Orillia Community Gets Chance to Dialogue with Professors at Lakehead U

Lecture Series offers wide range of topics - from primates to sleep disorders
(Orillia - October 24, 2006) The Orillia community is getting a chance to "meet the professors". The Lakehead University - Orillia Campus has launched the Meet the Professors Lecture Series this month. The second installation takes place this Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m. at Heritage Place.
Professor Derek Irwin, Professor of English, will give a talk entitled "From Primate to Primate: how bonobos and humans converse."
The talk will introduce Irwin's work in the linguistic analysis of dialogues between bonobo chimpanzees and their caretakers. It will begin by explaining some of the basic methods of analyzing human conversations, and then demonstrate the type of system network we use to code such conversations.
"In looking at cross-species communication, the presentation is ultimately meant to raise some very important questions on language as a uniquely human phenomenon, as it is described by many linguists and linguistic groups," says Irwin. "In short, it is possible to make an argument that language is restricted to homo sapiens. In order to answer this, it is necessary to define 'language' solely in terms of what humans can do that other species cannot. This is a form of circular reasoning which leads us to overlook the phenomenal achievements that some of our closest relatives are capable of. In doing so, we may overlook how language was able to develop to such a marvellous degree in our own species."
Irwin joined Lakehead fresh from a conference in Brazil where he discussed grammar and linguistics. He has a particular interest in analyzing the origins of language structure in unusual settings, including the grammar of non-verbal infants and Bonobo monkeys. He is also an expert on Canadian Literature and the evolution of Canadian English. Irwin teaches Inquiry and English.
This lecture series, which started on Oct. 12 with Dr. Glenn Legault, Professor of Psychology and Chemistry, speaking on sleep and sleep disorders, is designed to give the community in Orillia the opportunity to visit the campus and learn about the various areas of expertise found within the Orillia Campus faculty. This is a free event, and members of the public are welcome to attend. The next event takes place on November 8. For more information on this or any other lecture, please call 705- 329-4298.

Lakehead Professor Leading Team in Research of the Northern Social Economy

(Thunder Bay - September 29, 2006) The largest Northern Social Science research grant has been awarded to establish the Social Economy Research Network for Northern Canada (SERNNoCa).
Dr. Chris Southcott, a Professor of Sociology who is working with Yukon College as the lead institution, received $1.75 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) to fund his work as Principal Investigator with the Network.
This Network will conduct research that is relevant and useful to communities currently facing substantial social and economic challenges. The term 'social economy' covers the economies of a range of organizations which are in neither government nor the private for-profit sector. It includes the traditional relationships in aboriginal communities, volunteer organizations, cooperatives, community groups, non-governmental organizations, non-profit groups, and charities.
In addition to Dr. Southcott, there are four other Lakehead University faculty members involved in the project: Dr. Bob Jickling, Faculty of Education; Dr. Margaret Johnston, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism; Dr. Harvey Lemelin, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism; and Dr. Joanne Zamparo, School of Social Work.
The research conducted as part of SERNNoCa will focus on four main areas: profiling the social economy in northern Canada; Indigenous communities and the social economy; resource regimes and the social economy in the north; and the state and the social economy in the north.
"The communities in Canada's North are facing substantial challenges," Dr. Southcott says. "This Network aims to help these communities with research findings that are relevant to their social economy, and will help them deal with changes in their economy."
A coordinator for SERNNoCa is working at Yukon College's Northern Research Institute, in cooperation with the research institutes at Nunavut Arctic College and Aurora College in the Northwest Territories. In addition to Dr. Southcott's work, social scientists from three other universities--Carleton, Memorial, and the University of Northern British Columbia--will be involved in the research projects.
"Yukon College is pleased to be the lead institution for this important northern research initiative," says Paul Driscoll, dean of Arts & Science at Yukon College. "This role acknowledges the leadership capability of the Northern Research Institute at the College."
Members of the Media: Dr. Southcott is available for interview by calling him directly at 807-343-8349. To connect with partnering institutions, please call Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177.
Background Information:
This proposal seeks to establish a social economy research network, or node, for Northern Canada. It is built around the three Northern territorial colleges and their respective research institutions and links researchers working in the North with Northern students, community organizations, and educational institutions. The network is structured around four main themes and three sub-nodes - one based in each territory. In addition to research seeking to conceptualize and inventory the social economy in the North, the network will investigate the particular relationships that exist between the social economy and indigenous cultures, resource regimes, and the state. Working with community partners, the network will conduct research and produce findings that will assist Northerners in the development of effective alternative social and economic strategies for their future development.
Communities in Canada's North are currently facing substantial social and economic challenges. The social economy offers tools to help these communities face these challenges. The creation of a network of university and college-based researchers and representatives of community-based organizations, operating as partners, to conduct research relevant to the social economy in Canada's North is therefore relevant and important to the region. Northern governments, both Indigenous and public, need research in this area in order to undertake realistic program development and especially to develop realistic economic development policies.
The network will be organized around four research themes. The first theme is the conceptualizing, inventorying, and evaluating of the Northern social economy. The other three themes are related to the specific realities underlying the social economy of the North: dependence on resource use, the predominant role of the state, and the significance of indigenous cultures (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, 2004; Arctic Human Development Report, 2004). The remaining themes will be focused around these realities. Core research will be conducted for each theme. In addition specific projects have been developed to complement the core research. These projects will evolve over time and new projects will be added along with additional researchers and partners.
The network will ensure several key outcomes. These include an increased general awareness of the importance and potential of the social economy related activities to the North, the enhancement of social economy capacity in the region, a greater understanding of alternative forms of social and economic development in the North, the improved performance of organizations and enterprises in areas that are important to the social economy in Canada's North, new policy resources for governments relating to the social economy, and better trained individuals to assist in the development of social economy organizations.

