(June 5, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University's Orillia Campus is gearing up for its second convocation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, at which 45 graduands will receive their degrees. The ceremony will be held in the Orillia City Council Chambers at 11:00 a.m.

Civitas Award: this award recognizes a member of Simcoe County for longstanding community engagement having significance or importance to Lakehead University. The award will be presented to Mr. Lloyd Dennis (bio attached).

The Orillia Campus Dean's Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science and Bachelor of Arts and Science degree program. Recipient is Nathalie Corriveau, HBASc.

The Dean Braun's Medal is for the highest-ranking student in various programs, including Business Administration. Recipient is Greg Kalil (BAdmin).

"My experience at Lakehead University Orillia was wonderful," says Orillia Campus Dean's Medal recipient Nathalie Corriveau. "I took great classes and had amazing teachers. I have gained admittance to medical school for September, and my time at Lakehead University Orillia has provided me with valuable knowledge and experience which will give me a head start in my studies next year."

Honorary Degree Recipient

Mr. Gwynne Dyer

Gwynne Dyer is one of the world's leading geopolitical analysts and is a prolific journalist, broadcaster, filmmaker, author, and lecturer. His twice-weekly column on international affairs appears in 175 newspapers in 45 countries, including The Chronicle-Journal in Thunder Bay.

Born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Gwynne joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve in 1959 at the age of 16. He was educated as an historian, graduating with a BA in History from Memorial University (1963), an MA in Military History from Rice University in Texas (1966), and a PhD in Military and Middle Eastern History from King's College London at the University of London (1973).

As a military analyst, Gwynne has the unique qualification of having served in the naval reserves of three countries: the Canadian Naval Reserve (1959-1964 and 1966-1968), the United States Navy Reserve (1964-1966), and the British Royal Naval Reserve (1968-1973).

He began his career as an academic, lecturing on War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1973 to 1977. During this time he began writing articles about the Arab-Israeli conflict for newspapers in London and eventually turned to journalism full time.

Gwynne produced a seven-part radio series, Seven Faces of Communism, for the CBC and ABC in 1978. This quickly led to another radio series, War (1981), which was based on his own military experience and extensive study. War later became a book and a seven-part film series (1983), which was broadcast in 45 countries. One episode, "The Profession of Arms," was nominated for an Academy Award.

Two of Gwynne's television series have won Gemini awards: The Human Race (1994), about the roots, nature, and future of politics; and Protection Force (1995), about peacekeepers in Bosnia.

Other radio documentary series include The Gorbachev Revolution (1990), based on Gwynne's experiences in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union; and Millennium (1996), about the emerging global culture.

An updated edition of his book War was published in 2004. Two other recent titles deal with the politics and strategy of the post-9/11 world: Ignorant Armies (2003), Future: Tense (2004) and The Mess They Made: The Middle East After Iraq (2006). Another book, Fighting Decline, is set for release in 2010.

Gwynne's latest release is Climate Wars, a book and a radio series that look at the possible geopolitical consequences of climate change, including international competition for resources, political unrest, and economic collapse. The three-part radio series was broadcast on the CBC program Ideas early in 2009.

Gwynne Dyer was the recipient of a 1984 International Film Festival Award and the 1986 Best Writing Gemini for his film The Space Between. He has been awarded honorary degrees by Memorial University, Royal Roads University, and the University of Guelph.

Civitas Award

Mr. Lloyd Dennis

Lloyd Dennis is a distinguished Canadian and Orillia resident who has had a profound impact on Ontario education. Growing up in Muskoka, Lloyd left school to work at an early age and returned following the war to complete his high school diploma, teacher certification and went on to earn two degrees from the University of Toronto.

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Media: Dr. Kim Fedderson is available for media interviews. For more information contact Heidi Berry at 705-330-4012 or hberry@lakeheadu.ca

(June 5, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University's Orillia Campus is gearing up for its second convocation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, at which 45 graduands will receive their degrees. The ceremony will be held in the Orillia City Council Chambers at 11:00 a.m.

Civitas Award: this award recognizes a member of Simcoe County for longstanding community engagement having significance or importance to Lakehead University. The award will be presented to Mr. Lloyd Dennis (bio attached).

The Orillia Campus Dean's Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science and Bachelor of Arts and Science degree program. Recipient is Nathalie Corriveau, HBASc.

The Dean Braun's Medal is for the highest-ranking student in various programs, including Business Administration. Recipient is Greg Kalil (BAdmin).

"My experience at Lakehead University Orillia was wonderful," says Orillia Campus Dean's Medal recipient Nathalie Corriveau. "I took great classes and had amazing teachers. I have gained admittance to medical school for September, and my time at Lakehead University Orillia has provided me with valuable knowledge and experience which will give me a head start in my studies next year."

