(Thunder Bay - June 22, 2004) The internationally acclaimed documentary Banana Split has earned another significant national award.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has given the film the first annual Deborah Fletcher Award of Excellence in Filmmaking. This award recognizes an outstanding international development film by a Canadian producer/filmmaker and comes with $10,000 in funding to begin a new film.

Banana Split was produced and directed by Dr. Ron Harpelle of Lakehead University's History Department, and local filmmaker, Kelly Saxberg. On their Website, the CIDA says the film was selected "for its entertaining and thought-provoking look at the issues surrounding the banana, a popular tropical fruit much loved by Canadians." The film takes viewers to the vast, foreign-owned banana plantations in Honduras where workers labour for very little a day under often-dangerous conditions.

"This is a wonderful recognition from CIDA," says Dr. Harpelle. "Banana Split examines the historical, social, economic, scientific, and environmental aspects of banana production -- all issues CIDA deals with concerning international development."

Dr. Harpelle is available for interviews by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.

(Thunder Bay - June 21, 2004) Lakehead University is beginning a comprehensive infrastructure renewal program designed to offer substantial energy cost savings, meet environmental standards, and improve working conditions.

These improvements, reached through a business agreement with Johnson Controls, L.P., will save Lakehead over $830,000 each year. Johnson Controls will supply and install a new central cooling and heating plant, heating distribution system, and lighting and indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements throughout the buildings on campus. The facility upgrades will be done by local union contractors.

This move addresses Lakehead U's long-term energy and deferred maintenance requirements. As part of the agreement, there will be zero deferred maintenance on the central plant. Replacing the 30-year-old system currently in use means that additional cost savings can start immediately, instead of waiting until the system fails and accruing high maintenance costs over the years.

"Through our partnership with Johnson Controls, Lakehead is now able to implement a long-term program that is intended to address accumulated deferred maintenance costs, and which will improve the working and classroom conditions of the University," says Hugh Briggs, Manager, Energy Systems at Lakehead University. "In addition, this new heating and cooling system will help improve the IAQ environment at the University."

The agreement meets the environmental standards set by the Montreal Protocol by phasing out the use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). It also exceeds the Kyoto Protocol requirements by reducing the emissions of Green House Gases (GHG). While the Kyoto Protocol asks for a reduction of 6% in GHG emissions from 1990 levels, Lakehead University doubles this through a 12% reduction.

The proposals for this work were tendered publicly in 2003, and the union was notified in January 2004.

Jim Podd, Director, Physical Plant at Lakehead, adds: "Organizations are consistently under pressure to provide efficient energy solutions that are environmentally responsible. In our case, we have the challenge of a large deferred maintenance cost which, if not addressed for long-term results, would continue to escalate. This partnership is a strategic solution that will optimize energy efficiency, save costs, and provide a better indoor environment."

Members of the Media: Hugh Briggs is available for interviews today. Please call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 to set up a time.

(Thunder Bay - June 17, 2004) A Lakehead University Master's student has won two national awards from the Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ).

Alissa Moenting, who is obtaining her Masters in Science, won the Cas Lindsey Award for the best student presentation in the Ecology, Evolution, and Ethology Section of the Society; she also won the Helen Battle Award for the best student poster.

"We are very proud of Alissa's achievement not only because the science and its communication are excellent, but also because Alissa is a wonderful role model for women contributors to science," says Dr. Alastair Macdonald, Dean of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead University.

"Alissa's awards are especially important because she competed against some of Canada's best students -- many of whom are completing PhD programs -- and the Helen Battle Award involves students from all sub-disciplines in zoology," says Dr. Douglas Morris, a biology and forestry professor at Lakehead, and Moenting's graduate supervisor.

Moenting's poster presentation is entitled "Edge versus area of risky patches: scaling habitat selection with habitat change." She entered the competition as part of registering for this year's annual meeting held in May.