Lakehead Announces New Board Members

Lakehead University is pleased to announce the new members of the Board of Governors, as elected at the Annual Meeting on September 22. Joining the Board as new members are: Colin Anderson, Kurt Dahl, Mike DeGagné, James Dennison, David Heroux, and Krystin Kempton. The Board also elected a new Chair, Don Campbell, and a new Vice-Chair, Harvey Cardwell.
Colin Anderson is a fourth-year student at Lakehead University studying Concurrent Education with specializations in Canadian Literature and History. For the past four years, Colin has volunteered with the Lakehead University Student Union, the Sustainable Lakehead Project, and the Sierra Youth Coalition Provincial Action Committee. He currently works as the Lakehead University Foot Patrol Coordinator.
Kurt Dahl was born and raised in Red Lake, Ontario. He came to Thunder Bay in 1976 to attend Lakehead University, and has been an active member of the city and University community since. Mr. Dahl has been employed at Lakehead as a grounds person since 1985.
Mr. Dahl's University involvement has included representing students as a Vice-President of Lakehead University Student Union for 3 years and sitting as a student representative on the Athletic Advisory Committee. One of Mr. Dahl's highlights with LUSU was presenting Harry Chapin in concert at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse. He worked with the Lakehead University Alumni Association, becoming the first Associate Alumni to be recognized by the University. Mr. Dahl was an early member of the Lakehead University Booster Club and served as President of that organization for four years. Mr. Dahl worked on the Hosting Committee of the CIAU (CIS) Women's National Basketball Championship held at Lakehead for four years. He has volunteered with various community and high school sports organizations. Mr. Dahl has always been actively involved with his union, holding a variety of positions.
Mr. Dahl is currently an active volunteer with the Thunder Bay Blues Festival, an executive member of the Thunder Bay Ringette Association, a member of the Canadian Auto Workers Bargaining Committee at Lakehead University, and an avid outdoors person.
Mike DeGagné has been active nationally and internationally in the field of addictions and First Nations issues for the past twenty years. He is currently the Founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, an organization that supports Aboriginal community healing projects that address the legacy of physical and sexual abuse arising from Canada's Aboriginal Residential School system. He has previously worked with provincial, federal, and non-governmental departments and organizations in the health field. Prior to his work with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, he held positions with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and with Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Dr. DeGagné served as Senior Negotiator for the Federal Government in its negotiations of the Labrador Inuit Association Comprehensive Claim.
Active in volunteer efforts, Dr. DeGagné is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ottawa's Queensway-Carleton Hospital and serves as a Board Director for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Child Welfare League of Canada. Dr. DeGagné holds a Masters degree in Health Administration, and a PhD focusing on First Nations post-secondary education.
James Dennison is the Assistant Vice President, Risk Management & Portfolio Analysis, of CIBC Mellon. CIBC Mellon is a 50-50 joint venture between the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Mellon Financial Corporation, with approximately $800 billion of assets under administration. CIBC Mellon's two operating entities are CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services Company, a leading Canadian provider of custody services, and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, a leading provider of trust services in Canada. In his role at CIBC Mellon, Mr. Dennison is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining CIBC Mellon's risk management program and framework to ensure business risks are being measured and managed appropriately.
Mr. Dennison started his career with Canada Trust in 1997, and moved to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) in 1999, where he was responsible for regulating and supervising a portfolio of Canadian financial institutions. In addition, he acted as the lead examiner for OSFI concerning its review and approval of both the Manulife Financial/John Hancock Financial, and Great West Life/Canada Life acquisitions. He holds an MBA from York University and both a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and Civil Engineering Technology Diploma from Lakehead University. He is also a CFA Charterholder and holds the professional designations of Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Professional Risk Manager (PRM).
Upon graduation in 1984, David Heroux obtained a position with the Toronto Dominion Bank where he has held a number of management positions throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In 2001, he and his family returned to Thunder Bay after a 15-year hiatus. He currently holds the position of Account Manager-Commercial Markets with the RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Northwestern Business Centre. David is married to a Lakehead University graduate Julie (nee Sato) (HBA 81/MA English 84) and they have a 10-year-old son, Jordan.
Mr. Heroux is active in several local organizations, currently holding the position of Treasurer for the Lakehead University Alumni Association and the Scandinavian Home Society since 2002. He was the Chair of the Business Improvement Association in Fort Frances. He was also Treasurer for the Brandon and District United Way, a Director with the Brandon Red Cross Society, and both a Director and Treasurer with the Brandon Kinsmen Club. In his spare time, Mr. Heroux coaches minor hockey and baseball and remains active playing recreational hockey, golf, tennis, and sailing.
Krystin Kempton is currently in her third year of Lakehead University's HBA Psychology program. She is also completing a minor in politics and law. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Krystin will be attending law school. She aspires to practice corporate and commercial litigation, and possibly real estate law.
Krystin grew up in Kakabeka Falls, ON, but has since moved to Thunder Bay. Even though she will be required to move away while attending law school, she intends on moving back to Thunder Bay to work and start a family. Krystin works at Carrel+Partners LLP as an administrative and legal assistant, and volunteers at Grandview Lodge Nursing Home. She runs a LUSU club on campus called "Quit Together," which is a support group for smokers who want (or don't want) to quit. She has been a Student Ambassador in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. She is also involved in a number of Senate committees, including the External Committee, the Ombudsperson Committee, and the Senate Information Systems Committee.