Honorary Degree Recipient

Mr. Gwynne Dyer

Gwynne Dyer is one of the world's leading geopolitical analysts and is a prolific journalist, broadcaster, filmmaker, author, and lecturer. His twice-weekly column on international affairs appears in 175 newspapers in 45 countries, including The Chronicle-Journal in Thunder Bay.

Born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Gwynne joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve in 1959 at the age of 16. He was educated as an historian, graduating with a BA in History from Memorial University (1963), an MA in Military History from Rice University in Texas (1966), and a PhD in Military and Middle Eastern History from King's College London at the University of London (1973).

As a military analyst, Gwynne has the unique qualification of having served in the naval reserves of three countries: the Canadian Naval Reserve (1959-1964 and 1966-1968), the United States Navy Reserve (1964-1966), and the British Royal Naval Reserve (1968-1973).

He began his career as an academic, lecturing on War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1973 to 1977. During this time he began writing articles about the Arab-Israeli conflict for newspapers in London and eventually turned to journalism full time.

Gwynne produced a seven-part radio series, Seven Faces of Communism, for the CBC and ABC in 1978. This quickly led to another radio series, War (1981), which was based on his own military experience and extensive study. War later became a book and a seven-part film series (1983), which was broadcast in 45 countries. One episode, "The Profession of Arms," was nominated for an Academy Award.

Two of Gwynne's television series have won Gemini awards: The Human Race (1994), about the roots, nature, and future of politics; and Protection Force (1995), about peacekeepers in Bosnia.

Other radio documentary series include The Gorbachev Revolution (1990), based on Gwynne's experiences in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union; and Millennium (1996), about the emerging global culture.

An updated edition of his book War was published in 2004. Two other recent titles deal with the politics and strategy of the post-9/11 world: Ignorant Armies (2003), Future: Tense (2004) and The Mess They Made: The Middle East After Iraq (2006). Another book, Fighting Decline, is set for release in 2010.

Gwynne's latest release is Climate Wars, a book and a radio series that look at the possible geopolitical consequences of climate change, including international competition for resources, political unrest, and economic collapse. The three-part radio series was broadcast on the CBC program Ideas early in 2009.

Gwynne Dyer was the recipient of a 1984 International Film Festival Award and the 1986 Best Writing Gemini for his film The Space Between. He has been awarded honorary degrees by Memorial University, Royal Roads University, and the University of Guelph.

Civitas Award

Mr. Lloyd Dennis

Lloyd Dennis is a distinguished Canadian and Orillia resident who has had a profound impact on Ontario education. Growing up in Muskoka, Lloyd left school to work at an early age and returned following the war to complete his high school diploma, teacher certification and went on to earn two degrees from the University of Toronto.

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Media: Dr. Kim Fedderson is available for media interviews. For more information contact Heidi Berry at 705-330-4012 or hberry@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University Vice President (Research) & 2008 Recipient of the Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CSPT) Pfizer Senior Scientist Award, Dr. Rui Wang

(May 29, 2009 -- Thunder Bay, ON)
Lakehead University Vice President (Research) Dr. Rui Wang is the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CSPT) Pfizer Senior Scientist Award.

The Pfizer Award is the highest award the CSPT gives to a basic research scientist in Canada, and is given for significant contributions to the advancement and extension of knowledge in the field. Dr. Wang will collect his award at a formal presentation at the Society's Annual Meeting in Saskatoon next week.

The Pfizer Award is just the latest in a significant list of achievements by Dr. Wang, who is recognized as an international leader in the research field of gaseous molecules. Last fall, a research team led by Dr. Wang discovered the regulation of blood pressure by hydrogen sulphide - ground breaking work which may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to his individual research successes, Wang has brought millions of dollars in funding to the University, and is leading Lakehead's upward movement in independent research rankings. Wang's mission of situating Lakehead among the top 25 research Universities in Canada is quickly becoming a reality; Research Infosource Inc. recently announced that Lakehead University has placed 3rd in the University Income Growth 2002-2007, while Lakehead's sponsored research income has increased by 107% in the past five years.

University President Dr. Fred Gilbert says, "Dr. Wang is both a gifted scientist as well as an effective administrator; Lakehead University is lucky to have him as a model for our researchers, and others in Canada, as he is an innovator and a leader."

Dr. Wang is the President of Canadian Physiological Society, a member of Advisory Board for Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory health of CIHR, Chairman of International Society of Biopharmacology and Biotechnology, and a member of International Advisory Committee for Cardiovascular Research Program at Singapore National University. Dr. Wang has served many Canadian research funding agencies as well as more than 15 international research funding agencies, including those from USA, Singapore, New Zealand, Austria, UK, China, and Hong Kong.

