community, Université Sainte-Anne is a partner of choice for all those who wish to strengthen the vitality of the regions surrounding its 5 campuses as well as all of Acadie throughout Nova Scotia.
For more information
Rachelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications and Marketing
Université Sainte-Anne
Tel. : 902-769-2114 Extension 7222
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