Don Campbell - New Chair

As Vice President and Resident Manager of Bowater Canadian Forest Products, Inc.'s Thunder Bay Mill, Don Campbell is responsible for all aspects of the Thunder Bay pulp, paper and woodlands operations in the Thunder Bay region.
Prior to his present position, Don has held various positions of increasing responsibility within Bowater and its predecessor companies. These included serving as General Manager of Bowater's Gold River Pulp Mill, and providing overall management of Maintenance, Engineering and Recovery operations within the Thunder Bay Mill. In recent years, Don has served as Corporate Manager of Capital Projects and has participated in greenfield and production facility projects across Canada and in the U.S. in the electrical and control systems fields.
Don holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He is a member, in good standing, of the Professional Engineers Ontario, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and member of the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada (PAPTAC).
Don is located at Bowater's Thunder Bay, Ontario facility.
Harvey Cardwell - New Vice-Chair
Harvey Cardwell was born and educated in rural Southern Ontario, and has resided in Thunder Bay for the past 28 years. He and wife Darlene have two sons, Gregory and Michael.
· Harvey has advanced his career through the work force of the following companies:
· Metropolitan Stores - clothing and soft goods
· The Oshawa Group - grocery retail
· Zehr's Market - grocery retail
· Tim Horton Donuts - food service
· Robin's Foods Inc. (formerly Northco Foods Inc.) - food service franchising; Co-founder in 1975 and President until Company sale in 2000; Developing 247 fast food restaurants Canada wide
· Northco Group - real estate development and management, food service and lodging, and franchise consulting
Harvey's goals and objectives work towards the future growth of the economic environment of Northern Ontario, therein enhancing the quality of lifestyles of Northerners.
For more information, or to speak with a member of Lakehead University's Board of Governors, please call Patti Merriman, Secretary of the Board of Governors, at 343-8614.