Dr. Wang's achievements have been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious Fellow of American Physiology Society (2005), Fellow of American Heart Association (2002), Investigator award of CIHR (2000), Stevenson Visiting Professorship of Canadian Physiological Society (1996), Young Investigator Award of Canadian Cardiovascular Society (1995), and McDonald Scholar Award of Heart and Stroke Foundation (1994).

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Media: Dr. Rui Wang is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 29, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)

• The Formula SAE® competition is for SAE student members to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars
• The FSAE Formula One Student competition is recognized as the most prestigious competition internationally; the Michigan event is recognized as the largest engineering event in the world
• The 2009 FSAE Michigan Competition was held at the Michigan International speedway, May 13-16, 2009
• A total of 120 teams were registered, from Europe, Asia, South America, and North America
• LUFSAE placed 43rd overall
• Of first year entries Lakehead, came at the top, winning the Rookie of the Year award
• The endurance test was a 22 km race on a track with sharp turns and other cars. This event was at the end of the competition - only 45 teams' cars survived to compete in this event
• Of the 45 teams in the endurance competition, 37 successfully completed it
• Lakehead came in 27th in the endurance test, with no spare parts, and no repairs to the car

Lakehead University Car Specs:

• Speed: 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in approx 4 seconds
• Engine: CBR600RR 600cc Naturally Aspirated I-4
• Naturally Aspirated
• Drive Train: 6 speed short geared, chain driven, spool differential
• Chassis: Steel tube space frame
• Wheels: 13x6 Lightweight Wheels
• Tires: 20x6x13 Wet & Dry Racing Tires
• Suspension: Unequal Length Control Arm, Push-rod, Fully-adjustable Coilovers

For more information, visit http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/.

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Media: Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, team advisor, and LUFSAE team members are available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 28, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Lakehead University is gearing up for its 45th Convocation, at which nearly 1,900 graduands will receive their degrees. Two ceremonies will take place at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Saturday, May 30, the first from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., and the second from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. The Charter Class of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) will be graduating in the morning session.

Vice President (Academic) Dr. Laurie Hayes says, "Convocation is a proud time for everyone at Lakehead University, from the students and their families, to the staff and faculty. We congratulate the graduands on their academic accomplishments and extend to each of them our best wishes for a successful future."

University President Dr. Fred Gilbert says, "Every Convocation is a special occasion and Lakehead's 45th will be no different except that the graduands, for the first time, will include members from our Faculty of Medicine."

Student medals and awards are as follows:

The Dean Braun's Medals are awarded to the highest-ranking graduating students in the following programs: Bachelor of Administration, Greg Charles Kalil, BAdmin; Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Sean Thomas Heringer, BComm (Hons); Bachelor of Engineering, Patrick Edward Belina, BEng; Engineering Technology, Christopher Kyler Kukkee, Dipl Civi Eng; Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Forest Conservation), Shannon Page, BES; Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Forest Conservation), Breanne Dumouchelle HBES; Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Alex Bilyk, HBScF; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Horatiu Muller, BScN; Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology, Caitlin McCallum, HBK; and Honours Bachelor of Social Work, James McMahon, HBSW; Psychology (Three-Year Program), Marlena Tassone BSc; Psychology (Four-Year Program), Karen Storeshaw BA (Hons).

The William A. West Education Medals are awarded to the highest-ranking students in Education. Recipients are Bachelor of Education (Primary-Junior), Martha Moon, BEd; Bachelor of Education (Junior-Intermediate), Jenny MacLeod, BEd; Bachelor of Education (Intermediate-Senior), Joseph Del Paggio, BEd; Bachelor of Education (Native Teacher Education), Carol Mamakeesic, BEd; Native Language Instructors' Diploma, Anna Kakegamic, NLIP; Master of Education, Anita Graham, MEd; and PhD in Educational Studies, Leisa Desmoulins.

The Dean of Science and Environmental Studies Medals are awarded to the highest-ranking graduating students in Science and Environmental Studies. Recipients are Three-Year Program, Duncan A. MacDonald, BSc; ex aequo Melissa Frattolin BSc; Four-Year Program, Andrew Holm BSc (Hons).

The Dean of Social Science and Humanities Medals are awarded to the highest-ranking graduating students in Social Sciences and Humanities. Recipients are Three-Year Program, Marie-Eve Couture, BA; Four-Year Program, Brianne K. Kirkpatrick BA (Hons).

The Orillia Campus Dean's Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science and Bachelor of Arts and Science degree program. Recipient is Nathalie Michelle Corriveau, HBASc.

The Chancellor's Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking part-time student in an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Recipient is Karen L. Morrow, BScN.

The Vice-Chancellor's Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking graduating student in the three-year Bachelor's degree. Recipient is Marie-Eve Couture, BA.

The Governor-General's College Bronze Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the graduating class of the Diploma Program. Recipient is Christopher Kyler Kukkee, Dipl Eng.

