"Keep an open mind, and you’ll find yourself going places you never imagined," says fall 2024 valedictorian Francis Parenteau.
As the Faculty of Arts and Science prepares to celebrate its Fall 2024 Convocation, PhD graduate Francis Parenteau stands out as an exceptional representative of Concordia’s student body. A student in Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, Parenteau has exemplified resilience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to both learning and mentorship throughout his time at the university.
"Francis Parenteau's journey at Concordia has been remarkable, and his contributions have enriched both the academic and student communities," says Pascale Sicotte, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. "His research in physical performance and skeletal muscle bioenergetics, along with his passion for teaching, makes him an inspiring role model for current and future students."
We spoke with Parenteau to learn more about his journey and asked him to reflect on his time at Concordia.
Where are you from? What’s your story?
I’m from Chateauguay, a small town on the south shore of Montreal. Growing up, I played competitive hockey, and I was fortunate to get a scholarship to study and play hockey in the U.S. That experience helped me improve my English while continuing to play the sport I love and getting a great education.
What made you choose Concordia?
Concordia’s Exercise Science program, now called Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, was well ranked and offered specializations in Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy, which really appealed to me. I also wanted to stay in an English-speaking environment, and I liked that the Loyola campus wasn’t downtown, which made it feel a bit more relaxed.
Three keys to a good education?
- Approachable professors – It’s crucial to feel comfortable asking questions and meeting with them outside of class when needed.
- Hands-on experience – Having labs, internships, and co-op opportunities is key for applying your knowledge and making yourself more appealing to recruiters.
- A strong student life – A department that organizes activities like symposiums and social gatherings keeps students engaged and creates a sense of community.
Two lessons you learned at Concordia?
- Time management – University taught me how to prioritize and organize my time, especially during exam periods.
- Networking is important – I built meaningful relationships with classmates during my undergrad, and those connections have stayed with me, including my wife, who I met in Exercise Science!
What does it mean for you to celebrate this milestone moment?
It means a lot. When I first started my undergrad, I wasn’t even sure what career path I wanted to follow, and grad school wasn’t on my radar. I feel proud to have completed both my bachelor’s and PhD here at Concordia, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way.
What's next for you?
I’ve accepted a position as an Associate Account Manager at Smith & Nephew in orthopedics and sports medicine. I spend a lot of time in operating rooms, interacting with orthopedic surgeons, and learning from them between surgeries. I’m looking forward to growing within the industry and seeing where this path takes me.
Do you have a memory to share from your Concordia experience?
One of my best memories is from a study group we formed in the first year of my bachelor’s. We’d spend hours in the library study rooms, drawing physiological pathways on whiteboards and coming up with acronyms to remember them. I’m still friends with many of those people today, and we laugh about it whenever we see each other.
One piece of advice for future grads?
Be open-minded. You might have a clear idea of what you want to do, but life will throw opportunities your way that you never expected. Keep an open mind, and you’ll find yourself going places you never imagined.