Lakehead University: Unlike Any Other

(Thunder Bay - Sept. 27, 2006) Smart, not smug. Indie, not ivy. Maverick, not mediocre. Lakehead University is a lot of good things, but the same as other universities? Never!
"Lakehead University goes the extra mile for its students. On top of a quality education, it's a university that offers great campus life and truly closer interaction with professors," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. "Our students, faculty, and staff care about each other, the environment, the betterment of society, and change. They go out and make a difference in the world."
And this is what Lakehead University's next phase in its advertising campaign is highlighting: that a Lakehead student is somebody, not just anybody. In fact, Lakehead is a smart university choice.
The new campaign segment outlines what it's like at Lakehead University. The sharp taglines encapsulate the feeling of being part of something different. Posters featuring four different messages will blanket the GTA starting on September 26. The posters lead students to a new website: www.unlikeanyother.ca, which encourages students to be smart when choosing the university that's right for them.
"Each student is different, and it's important for universities to address this individuality," Dr. Gilbert adds. "Too many times, university students end up in an institution which doesn't help them flourish as learners. Lakehead University wants students to understand that picking the right university will help them grow as learners in an environment that fits them, and will help prepare them better for life after graduation."
On the website, potential Lakehead students are urged to make smarter choices--and drive smarter! A chance to win a 4-year lease for a Smart Car is available to eligible visitors at www.unlikeanyother.ca (see the website for contest rules).
The campaign also includes t-shirts, which feature six different messages, a limited quantity of which will be distributed to university-bound high school students at various events, including the Ontario University Fair starting September 29, 2006, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
For more information on the contest, visit www.unlikeanyother.ca. For information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca Members of the media: Dr. Gilbert and Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, are available for interview by calling Marla Tomlinson at (807) 343-8177 or (807) 473-9113.

"Today's Family" to feature Lakehead University

PTGTV, a US-based industry leader in consumer lifestyle educational shows, recently announced the selection of Lakehead University for an upcoming episode of the highly acclaimed educational television series, Today's Family. Lakehead University will be featured in a segment on "The Importance of Selecting the Right University." The TV feature will be shown in targeted geographic markets across the U.S.
The reason for this selection is captured in a media release from PTGTV as follows:
Outstanding and innovative academic offerings combine with a highly diverse campus community to make Lakehead University one of Canada's most desirable sites of higher education. The university features an outstanding faculty and a central location in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead offers an impressive collection of educational resources, with an emphasis on research and advanced technology.
Ranked number one in Value-Added among all universities in Canada for the fourth time by Macleans magazine, Lakehead is the leader in learning-assisted technologies that provide students with a truly unique educational experience. The school seeks to enroll students from diverse backgrounds and a wide variety of geographic regions, and works with Aboriginal people to further their educational aspirations.
Lakehead provides a quality education and a high-tech campus that gives the students tools for a successful tomorrow. Students experience the Lakehead difference - an excellent exchange program, and a strong tradition of excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community.
More than 7500 students from around the world call Lakehead University home during the academic semesters. Located in a metropolitan area, it is ranked as one of the most scenic and beautiful Canadian college campuses. In the winter, the campus comes alive with three Alpine and world-class Nordic ski centers nearby as well as excellent curling and hockey facilities. In the summer hiking, sailing, camping, biking, and fishing are favorite activities.
Lakehead has opened a new campus in Orilla, Ontario, an hour's drive from Toronto. The new campus will feature academic courses and programs that target the interests and needs of the region. With more than 40,000 graduates all over the world, Lakehead has grown into one of Ontario's premier institutions of higher learning while retaining its philosophy of being student centered. According to Dr. Fred Gilbert, its president, "While Lakehead has grown significantly over the last 10 years, it takes pride in being a smaller university with a big vision. And our students always come first."
Note: Airtime schedules will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Meaning of ‘Home’ and Identity Explored in New Book by Lakehead Professor

