Antonine University (UA) and Saint Paul University (SPU) in Ottawa, Canada, have solidified their partnership through a formal agreement, which was commemorated with a signing ceremony held on SPU’s campus.

This partnership is rooted in a history of informal collaboration, highlighted by the contributions of SPU’s School of Counselling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality faculty members to UA’s Wellness and Mental Health Week for 3 consecutive years, thus foreshadowing the deeper connection that was to come.

Dr. Louis Patrick Leroux, SPU’s Rector, voiced his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating: “We are very proud to officially be partnering with Antonine University. By signing this memorandum of understanding, we are formalizing the open spirit of collaboration and cooperation that already exists between our institutions. We look forward to the future opportunities that will grow from this partnership.”

Fr. Jean Al Alam, UA’s Vice Rector for Integral Human Development (VRIHD), conveyed his excitement as well: “Returning to SPU, my alma mater, to deepen this partnership feels like a homecoming with a purpose. We are deeply excited to tap into SPU’s renowned expertise in psychology to develop our own program, drawing inspiration from their years of experience in this field. At UA, we prioritize our students’ well-being, which aligns perfectly with SPU’s strengths. This strategic collaboration promises rich opportunities for knowledge exchange, program development, and student mobility.”

To ensure the partnership’s success, both universities have designated official liaisons to spearhead future collaborative projects and maintain open lines of communication.