20 Years and 20 Stories | Mike Degagne

“Part-time studies give you the sense that you are always developing your skills, and allow you to read and think about questions that you might not have time for in your daily work life. Not to mention the fact that you meet a lot of fascinating people along the way.”

I began my career in the addictions field and worked with local, provincial and federal agencies. Then 25 years ago I began working in First Nations programs and have found this tremendously challenging and satisfying. After years as an Executive in the federal public service, and time spent as a negotiator I had the opportunity to build an organization called the Aboriginal Healing Foundation from the ground up. For 17 years this organization served the needs of former students of residential schools. As Executive Director I was fortunate to experience a group of Board Directors and employees all pulling in the same direction and supporting a common vision of healing and reconciliation. I realize how rare this can be. I have moved now to the role of President in a northern Ontario university and am part of the “promise of education”. Universities capture a sense of optimism, hope, and change. It’s where people follow their aspirations or start something new. I have been motivated by the people around me, and have worked with some brilliant characters.

My time at OsgoodePD was wonderful, and I have many great memories. I remember a class discussion in my second course when it became clear that as a non-lawyer I thought quite differently than the people around me. It was a pleasant revelation since I knew I was part of a discussion that was going to teach me to see the world in a different way. The best part of the program is learning as a cohort, as a group of interesting students. I enjoyed my fellow students and I still stay in contact with the group and have followed their career progress.