(Thunder Bay - September 19, 2006) A Lakehead University Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Professor has co-edited and published a book entitled "Multiple Dwelling and Tourism: Negotiating Place, Home and Identity."
Dr. Norman McIntyre conceived the idea for this book out of his Social Science and Humanities Research Council and Northern Studies-funded workshop held on campus in the spring of 2002.
The book represents the culmination of extended research cooperation among a team of international scholars from a wide variety of research areas including: geography, leisure, tourism, natural resource management, psychology, and sociology. Comprised of a collection of specially written contributions by 25 authors from Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Australia and New Zealand, it explores multiple dwelling (camps, cottages, cabins, RVs) as a societal response to the major influences of increased mobility and amenity tourism. The contributions analyse from a variety of perspectives and in differing contexts the modern-day meaning of multiple dwelling and how it affects personal identity; the meanings of 'home' and perceptions of place, and their impacts on host communities and landscapes.
"I have been interested in this area for many years because I was intrigued as to why people go to all the expense, commitment, and travel to own a second home in nature, and what purpose such homes have in people's lives," Dr. McIntyre says.
Dr. McIntyre, who has his own winterised camp at Chippewa, says that multiple dwelling and the reasons behind them can tell much about the way modern people are seeking contact with nature and are dealing with the increased stress of modern life.
"Multiple dwellings are shaping people's identity both culturally and personally, and are re-shaping the idea of what 'home' is," he adds. "In essence, studies of second homes and other forms of multiple dwelling are helping us better understand the coping strategies that people are using to deal with modern life."
Members of the Media: Dr. McIntyre is available for interview by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.

Lakehead Professor Receives Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Forestry Profession

(Thunder Bay - September 14, 2006) A Lakehead University forester has received a major award from the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF). Dr. Mathew Leitch, an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment, has been awarded the James M. Kitz Award for his forestry-related research.
The James M. Kitz award is given to forest practitioners who make outstanding contributions to the forest industry early in their profession. The objective of this award from the CFI is to encourage excellence in the forestry profession.
"Value-added timber products will be a significant part of Northern Ontario's economy in the future," says Dr. Leitch. "It is important to develop knowledge of value-added timber in order to better utilize our forest resource and to increase in jobs in the industry."
Dr. Leitch is a wood scientist with experience in the wood ultrastructure as well as tree biochemistry. He will be receiving the CIF's James M. Kitz Award at the Boreal Conference from October 2 to 6 in Cochrane, ON.
Members of the Media: Dr. Leitch is available for interview and for photo ops in his laboratory by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.

Lakehead Celebrates: Laughter, Music, and Good Times

Famous comedic actor and playwright, local musicians featured at second annual event
(Thunder Bay - September 12, 2006) It will be a night of laughter, exotic music, and good times. It's the event people will be talking about for months. Fine food, convivial atmosphere, exciting entertainment, friends -- it will be there.
Following the resounding success of its first-ever community partnership celebration headlined by Paul Shaffer last October, the second annual "Lakehead Celebrates" will be taking place on October 19, 2006. The community is invited to become a part of Lakehead tradition, as local favourites and national stars take to the stage in The Hangar.
Internationally renowned playwright and actor Ian Ross will be performing his famous comedy Joe from Winnipeg, which is sure to delight the audience, and live music by the Flamenco Caravan will dazzle the crowed. There will also be an abundance of tapas and hors d'oeuvres as well as red and white wines for the pleasure of the guests. It will be a night of hilarity and boisterous music - a great time to share with friends.
"This evening will bring together people from the community and the University to celebrate and honour the friends of Lakehead," says Jackie Dojack, Chair, Lakehead U Board of Governors. "This fundraising evening will benefit the students of Lakehead University through raising funds for bursaries and scholarships."
"Celebrating the friends of Lakehead University - the people who contribute time and effort to develop the University - is important," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. "This evening is an opportunity to cultivate friendships, network with community partners, and help the students of the University."
Tickets for Lakehead Celebrates are on sale now and cost $90 per person. All proceeds directly benefit students. For tickets, call Debra McKever at 343-8300.
Members of the media may interview Jackie Dojack or Dr. Gilbert by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.
Biography - Ian Ross
Ian Ross has been credited with creating some of the country's most provocative and compelling contemporary theatre. His writing and performing offers a unique and authentic perspective on the experiences of First Nations peoples. While Ian's plays continue to garner great critical and public acclaim, he also continues to perform Joe from Winnipeg, a commentary originally produced for CBC Radio. He is currently Artistic Director with Red Roots Theatre, an affiliate of the Theatre and Drama Department at the University of Winnipeg. Ian has received numerous awards in the Canadian Theatre as a playwright and actor and in 1997 won the prestigious and much coveted Governor General's Award for Drama.
Ian Ross was born in McCreary, Manitoba. He calls the reserve of Fairford, the Metis community of Kinosota, and the city of Winnipeg home.

