Tickets Still Available for Lakehead U 40th Celebration Raffle

More than $30,000 in Prizes - Tickets Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

(December 21, 2005) Tickets are still available for Lakehead University's 40th Celebration Raffle. Give the gift with opportunity - a chance to win a car, and plenty of runner-up prizes.
As part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations, Lakehead U is holding a raffle -- with a grand prize of a 2006 Hyundai Sonata GL, worth $28,900 donated by Marostica Motors. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward Lakehead U student bursaries.
There are many great prizes to be won:
  • Second prize is a $2500 tuition voucher for Lakehead U.
  • Third prize is a $1500 tuition voucher for Lakehead U.
  • Fourth prize is a $500 voucher for the Lakehead U Bookstore.
There are also great early bird draws, so get your tickets soon. Any member of the community can purchase tickets. The cost is $20, and there are only 5,000 available. Tickets will be on sale until February 28, 2006, or until they sell out. The draw will be held on March 1, 2006, at 2 p.m.
A full list of prizes is located online - visit www.lakeheadu.ca and click on the raffle link. Tickets are also available at: Marostica Motors - 1142 Alloy Drive, and at Lakehead U in the Alumni Bookstore, the Intersection, and Office of Alumni Relations, or call the Office of Development at 343-8421.
Members of the Media: Bonnie Moore, Director of Development at Lakehead University, is available for interview by calling Eleanor Abaya at 343-8372.
Lakehead University is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. It is a comprehensive university with a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. With over 7,500 students and 1,600 faculty and staff, Lakehead University is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and has a campus in Orillia, Ontario, which is now accepting students for September 2006. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
-30-

Lakehead U Nursing Program, Northern Ontario School of Medicine Awarded Two National Research Grants for Clinical Placements

(Thunder Bay - December 16, 2005) Lakehead University's collaborative nursing program and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have been awarded two research grants by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN).
These grants will be the first to provide Canadian data to answer important questions about clinical placements. The grants run from now until March 2007.
Dr. Michel Morton, School of Nursing, Lakehead University, and Dr. Patricia Smith, Division of Human Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, along with co-investigators who teach in the Collaborative Nursing Program, were awarded $50,000 each - representing two of the three national grants offered by CASN - for investigating strategies for delivering clinical placements in Canada.
"Clinical placements are an important educational component for health professionals," says Dr. Morton. "Unfortunately, placements seem to be in short supply. It is not clear how they are identified across provinces, and the costs are of concern."
The research involves surveying the 133 schools of nursing in Canada as well as an additional 100 other health professional schools in order to develop a national inventory of strategies and costs to deliver nursing and inter-professional clinical placements for students.
"The results from this research will help inform the delivery of clinical placements for the benefit of health care students across the country," says Dr. Smith. "We will also be able to determine how placement opportunities are identified, including more non-traditional placements such as interprofessional placements and those in Northern, rural, and remote areas."
CASN is the national voice for nursing education and nursing research and represents nursing programs in Canada.The objective of CASN is to lead nursing education and nursing scholarship in the interest of healthier Canadians.
To speak with Dr. Morton or Dr. Smith, please call Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177.
Lakehead University is a comprehensive University located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. It has a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. With over 7,500 students and 1,600 faculty and staff, Lakehead University is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and is opening a satellite campus in Orillia, Ontario, in September 2006. For more information on Lakehead University, visit .
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a pioneering faculty of medicine. The School is a joint initiative of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities with main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, and multiple teaching and research sites across Northern Ontario. By educating skilled physicians and undertaking health research suited to community needs, the School will become a cornerstone of community health care in Northern Ontario.
-30-
Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.

Chance to Win Free Tuition at Lakehead U's Open House in Orillia

Lakehead University is hosting an Open House to talk to the public about its Orillia Campus on Thursday, December 15, 2005, starting at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. At the Open House, one lucky student will win free tuition for one year at Lakehead University -- generously sponsored by the Orillia Business Community.
Potential students, parents, and the general public are invited to come out and meet Lakehead U recruitment officers, deans, and academic advisors and ask them their questions about the University and its Orillia campus and programs.
What: Open House, Lakehead U - Orillia Campus
Where: Orillia City Council Chambers
When: Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m.
-30-
Media Contact:
Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113
Robert Lamb, Manager of Economic Development, City of Orillia, at 705-325-4900

