Media Advisory - Tribute to an influential builder: Student retention community honours L. Jacques Ménard's contribution and announces successor to head the Groupe d'action sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires au Québec

MONTREAL, Feb. 25, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Six years ago, an important movement was launched in Quebec to make student retention a provincial priority. Behind this movement was a Group d'action (the Groupe d'action sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires au Québec). And behind the Groupe d'action was a man who invested his energy in this cause, providing technical, human and financial resources to get the message out and ensure the movement's success: L. Jacques Ménard, president of BMO Financial Group, Quebec.

Mr. Ménard is now passing the torch to a new president for the Groupe d'action.

On February 27, the student retention community will gather to celebrate his commitment and dedication to ensuring the academic success of young Quebeckers. On this occasion, many public figures will pay tribute of Mr. Ménard and underscore the importance of the cause.  The name of Mr. Ménard's successor will also be announced, and the new president will address the audience.

DATEBOOK:

WHAT:	Tribute to L. Jacques Ménard, president, BMO Financial Group, Quebec, and founder, Groupe d'action sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires au Québec
WHEN:	Friday, February 27, 2015, starting at 11 a.m.
	Note: Mr. Ménard will speak at 12:05 p.m. and will be available for interviews at 1 p.m.
	Photo op: 300 students attending a LEGO robotics event will be present for his speech
WHERE:	L'Arsenal, located in the Quartier de l'innovation
	2020 William St.
	Montreal QC H3J 1R8

DETAILED SCHEDULE:    

11 a.m.:	Guests arrive; beginning of cocktail reception
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.:	Opening remarks by Gabriel Bran Lopez, founding president, Fusion Jeunesse   Testimonials by people involved in student retention efforts:   Michel Perron, Ph. D. Founder, Conseil régional de prévention de l'abandon scolaire (CREPAS), chair holder, VISAJ chair, and professor, UQAC Sophie Brochu President and CEO, Gaz Métro Line Beauchamp (live video message) Quebec representative, Permanent Delegation of Canada to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) Former minister of Education (MELS) André Chagnon Chair of the board and CEO, Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon Nicolas Arsenault and Louis-Simon Ménard Cofounders, CEO and president, Mobilys Foundation Acknowledgements by L. Jacques Ménard Closing remarks by the new president of Groupe d'action sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires
12:15 p.m.:	Guests are invited to a different room where 300 elementary school students are gathered
12:30 p.m.:	The following people address the students and congratulates them on their effort : L. Jacques Ménard Benoit Dorais Borough Mayor, Sud-Ouest Damien Silès Executive Director, Quartier de l'innovation
1 p.m.:	Mr. Ménard available for interviews

SOURCE Groupe d’action sur la persévérance et la réussite scolaires

For further information: Jean-Alexandre D'Etcheverry, 514-843-2369, 514-910-1328, [e-mail]