Lakehead University, Orillia Campus Welcomes Charter Class

(Orillia - Friday, September 8, 2006) Finally, after many months of preparation, the community of Orillia (and beyond) can now celebrate! Lakehead University's new Orillia campus officially opened its doors this week, welcoming students as they enter into the world of university education. To mark this special occasion, a welcome celebration is being held for the charter class on Friday, September 8, 2006.
This event is a chance for Lakehead University faculty, senior administration, City of Orillia representatives, and special guests to mingle with the charter class and show off the Orillia campus.
"We are delighted to open the doors of our Orillia campus to students," says Lakehead University President, Dr. Fred Gilbert. "This is a momentous occasion. We are seeing the effort and dedication, and hard work of Lakehead University and the City of Orillia come to fruition."
Dr. Laurie Hayes, Vice-President (Academic) and Provost, echoed Dr. Gilbert's thoughts. "This is an exciting event--students, parents, and community members celebrating together is an excellent way to mark this day," Dr. Hayes says. "We are pleased to be a part of this growing campus, and are eager to see where we go in the future."
Located on the shores of Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, the City of Orillia features a vibrant community offering the best from the worlds of culture and recreation. In the heart of downtown Orillia, the Lakehead University, Orillia Campus will provide easy access to all the opportunities that the City and Simcoe County have to offer.
"The City of Orillia welcomes the charter class of Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, with open arms," says Mayor Ron Stevens, Mayor of the City of Orillia. "This is a great community--friendly and lively --and these new students will add to this community a unique mix of personalities and abilities. I hope that all students feel welcome here and take advantage of the culture and recreational opportunities in this city and region."
Dr. Sally-Ann Burnett, Director of Operations, Orillia Campus, says, "We are really, really pleased with our first year numbers. It has been the result of an incredible effort by many people, but we have exceeded our targets."
Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, is offering three multidisciplinary programs, allowing students to study in a variety of disciplines for their undergraduate study. These programs are
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree
  • Concurrent Bachelor of Arts and Science/Bachelor of Education (P/J)
  • Concurrent Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science/Bachelor of Education (P/J)
For more information on the Orillia Campus and the programs, call 705-329-4298
Media Interviews: Dr. Gilbert or Dr. Burnett can be contacted by calling Marla Tomlinson at (807) 343-8177. Mayor Ron Stevens can be contacted by calling Robert Lamb, Manager of Economic Development, City of Orillia, at (705) 325-4900.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113

Orientation Session Gives Parents a chance to have Questions Answered

(Thunder Bay - August 29, 2006) "Where are my classes?" "Where can I eat?" "What about Financial Aid?" "Is there a tutoring centre?" These are some questions first-year students have when starting university. But what about parents? Sending their children off to university for the first time is a tough thing for parents to do. Lakehead University offers parents and friends of first-year students a chance to have their questions answered.
Family and friends of first-year students are invited to attend the Family and Friends Orientation Session on campus on Saturday, September 2, starting at 10 a.m. Some of the topics covered include: resources available on campus, alcohol awareness, security, health and counselling, and much more.
"We find that family and friends often have many questions about life on campus, or Lakehead in general, that they need answered," says Allison Punnett, Orientation Coordinator, Lakehead University. "This is just as much a transition period for the parents as for the new students, and their questions shouldn't go unanswered. Attending this session can alleviate much of the anxiety associated with sending their children off to university."
This session is not just for out-of-town parents - local parents are also encouraged to attend.
"Just because the students aren't leaving home does not mean that parents don't have questions about campus life," Punnett says. "As the parent of a first-year student, even if you are from Thunder Bay, there is much to learn about helping your student transition successfully to life at university. This is the perfect opportunity for all parents to have their questions answered."
The Family and Friends session takes place during Orientation activities for first-year students. Parents and students join up later at a BBQ in the Centennial Courtyard. There are limited seats available for this session, so parents are encouraged to register online by visiting the Orientation website at www.orientation.lakeheadu.ca.
Members of the Media: Allison is available for interview by calling Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.

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