Lakehead U Orillia Campus Ready for Students

Site and Programs Announced - Open House December 15
(Thunder Bay - December 8, 2005) Lakehead University - Orillia Campus, is ready for students to start in September 2006. The University has announced the academic programming and the new home of the Orillia Campus. It is also inviting the public to attend an Open House on Thursday, December 15, at the City of Orillia Council Chambers, starting at 7 p.m.
Commencing Fall 2006, students will be able to take the following programs in Orillia:
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree - four-year degree
  • Concurrent Bachelor of Arts and Science/Bachelor of Education (P/J) - four-year degree
  • Concurrent Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science/Bachelor of Education (P/J) - five-year degree
These programs will offer a multidisciplinary approach to post-secondary education, allowing students to study in a variety of disciplines for their undergraduate study.
"This is a great moment in Lakehead University's already exciting history," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. "The University now has a physical presence in Orillia, but equally important as the place of learning is the plan of learning. Lakehead University's new campus in Orillia will offer students the chance to experience a unique combination of arts and sciences, offering a solid post-secondary education and flexibility at the same time."
"The community of Orillia is delighted that the Orillia campus is taking form in such an exceptional, distinctive way," says Ron Stevens, Mayor of the City of Orillia. "Focusing on multidisciplinary studies to begin with at the Orillia campus allows students a wide array of options for post-graduate studies and career avenues."
Lakehead University - Orillia Campus, has signed a letter of intent with the management of Heritage Place, 1 Colborne Street, for the location of the campus. The letter of intent allows the University to continue the development of the site pending the completion of lease agreements.
Lakehead University is now taking applications for the Orillia campus. Students, parents, and guidance counsellors are invited to call the University's Office of Admissions and Recruitment at (807) 343-8500 or visit www.lakeheadu.ca and click on the "Orillia Campus, Apply Now" button.
MEDIA: Mayor Ron Stevens can be contacted by calling Robert Lamb, Manager of Economic Development, City of Orillia, at (705) 325-4900. Dr. Gilbert can be contacted by calling Marla Tomlinson at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead U Masters of Environmental Studies Student Honoured at Parks and Protected Areas Forum

(Thunder Bay - November 30, 2005) A Lakehead University student in the Masters of Environmental Studies program, in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, has been honoured for her research presentation at the Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba held this September in Winnipeg.
Jennifer Smith received the Student Research Award for her presentation titled, "Wild Wolves? Understanding Human-Wolf Interactions in the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve."
Wolves re-established themselves in the Broken Group Islands (BGI) of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, BC, in 2000-2001. This re-establishment has created a concern that these animals will need to be removed from the park as a consequence of human actions resulting in wolves losing their fear of humans and endangering visitor safety.

"Historically, wolves have generated a wide-range of human responses. Some perceive the wolf as a symbol of wilderness, and some feel they should either be protected or destroyed," Smith explains. "Whether or not sea kayakers - the largest user group within the park - are willing to co-exist with wolves has become a primary issue for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Therefore, it's important to explore the human dimensions of this situation and to better understand kayakers' attitudes toward wolves in the BGI in order for wolves and humans to co-exist in the area."
"I am pleased that Jennifer's research presentation was awarded at the Forum," says Dr. Harvey Lemelin, a faculty member with the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism at Lakehead U. "This research deals with an important issue - human-animal interaction - and it has the potential to impact future parks and protected area policies across Canada."
The goal of the Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba is to encourage research relating to parks and protected areas and its application to understanding, planning, management, and decision-making.
To speak with Jennifer, please call Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177.

Lakehead U to Participate in Megaconference VII

Every continent on Earth to connect via videoconference
(Thunder Bay - November 29, 2005) Lakehead University will be connecting to the rest of the world on Thursday, December 1.
From 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in ATAC 5036, Megaconference VII will be taking place. This is the second year that Lakehead U has participated in this worldwide event. Lakehead is one of only two participating Bridging Services sites for Canada, and the multimedia team at the University will be connecting 10 sites to the rest of the world.
This year's theme, Increasing Empathy Through Videoconferencing, focuses on improving understanding between individuals and cultures through worldwide videoconferencing. The preliminary agenda will be posted on the Megaconference website www.megaconference.org
Members of the media are invited to attend at anytime during the day, however, Lakehead University will be in the spotlight between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, representatives of the University are welcome to send their greetings to the world.
Megaconference is hosted by the Ohio Supercomputer Center, in conjunction with The Ohio State University and Internet2. Megaconference is the world's largest simultaneous connection of Internet videoconferencing communication devices. Interviews will be available with John Bonofiglio by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.
-30-
Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.

Program Day at Lakehead U

Lakehead University is inviting all Grade 12 students in Thunder Bay on campus on December 2 for Program Day 2005. This day-long event will have students interacting with faculty members, learning about programs of interest to them, and having their questions answered about the University.
What: Program Day 2005
Where: Agora
When: December 2, 2005
10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Display and Faculty interaction in the Agora
1 to 2:30 Smaller program sessions at various locations
Members of the Media are invited to drop by during the day. The best time for the media would be during the morning session. The contact at Program Day is Robert Perrier, Senior Recruitment Officer, Lakehead University.
-30-
Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113

