Alumni, Students Pitch in to Raise Funds for Lakehead U

(Thunder Bay - Tuesday, November 30, 2004) Lakehead University students and grads are working together to help raise money and foster a sense of pride in the University.

The Annual Fund Co-chairs, Robert Mace, BAdmin '82 (Lakehead) MBA, and Ken Owen, BA'94 (Lakehead), are working with 18 current Lakehead students to call over 25,000 alumni to ask for their continued support in the University during this year's Annual Fund Phone-a-Thon.

"Every year, we connect with alumni and ask them to give back to the University - to any department or campaign they wish," says Trish Nagorski, Lakehead University's Development Officer/Annual Giving. "Students and Alumni take pride in the University, so we feel confident we can meet our goal of raising $250,000 this year."

"As an Alumnus, I feel a sense of duty to give back to the institution -- to maintain the quality of education I enjoyed," says Dr. Dean Gresko, HBSc '85, Lakehead. "I also feel that it is important to give back to the community where I have experienced success. Having a world-class institution in the city gives Thunder Bay a sense of pride and status, not to mention the University's economic impact on the City. If every graduate gave even a small gift, collectively it would provide a significant benefit to Lakehead's students".

Last year, $188,000 was raised through the Annual Fund, surpassing the goal of $175,000. Alumni are able to direct where their gift is applied. Some fundraising priorities at Lakehead U are:

Advanced Technology & Academic Centre (ATAC)
ATAC provides students, faculty, and staff with state-of-the-art facilities for learning and technological training. All ATAC classrooms are wired to integrate computer, multimedia, and network technologies as well as being linked to distance education facilities.

Scholarships and Bursaries
Approximately 50% of Lakehead students rely on some forms of financial assistance, e.g. the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

Library Technology
Much progress has been made in advancing Library Technology. Just recently the Library acquired the Voyager Information Management System which manages the online catalogue, circulation and acquisitions all in one seamless interface accessible via the Internet. As well, a Citation Server has been added to the system, which has opened the Library's virtual doors to distance education students. It is the Lakehead University's priority to keep these systems upgraded and running at their highest efficiency.

Alumni may also choose to invest in a particular faculty/department, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, or to Athletics.

Members of the Media interviews and/or photos can be arranged through Ms. Nagorski by calling 343-8910. Photos available upon request.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177