Ownership of PACI Transfers to Lakehead University
(June 25, 2008 - Thunder Bay, ON) Today, representatives from Lakehead University administration and the Lakehead District School Board gathered at the University to sign an official facility transfer document for the Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (PACI) building.
(l-r) Deborah Massaro, Chair, Lakehead District School Board, Terry Ellwood, Director of Education, Lakehead District School Board, Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University, Mr. Don Campbell, Chair, Board of Governors, Lakehead University, and Mr. Michael Pawlowski, VP(Administration and Finance)
The University expects the ownership transfer process to be complete sometime in the early fall, and will use the building to offer additional classroom, laboratory, office, and studio space for students and faculty from various academic departments. The building also offers an excellent gymnasium as a venue in which to house Lakehead's various athletics programs.
"The PACI building is a welcome and cost-effective solution to Lakehead's space shortage," says University President Dr. Fred Gilbert. "Once this process is complete, we'll be able to present members of the University community with a more concrete plan for the facility's use."
Deborah Massaro, Chair of the Lakehead District School Board, notes the value of another educational institution moving into the building. "Lakehead should experience an ease of transition with regard to the current building layout and the University's needs. In addition, the retention of this historical building in the hands of an educational institution that's a pillar in the community is a fitting tribute to the heritage of PACI."
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Media: Dr. Gilbert and Terry Ellwood, Director of Education at the Lakehead District School Board, are available for media interview. For more information or to arrange interview times, please contact Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, 807-343-8372 or eleanor.abaya@lakeheadu.ca.
Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University
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