International Geographers Coming to Lakehead U

(Thunder Bay - November 24, 2005) Lakehead University's Geography Department is hosting an international event in the spring of 2006.
The 55th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) will bring professional geographers, students, and researchers to Lakehead U from May 29 to June 2, 2006, to discuss issues focusing on the theme "Northern Complexities: Geography in the Canadian Hinterland."
"In anticipation of the up coming International Polar Year, our theme this year is on the challenges, hardships, and joys of living in the great northern Canadian heartland," says Dr. Will Wilson, CAG Annual Meeting Organizing Committee Chair and Lakehead U Geography faculty member. "We are arranging a wide variety of activities and presentations to showcase some of the many possibilities for academic and professional geographies in the North. This will be a dynamic and exciting event which will bring together an international group of geographers to Lakehead University."
The week-long event will be filled with fieldtrips, special events, presentations, and invigorating lectures. Some of the highlights of the week will include visits to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ouimet and Eagle Canyons, and Kakabeka Falls; discussions on coastal geomorphology, tourism on Lake Superior's North Shore, and redeveloping Thunder Bay's waterfront. There will be topical presentations on the Canadian and global north and other emerging issues in geography.
In addition to the CAG 2006 Annual Meeting events, two 8-day remote northern field camps will be offered. One will be to the Lower Winisk River and Polar Bear Provincial Park where the participants will explore the ecology, geomorphology, and cultural landscapes of the remote Hudson Bay Lowlands. The second field camp will be to the Albany River and Wabakimi Provincial Park. The topics there will encompass Boreal forest ecology and historic travel routes of the Albany River.
Students are encouraged to attend. To assist students who wish to take part in the CAG Annual Meeting, registration fees for CAG student members will be substantially reduced. As well, student travel grants will be made available.
"CAG 2006 will be a great opportunity to be involved in the activities of the discipline," Dr. Wilson says. "Not only are they encouraged to attend the event, we want them to take an active part. To promote participation, awards will be offered for best student presentations."
For more information or to register, visit http://geography.lakeheadu.ca/CAG2006/ or call the Lakehead U Geography Department at 807-343-8357.
Members of the Media: Dr. Wilson is available for interview by calling Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177.
Lakehead University is a comprehensive University located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. It has a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. With over 7,700 students and 1,600 faculty and staff, Lakehead University is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and is developing a satellite campus in Orillia, Ontario, planned to open in September 2006. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
-30-
Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.

Lakehead University and Confederation College Partner to Benefit Business Students

( Thunder Bay - November 23, 2005) Lakehead University and Confederation College have partnered to help students get their University degree faster.

With the Agreement of Cooperation signed yesterday by institution presidents Dr. Gilbert and Pat Lang, Confederation College graduates of the three-year diploma in the School of Business , Hospitality, and Media Arts can apply to the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead U and get their business degree in one year. Bahram Dadgostar, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Lakehead University , and Don Lovisa, Dean of the School of Business , Hospitality and Media Arts, Confederation College , led the collaborative effort between the two schools to establish this agreement.

Admission to the Bachelor of Administration program at Lakehead University from Confederation College will require a completed 3-year Business Diploma, with a concentration in the area of accounting, marketing, or human resources, with a minimum grade point average of 70 percent.

Lakehead University believes strongly in the value of and access to quality education, and partnering with Confederation College to directly benefit students exemplifies this belief. This is a very positive step forward for the students of both institutions, and is a win for the Thunder Bay community.

The agreement is effective as of September 2006. If you have any questions about this agreement, please call Dr. Bahram Dadgostar at 8410.

Lakehead U Researcher Receives Funding to Study Canadian Boreal Forest

(Thunder Bay - November 21, 2005) A Lakehead University professor in the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment has received a major grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Dr. Han Chen has received $354,000 over three years to study carbon sequestration in the Canadian Boreal forest.
Carbon sequestration refers to the provision of long-term storage of carbon in the terrestrial biosphere, underground, or the oceans so that the build up of carbon dioxide (the principal greenhouse gas) concentration in the atmosphere will reduce or slow.
Dr. Chen's research, with co-researchers Yves Bergeron and David Pare from Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, will focus on the Canadian Boreal forest mixedwoods - a mix of tree species in a certain area. His research will lead to a significant improvement in understanding the role of the Canadian Boreal mixedwoods in carbon sequestration. As a result, better forest management practices can be recommended and a more accurate accounting of carbon sequestration can be realized for the Canadian boreal mixedwoods. Dr. Chen will assess if the commonly occurring trembling aspen and spruce mixtures store and sequester more carbon than their respective single-species stands (area of trees).
"The Canadian Boreal Forest plays an important role in global carbon sequestration," Dr. Chen says. "Species mixtures are common in natural forests, and it has been hypothesized that mixtures are more productive than single-species stands because they may use resources differently and less competitively. With the diversity of the Canadian Boreal Forest, this research has the potential for great impact on forest management and other research areas."
"Dr. Chen's work is outstanding in the field of forestry," says Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President (Research) at Lakehead University. "This NSERC funding will assist him with carrying out this important work as well as train students and other researchers in this area."
This funding is an NSERC Strategic Project Grant. The project is also supported with contributions from the BIOCAP Canada Foundation and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as well as in-kind contribution from Abitibi Consolidated Fort William Division, Tembec (Quebec), and Canadian Forest Service.
Members of the Media: Dr. Chen is available for interview by calling him directly at
343-8342.

Pages