"I didn't expect to receive the awards, and I am very honoured to have recognition," she says. "However, science isn't about competing for awards, it's about sound research and the exchange of ideas. I've always been extremely curious about biology -- nature is very important to me. I've learned a lot from Doug Morris and the CSZ conference about expressing my curiosity and enthusiasm academically through science."

The CSZ is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of education and research in zoology at the provincial, national, and international levels. It is a strong promoter of young scientists, and presents a small number of awards for excellent student presentations at its annual meeting. Membership is open to all persons interested in zoology -- students, researchers, and educators.

Members of the Media: Dr. MacDonald and Alissa are available for interviews. Please call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 to set up a time with them.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177

(Thunder Bay, June 15, 2004) Construction begins this week on Lakehead University's new Multi-Sport Athletics Facility.

The facility will house an indoor running track, climbing wall, multi-purpose indoor field, aerobic/yoga studio, weight room and fitness center, student lounge and a sports medicine clinic.

"This is a student-driven initiative," says Graham Strickert, Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) President. "It was supported by a referendum, where 76.7% of the students who voted were in favour of a $35-per-semester fee for this new facility."

The initiative to expand the athletic facilities at Lakehead University came out of consultations between the Lakehead University Student Union and the Athletics department during the 2003-2004 school year. The facility will be managed as a joint venture between the Student Union, the Athletics Department, Physical Plant, and University Administration.

"There has been a need for expansion of the Athletics facility for a while now," says Tom Warden, Lakehead University Director of Athletics. "This facility will help meet the lifestyle needs of all our students and further enrich their university experience."

"Lakehead University considers student input crucial to the University's long-term success as a student-centred learning institution. This new sporting facility would not have been possible without the strong student support shown in the referendum results," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, Lakehead University President.

The facility will open in January 2005, and will be accessible to all students. The public will also have access, for a fee.

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For more information, contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communication, Lakehead University, 343-8177 or Graham Strickert, LUSU President, 343-8550.

Lakehead University Increases Scholarships for First-Year Students

June 9, 2004Lakehead University announced recently a generous increase in its entrance scholarships. Up to $3,500 is available to qualified first-year students.

"Our entrance scholarships and bursaries are just one way in which Lakehead University focuses on the student," says University President, Dr. Fred Gilbert. "Last year, the University offered its students over 2,600 scholarships and bursaries, worth more than $5-million."

This year, entrance scholarships for high school students entering the 2004-2005 school year have been increased by up to 200%.

"Lakehead University is committed to the success of its students, and academic excellence should be rewarded," says Dr. Gilbert. "Offering entrance scholarships to high school students who have worked diligently to obtain top marks is just one way Lakehead demonstrates its support for students."

Easy Application Process
Students applying to Lakehead University will find the process of applying for scholarships and bursaries easy. If the student's academic average qualifies, an entrance scholarship is awarded automatically. Once the application to the University is received, students are sent information on how to apply online for any other awards for which they meet the criteria. There is no need to fill out lengthy paper applications -- the information is just a click away.

The funds awarded to students are applied directly to tuition fees in September. There is no waiting period for the money, and students need not worry about how to direct the funds back to their fees. As well as receiving funds quickly, there is an opportunity for students to access additional bursary funds during the school year.

Campus Employment
Students who do need to find work during the school year are often able to find work not only on campus, but also in their area of interest. There are 100 jobs offered through the Financial Aid Office and the Student Placement and Coop Centre in departments and faculties on campus. These jobs pay about $8/hour and can be scheduled around classes and study time to accommodate the students' needs.

Guaranteed Residence Space
Lakehead University has over 1,300 residence spaces -- all first-year students are guaranteed a place in residence. This makes the transition to university a more pleasant and friendly experience. Meal plans are available, and there are many residence activities planned throughout the year.

"Value-Added" Quality Education
Lakehead University has been ranked number one in Canada for "Value-Added" in Maclean's annual university ranking issue 2003. "Value-Added" measures the entering average of students and two measures of student achievement: the proportion who graduate and the number of students receiving national awards. The quality of education at Lakehead is obvious in results of a recent universities survey indicating Lakehead graduates have better-than-provincial-average employment rates 6 months and 2 years after graduation.

