The Student of the Year Award, College and CEGEP Co-op, has been awarded to Adam Longboat, a fourth-semester insurance co-op student in Mohawk College of applied Arts and Technology. During his co-op work term, at Swiss Reinsurance, Mr. Longboat, became a valuable member not only to his department, P&C Underwriting, but also to the wider Swiss Re Canada community. He surpassed the responsibilities of his role as a co-op student, contributing to other functional areas and to the evolution of the company culture.
Mr. Longboat enthusiasm went beyond his formal co-op responsibilities. From the beginning he pursued opportunities to engage with his colleague. He played a key role in one of the highlights of the year, a week-long series of events leading to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. for the entire Swiss Re Canadian branch, culminating with a visit from two Elders who taught and shared cultural traditions and history. He managed these events with pride and sensitivity, earning praise from the President of Swiss Re Canada.
Through his outstanding academics, personable demeanor, and contributions in class, Mr. Longboat was elected by his professors to represent the student voice in the Insurance Program Advisory Committee (PAC). As a PAC member, he ensures students are heard in decisions affecting curriculum choices and program needs. By extension, Mr. Longboat also promotes co-op education to employers who sit on the PAC, and their networks. Mary Martin and Jorge Bettencourt, professors in the Insurance program, have said “He gets along well with his peers and contributes to the class in a positive way. His questions and input on the PAC committee from a co-op student perspective have been valuable. His input in PAC will benefit Insurance students now and in the future.”
As a mature student in a career transition, an Indigenous student, and a father to an autistic daughter, Mr. Longboat is a role model to students from diverse walks of life. The resilience he showed and the success during his co-op is motivational to students who identify with his lived experiences.