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Dedicated staffer receives life membership to national board

Author: Communications

Posted on Jun 1, 2016

Category: UNB Fredericton

It’s been a week of honours to cap off a career of dedication for one UNB staff member.

Anne Soucy, director of the Career Development and Employment Centre at UNB, received a life membership from the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) in Montreal on May 30. The award is rare and meaningful – it’s handed out on a case-by-case basis, not annually, so one must have to meet exceptional criteria to receive it.

“I was shocked when I got the phone call,” said Ms. Soucy. “I’ve been involved with CACEE for years and it’s always so lovely to be recognized for your work. The fact it’s not an annual award is another nice element.”

Ms. Soucy also received the Award of Merit from the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) at its annual conference, this year hosted at UNB Fredericton, on May 26.

Her first job at UNB came in 2004 when she was a student development co-ordinator. The next year she became a manager, and is now director, but Ms. Soucy has been working in the area of student employment for 25 years. Over that period she was continually recognized for her dedication.

“In 2009 I was named Educator of the Year through the Marskell Group. I was the first non-academic to win that award.”

Ms. Soucy has her fingers in a lot of pies. She was chair of the New Brunswick Career Development Action Group and remains involved with it, and is currently the second vice president of the Multicultural Association of Fredericton. She has also been involved with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.

“I try to maintain as many ties to the community as possible, which is important in this role,” she said.

At the end of June, Ms. Soucy will be retiring from her role. She plans to spend more time travelling and has a big vacation to Spain planned for the fall – her gift to herself for retiring.

Ms. Soucy plans to take a bit of time to herself, but may consider taking contracts with various groups. She has already been contacted by one, which she found flattering.

Retiring was a hard choice, though.

“I’ve been very much invested in this job and it’s very hard for me to step away. I’ve had wonderful colleagues and very good support.”