More Online Pleasevisit this websiteto read about Lakehead's student services, the Northern Ontario Medical School, Athletics, and more.

Dr. Gilbert, left, with Dr. Strasser

(Thunder Bay and Sudbury -- June 8, 2004) The Northern Ontario Medical School is pleased to announce that the school has been granted a provisional Accreditation status for Year I by the Liaison Committee of Medical Education (LCME) and the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical School (CACMS).

"We are very pleased to hear the news, which was confirmed to us by the Committee," says Dr. Roger Strasser, the School's Founding Dean. "This is a critical milestone for us. It has been a demanding process, well accomplished by faculty and staff. It confirms we are ready to welcome the charter class of students in August 2005."

Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University and Chair, Board of Directors of the School, says, "The tremendous efforts of the Dean, staff, and faculty of the MedicalSchool have produced a critically important result. Accreditation will ensure that we attract prospective students to study, stay and work in northern Ontario. Communities all over the north now can be assured that not only will we offer the best in medical education, but also, we will provide a supply of future physicians for them."

Dr. Judith Woodsworth, President of Laurentian University and Vice Chair, Board of Directors of the School comments, "We take pride in our MedicalSchool's achievement and the progress it has made in such a short time. Accreditation is a stamp of approval that declares the School will offer quality medical education that compares with the best in Canada."

In March of this year, a review team from LCME and CACMS conducted the accreditation Survey for the MedicalSchool. Accreditation is a rigorous certification process that involved a site visit by the review team to the two campuses at Lakehead and Laurentian Universities (Thunder Bay and Sudbury) and examination of all elements of the organization that will support the delivery of a medical program.

Having completed the first stage of accreditation, the School will proceed with recruiting and teaching Year I, as well as preparing for the subsequent stages in the process for accreditation of new medical schools.

A new medical school for the whole of Northern Ontario, the NorthernOntarioMedicalSchool is a joint venture of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities. With main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, the school will have multiple teaching and research sites distributed across Northern Ontario, in large and small communities. The School contributes to improving the health of people in Northern Ontario.

Click here to visit the Northern Ontario Medical School website

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Tracie Smith
Communications Officer, NOMS West
(807) 343-8945
Cell: (807) 624-7862
Tracie.Smith@normed.ca
www.normed.ca

Lakehead University's Department of Lifelong Learning and Fort William Historical Park have come to an agreement that will take the experiential approach to learning one step further. The University and the Fort have jumped on board a global movement by creating the Tallships Adventure Learning Centre (TALC).

The TALC facility, located on-site at the Fort William Historical Park and operated by the Department of Lifelong Learning, includes an indoor challenge course program designed to build skills in collaborative learning, communication, leadership, problem solving, character-building and general wellness. The various challenges are based on the theme of a tallship.

"TALC is a fantastic learning opportunity for the University, Fort William Historical Park and the community," says Dr. Tom Puk, Chair of Lakehead's Department of Lifelong Learning in the Faculty of Education. "People of all ages in all disciplines can benefit from the multidisciplinary skills developed at this Centre."

Fort William Historical Park General Manager Sergio Buonocore says that the initiative is an excellent example of the Fort's new direction. "This agreement demonstrates how we are looking for opportunities to strengthen community partnerships and diversify offerings," says Buonocore. "It is an exciting new venture," he says.

"This contract signed between the Fort and the University marks a historic undertaking," Puk says. "This is an off-campus University learning site which is designed for more than the University student. Any group or individual can take advantage of this centre - from community organizations, businesses, and schools, to elite sports teams - we can cater to a broad range of needs with custom-built programs."

The various stations and challenges have been designed by Dr.Puk and currently both Lifelong Learning and Fort personnel are working on setting up the facility. "We should be ready to go by July" says Sergio Buonocore.

