UNIVERSITY. The Foundation of the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) is proud to announce the creation of the Félix-Antoine Prize, an initiative aimed at paying tribute to the unique impact of Félix-Antoine Aubert-Morasse within the university community.
This award aims to recognize and promote initiatives promoting an inclusive environment for people living with disabilities or neurodiversity. It will be awarded annually to a member of the UQTR community. A prize worth $350 will be awarded to the winning person.
Created in 2024 by Paul Gaudet, educational advisor in educational technologies and lecturer in the Department of Educational Sciences, this award bears the name of the first student living with an intellectual disability to take a regular course at UQTR. Félix-Antoine’s inspiring journey marked a turning point in the history of the university, paving the way for many other young people with special needs.
“The UQTR Foundation is honored to support this initiative which perfectly embodies our values of inclusion. This award reflects our commitment to building an open and supportive community, while offering students an enriching and accessible learning experience,” declared the President and CEO of the UQTR Foundation, Joëlle Gagné.
For Paul Gaudet, this initiative represents much more than a tribute. “Community involvement is essential to creating a world where everyone has their place. Félix-Antoine touched everyone he met during his time at the university, contributing to the development of students’ knowledge, know-how and interpersonal skills. He has proven, for more than 20 years, that difference can be a strength. This prize aims to honor those who, like him, build bridges towards a more inclusive future,” he underlines.
Véronique Busby, who accompanied Félix-Antoine as a speaker for many years, also underlined the importance of his legacy. “He has contributed, over the years, to paving the way for the integration and visibility of many people within the university community. I had the privilege of witnessing their desire to overcome daily challenges, of seeing them progress and acquire new social and professional skills, day after day. Participating in their development is an immense source of motivation and inspiration for me, both professionally and personally. This prize is a great way to extend its impact,” she says.
Marc Ayotte, now retired, collaborated with Paul Gaudet and worked on the UQTR work floor for more than 25 years, where Félix-Antoine also worked.
“Félix-Antoine changed the vision of UQTR students towards people with special needs. Today, these people are fully part of the university, its values and its actions. This award guarantees the continuity of concrete inclusive actions in academia. This is essential,” he said during the launch.
Nominations for the Félix-Antoine Prize begin today, December 3, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and will close on January 15, 2025. The winning person will be revealed on February 10, during of the UQTR Foundation Scholarship Awards Gala.
To submit an application, make a donation or find out more about this prize, visit the Félix-Antoine Prize website.
