Chantal Boucher, BA 91
Two Concordia alumni have joined forces to honour the memory of their dear friend and former resident assistant, Chantal Boucher, BA 91, with a new student award.
The Chantal Boucher Prize for Resident Assistants was created by Ra’ad Ra’ad, BA 91, and Stephane Barsalou, BComm 97, to recognize an exceptional RA — a student leader who supports and guides their peers in residence.
“Chantal had an incredible ability to care for and connect with others — her legacy deserves to live on,” says Ra’ad, who, along with Barsalou and Boucher were RAs at Hingston Hall together in the 1990s on Loyola Campus.
Affectionately known as “Mom” in residence for her nurturing presence, Boucher passed away in 2022 at the age of 54. She’s remembered for her warmth, empathy and gift for bringing people together.
“After she passed, Stephane and I reconnected after more than 30 years,” says Ra’ad. “That was her magic — building bridges and creating community.”
More than $22,000 have been raised to create the annual prize, awarded to a resident assistant who embodies the compassion, warmth and spirit that defined Boucher’s time at Concordia.
The inaugural prize was given to a 2024-25 resident assistant at a special celebration on May 5, with Boucher’s family, friends and former students in attendance.
Support the $90,000 goal to endow the prize, ensuring future resident assistants who reflect Boucher’s spirit are recognized for fostering inclusive, supportive student life. Make your gift today.
Pictured at the celebration are members of Boucher’s family as well as former Hingston Hall RAs and residents, including Ra’ad Ra’ad (fourth from left), Stephane Barsalou (third from left) and Concordia Vice-President of Advancement Paul Chesser (second from right), BA 94, GrDip 97.