Groups would be presented with different challenges at various levels of difficulty to complete -- including a children's section -- while working outside the usual comfort zones. These situations break down barriers and promote interpersonal communications, understanding, and trust-building in an adventurous, fun-filled environment. TALC provides for stimulating experiences that encourage people to visualize for creative solutions.

TALC is planned to open in early July 2004. Contact the Department of Lifelong Learning at 343-8891 for enrolment information.

(Thunder Bay - June 8, 2004) Lakehead University's Northern Educational Centre on Aging and Health (NECAH) is announcing a name change to better reflect the Centre's dual focus.

"The mandate of the Centre has been to be a leader in education and research on aging and health," says Dr. Michel Bédard, Director of the Centre. "This name change reflects our dual role as an education centre and a research centre. Our programs will not change as a result of the name change, and we expect that the research conducted will continue to enhance those programs."

Commencing June 9, 2004, the Centre will be named the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health, with the corresponding CERAH acronym.

Members of the media are invited to a reception to formally announce the name change on Wednesday, June 9 at 4 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge; however, Dr. Bédard will be available during the day for interviews by calling him directly at 343- 8630.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177

(Thunder Bay - June 4, 2004) After an extensive search, Lakehead University is pleased to announce that Dr. Rui Wang has been appointed Vice-President (Research) of Lakehead University, effective September 1, 2004.

"Dr. Wang is well prepared to assume the position of Vice-President (Research)," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. "Dr. Wang's experience, energy, and enthusiasm will serve Lakehead well. We look forward to welcoming him to the Lakehead team."

Dr. Wang comes to Lakehead from the University of Saskatchewan, Department of Physiology, where he is a Professor and the Leader of the Cardiovascular Research Group and of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Network. Prior to this, Dr. Wang was an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan (1997 to 2001) and an Assistant Professor at the Université de Montréal (1993 to 1997). Dr. Wang is recognized as an outstanding scientist, and his research on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology has been well funded by CIHR, NSERC, other funding agencies, and industry. Dr. Wang is the author of two books, holds two patents, and lists 95 published papers.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Wang are available for interviews today. Dr. Wang is available for phone interviews only. Dr. Gilbert is available at 807-343-8200 and Dr. Wang is available at 306-966-6592.

BIOGRAPHY - DR. RUI WANG
Since 2001, Dr. Wang has been a Professor in the Department of Physiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK and was an Associate Professor there from 1997 to 2001. He has been the Leader (elected) of the Cardiovascular Research Group and of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Network of the University of Saskatchewan since 2003. Dr. Wang received his PhD in Physiology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB in 1990; MD from Weifang Medical College, Shandong, P.R. China in 1982; and his MSc in Pathophysiology from F.M. Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China in 1984.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Wang was Assistant Professor, Département de Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal Centre de Recherche, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (1993 to 1997); Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physiology, Université de Montréal (1991-1993); Lecturer, Department of Pathophysiology, F.M. Medical University, Xi'an, P.R. China (1985 to 1986); and Physician (Intern), Tongdu Hospital, Xi'an, P.R. China (1984 to 1986).

Dr. Wang is the author of two books, holds two patents and lists 95 published papers. He has been awarded over 30 operating grants from funding agencies such as NSERC, Heart and Stroke Foundation, CIHR, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177

(Thunder Bay - May 30, 2004) Lakehead University's 40th Convocation took place on May 29, 2004. Over 1,500 happy students earned their degrees at the two ceremonies held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

During the morning ceremony, Austin Clarke, a distinguished author, was the honorary degree recipient, receiving a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa. As well, Dusty Miller, civic leader and champion of the arts, was made a Fellow of Lakehead University.

During the afternoon ceremony, Frank Dottori, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tembec Corporation, was the honorary degree recipient, receiving a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. Robert Mace, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Hydro, was awarded the Alumni Honour Award in the afternoon ceremony as well.

The Auditorium was filled to capacity for each of the ceremonies as proud family and friends applauded the graduates' hard work and years of dedication to their post-secondary education.

