Sr. Lesley Sacouman Receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Congratulations to Sister Lesley Sacouman for receiving the University of Manitoba Alumni Association 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service. Lesley was one of six honourees at the May 2nd Celebration of Excellence at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Winnipeg. House of Peace residents and staff and Sisters of the Holy Names were among the crowd of almost 300.

Among the highlights was a delightful video featuring Lesley’s work at the House of Peace and starring several of the residents. The award for Community Service was presented to Lesley by The Honourable Janice Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.
Noting Lesley’s founding role at Rossbrook House, Anishnaabe Oway-ishi (an educational employment training program for Aboriginal youth), Esther House, and House of Peace, she said Lesley “sees everyday as an opportunity to demonstrate the true meaning of love.” Her Honour continued:

“The Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service celebrates exceptional graduates who have significantly contributed to their community and made a difference to the well-being of others. For her unwavering belief that inside everyone is goodness and possibility; for her ability to rally our community time and again to care for those in need; for her commitment to offer hope and a home when they are needed the most; please join me in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service, Sister Lesley Sacouman.”

In her gracious response Lesley thanked the University, those who mentored her and those who have been her companions on the journey, mentioning in particular the youth at Rossbrook and the women at House of Peace. She shared that she has been inspired by a phrase first uttered by Helen Keller and given a Lesley twist – “Life is a daring collective adventure … or it is nothing!”