Education News Spring 2021 | Page 18

Positive Space Network program , which provides professional development and education in the fields of 2SLGBTQ + histories , current issues and intersectional allyship . They are currently pursuing a Master of Education degree in curriculum development , with a focus on 2SLGBTQ + diversity education programs .
Brasseur has received national acclaim for their advocacy and volunteerism , both for their work at UR Pride and for the work they have done in Canada ’ s North . In 2011 , Jacq co-founded two organizations in the Northwest Territories : NWT Pride , an organization

ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

Christine Selinger Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Christine Selinger ( BEd ’ 11 , BSc ’ 11 ) is a dedicated advocate , athlete and volunteer . While a student , she served as president of several student societies and received the President ’ s Medal for her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement . Selinger is an educator and emerging leader in the field of sex and disability . She is a two-time world champion in Paracanoe and , in 2010 , she became the first paraplegic to traverse the rugged Nootka Trail off the west coast of Vancouver Island .
“ After my injury , I was willing to try every sport I could , mostly because I wanted more social time with other people who have disabilities ,” Selinger says . “ I learned so much from my responsible for organizing an annual Pride festival ; and the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife , a 2SLGBTQ + focused organization that opened its doors to a drop-in location under Brasseur ’ s guidance .
They are very appreciative to receive an Alumni Crowning Achievement Award ( ACAA ) for humanitarianism and community service .
“ It really means a lot to be recognized by an institution that I regularly challenge or push to be better ,” Brasseur says . “ There have been a few times where I ’ ve written angry tweets or sent frustrated emails , but the
peers and I was eager to learn more . When I discovered paddling , I really fell in love with it . I loved being on the water and that kept me coming back each day . It didn ’ t feel like a chore to go to practice and I was eager to get faster and to keep up with my peers .”
Selinger sustained her spinal cord injury in a climbing accident at the age of 19 . Subsequently , she completed two concurrent bachelor ’ s degrees in mathematics and education in 2011 .
“ My time at the U of R was transformative ,” she says . “ I feel that university in general is a time for discovery and I definitely felt that in my time with the U of R through both my studies and extracurricular activities . It gave me a view into the wider world that I was craving and chased after graduation . It gave me a view into the wider world that I was craving and chased after graduation . My university experience gave me a clearer idea of who I am and what I want to and can contribute to help my community thrive .”
Selinger worked as a peer support coordinator and instructional designer for the Canadian Paraplegic Association and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario . Through her openness and candor , she has had a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities .
Selinger was a Canadian national Paracanoe athlete from 2008 to 2013 , fact that the University is recognizing my contributions to our campus and community means a lot to me . It tells me that they see the value in having people who love the University and challenge it to be better . If you ask me , that ’ s what makes the U of R great .”
When they ’ re not working , Brasseur can be found spending time with friends or engaging in social justice in Regina . They ’ re passionate about civic engagement and love getting involved in the community .
Republished with permission from University Advancement & Communications
a two-time world champion , and Saskatchewan Athlete of the Month in August 2010 . She was also shortlisted as International Paralympic Committee Athlete of the Month in August 2011 .
In her professional and personal life , Selinger bravely faces challenges to help improve the lives of people with disabilities . Her contributions to promoting women in sport and her advocacy for the community of persons with disabilities , particularly related to issues of sex and intimacy , make her an extraordinary member of the University of Regina alumni community .
“ I ’ m thrilled to receive an Alumni Crowning Achievement Award ,” Selinger states . “ Being recognized by peers and other alumni for my work means that the work is noticed . As someone who works in advocacy and awareness , that means a lot . It means I ’ m reaching people .”
When she ’ s not working , Selinger enjoys reading , playing games and crafting . She and her husband , Jerrod Smith , whom she met in a U of R modern algebra class , recently moved to Calgary after spending six years in Toronto and a year in Bangor , Maine . The couple have one dog named River , a mixed-breed rescue pup .
Republished with permission from University Advancement & Communications
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