"Graduation is a milestone - not just for you but for your family and friends," said Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University, to the graduates in a letter published in the Chronicle Journal. "The University community shares the joy and sense of accomplishment that you so deservedly have earned."

A collection of photographs from Convocation can be found at: http://www.lakeheadu.ca/convocation

BIOGRAPHIES

Austin Clarke, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Born in the Barbados in 1934, Austin Clarke emigrated to Canada to attend the University of Toronto in 1955. He earned a reputation as a leader in the civil rights movement while in Toronto. From 1965 to 1973, Clarke worked as a journalist covering social issues and civil rights. From 1968 to 1974, he was a visiting professor at various universities, including Yale, Williams, Wellesley, and Duke. Clarke was instrumental in setting up Black Studies programs at Yale and Harvard. From 1973 to 1976, Clarke served as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados, and from 1989 to 1994, he was a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Since 1964, he has published nine novels and five short-story collections. His latest novel, The Polished Hoe, won the 2003 Commonwealth Writers Prize, the 2003 Trillium Award, and the 2002 Giller Prize. In 1999, Clarke won the W.O. Mitchell Prize, which is awarded each year to a Canadian writer who has produced an outstanding body of work and served as a mentor for other writers.

Click here to read Austin Clarke's Convocation Address.

Frank Dottori, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Frank Dottori, born in Timmins in 1939, graduated from the University of Toronto in 1963 with a BASc in Chemical Engineering and Applied Science. In 1973, he and three other executives founded Tembec Inc., reviving a pulp mill in Temiscaming, Quebec. Since 1979, Dottori has been Tembec's President and CEO.

Dottori is currently Chair of the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada (PAPRICAN) and Chair of the Free Trade Lumber Council. He is former Chair of the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association (CPPA) as well as the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) and former Co-chair of the Forest Sector Advisory Committee of the Canadian government (FSAC). He has also served as a Governor of the Montreal Stock Exchange (MSE), Director of the Canadian Labour Market Productivity Centre (CLMPC), Trustee of the Museum of Fine Arts and Governor for the Council of Canadian Unity. He has served on the Board of Directors of several organizations and corporations and is currently a Director of Bell Nordique and Saputo. He is a member of the Club des entrepreneurs of the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ).

He actively promotes recreational, educational, and cultural community activities and is a founder of the Contact, the weekly Temiscaming community newspaper.
In recognition of his diverse achievements in business and community service, Dottori has received numerous awards, with the most notable being his appointment as Member of the Order of Canada in 1989.

Dusty Miller, Fellow, Lakehead University
Dusty Miller is a familiar name to the community of Thunder Bay. Miller graduated from Lakehead University in 1969 with a BA in Philosophy. She was Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay from 1978 to 1980, and served many years on City Council. She is dedicated to the cultural and political development of the area, and served as the first Chair of the Arts and Heritage Committee of Thunder Bay. She is a member of the Order of Ontario, has received the Maggie Bassett Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre in Ontario, and has been a member of many boards and committees.

Along with her late husband, Dr. Tom Miller, a former Lakehead University Professor of History, Dusty Miller was part of the group of citizens of Port Arthur and Fort William who advocated successfully for the establishment of a full-degree course university here in the early 1960s. Since then she has been involved with Lakehead in a variety of roles ? as a student, a member of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Board of Governors.

In 1990, she was given Lakehead University's Alumni Honour Award.

Robert Mace, Alumni Honour Award
Robert Mace, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Hydro, is a graduate of Lakehead University's Faculty of Business Administration (1983) with majors in Accounting and Management Information Systems. He also holds an MBA from Laurentian University (2002).

He is the Northwestern Ontario representative on the Board of Directors of the Electricity Distribution Association (EDA), and a member of the Board of Directors of the MEARIE Group, the reciprocal insurance company serving the needs of electrical distribution utilities in Ontario. Mace has been with Thunder Bay Hydro for 12 years in various roles, most recently as Senior Manager, Customer and Information Services, and Assistant General Manager.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177
Communications@lakeheadu.cawww.lakeheadu.ca