The Story of Enactus St. Lawrence College: Students Making a Difference

In 2009 I initiated and launched an ENACTUS chapter at St. Lawrence College (SLC) within the School of Business. I believe that business education goes beyond textbooks. It's about doing, engaging, and making a real impact. This philosophy is perfectly embodied by the students involved in Enactus St. Lawrence College.

These aren't just your average students. They're a group driven by a powerful desire to make a difference in their community. Their commitment and innovative spirit shone brightly when Enactus St. Lawrence College was crowned the 2014 Help Hunger Disappear National Champion by Enactus Canada. This prestigious recognition celebrated their exceptional work in tackling the critical issues of hunger and food literacy.  

The success of Enactus at SLC isn't just about winning awards. It's about the transformative experience it provides for the students themselves. Participation in Enactus instills in them a strong sense of purpose and social responsibility. It's a place where they can apply their business skills to create tangible, positive change. And the outcome? Graduates who are not only equipped with a solid education but also possess the passion and experience that makes them highly sought-after in the job market. In fact, it's noted that those who participate in Enactus graduate with a job.  

Enactus St. Lawrence College stands as a testament to the School of Business’ emphasis on experiential learning and its dedication to fostering students who are not only career-ready but also committed to building a better world.

The Enactus St. Lawrence College (SLC) team has a strong record of success in Enactus Canada competitions. The team has won awards in a variety of categories, including entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, financial education, and hunger relief.  Some of their recent achievements include placing as a runner-up in the TD Entrepreneurship Regional Impact Challenge in 2024 and the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Regional Impact Challenge in 2024. They were also recognized as a League 2nd Runner-Up in the Scotiabank Youth Empowerment Regional Challenge in 2017.

Enactus SLC has also been consistently recognized at the Enactus Canada Nationals Exposition. The team was awarded 2nd Place Runner Up in 2024 and won the League Spirit Award in 2019 and 2017. In addition, Enactus SLC members have received individual awards, such as the Unilever Bright Future Award and the John Dobson's Founder's Bursary. The team has also been recognized for its strong faculty support, with faculty members receiving the John Dobson Fellow of the Year and John Dobson Fellow Inductee awards.

Overall, the Enactus SLC team has a proven track record of success in Enactus Canada competitions including two National finalists finishing in the top 6 teams in the Country.. The team's achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Thanks to the faculty leads that were the drivers of the team’s success over the last 18 years:

Pam Armstrong, Dan Hendry, and Steve Janssens.