The Governor-General's Silver Medal is awarded to the highest-ranking student in the Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Recipient is Andrew Holm, BSc (Hons).
The Governor-General's Gold Medal is awarded to the graduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a Master's degree program. Recipient is Rebecca Barnes, MSc.

The President's Award is given annually to the graduating students who have occupied positions of responsibility in student organizations and who, by their activities and achievements, have earned the gratitude of the University. Recipients are Undergraduate, Brianne K. Kirkpatrick; Andrew
Holm; and Graduate, Peter Holt Hindle.

The Robert Poulin Award is awarded for outstanding citizenship and presented to the full-time student selected by his/her fellows, the faculty, and administration as contributing most to the welfare of the University through student activities. Recipient is Peter Holt-Hindle.

Non-student honourees are the following (bios attached):

2009 Young Alumni Award - Terry Robinson
2009 Alumni Honour Award - Dr. Thomas Ryan
2009 Alumni Honour Award - Poh Lam Tan

2009 Honorary Doctoral Recipients:
Dr. John Evans
Mr. Richard Stallman

Dr. Evans will speak in the morning convocation session, and Richard Stallman will speak at the afternoon session.

The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care will also be in attendance, and will speak at the morning session.

ABOUT THE HONORARY RECIPIENTS

John Evans
Medical, academic, research and business leader

Dr. John Evans is one of Canada's foremost innovators and a long-time leader in the medical, academic, research, and business communities.

After graduating from the University of Toronto as an MD, he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, where he earned his DPhil. On his return to North America, he completed residencies in Internal Medicine and Cardiology and qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London) and a Master of the American College of Physicians in the United States.

Dr. Evans was an associate in medicine at the University of Toronto from 1961 until 1965, when at age 35 he was recruited as founding dean of a new medical school in Hamilton. Under his leadership, the School of Medicine at McMaster University opened in 1970, introducing students to a revolutionary system of problem-based learning, where they immediately became involved in patient care. Since that time, problem-based learning has become the preferred method of instruction in many medical schools around the world, including the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

In 1972 Dr. Evans returned to the University of Toronto and served as its President until 1978. He was appointed to the Pepin-Robarts Commission on National Unity, whose 1979 report made radical proposals for national unity.

The Rockefeller Foundation hired Dr. Evans in 1979 to undertake a study of public health and population-based medicine around the world. His report led to a job with the World Bank as founding director of its Population, Health and Nutrition Department, where he focused on reducing infant mortality in less developed countries.

John was appointed to the board of The Rockefeller Foundation in 1982 and served as its chair from 1987 to 1995. In 1983, he became the founding Chair of Allelix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., one of Canada's first biotechnical companies. He joined the board of the media company Torstar in 1984 and served as Chair from 1993 until 2005. He also served as Director and Chair of Alcan Aluminum Ltd from 1986 until 2002. John was the founding Chair of the Canada Foundation for Innovation in 1997 until 2006. In 2005, John also became founding chair of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and remains a member of its board of directors.

Currently, Dr. Evans is the founding chair of the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, an innovation centre where scientific research connects with business. The goal of MaRS is to stimulate innovation and accelerate the creation and growth of enterprises that will strengthen Canada's position in the new knowledge-based economy. The centre opened in 2005 and will complete a major expansion in 2010.

Dr. John Evans is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and the Business Hall of Fame. He was awarded the 2002 F.N.G. Starr Award, the highest honor of the Canadian Medical Association, and the 2007 Henry G. Freisen International Prize in Health Research for his longstanding contributions to medical sciences.


Richard Stallman
Free software advocate

Richard Stallman is internationally recognised as a leader in the free software movement, which argues that everyone should be free to share, study, and modify software. To understand the concept of free software, Richard says, "You should think of free as in free speech, not as in free beer."

Born in New York City in 1953, Richard Stallman graduated from Harvard with a BA in Physics in 1974 (one year before Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to create Microsoft). While studying at Harvard, Richard also worked as a staff hacker at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Artificial Intelligence Lab, where he learned how to develop operating systems. After graduating, he continued working at MIT until 1984, when he left to start the GNU (pronounced guh-NEW) project. He has been GNU's leader ever since.
The GNU operating system is a complete, free software system, upward-compatible with Unix. GNU stands for "GNU's Not Unix." Richard developed a number of widely used components of the GNU system, including GNU Emacs (an extensible, customizable text editor), the GNU Compiler Collection, and the GNU symbolic debugger (gdb). The GNU/Linux system, a variant of GNU that includes the Linux kernel developed by Linus Torvalds, is used in millions of computers worldwide.

To keep GNU software free, Richard pioneered the concept of a copyleft agreement, which flips copyright on its head by saying that anyone who redistributes the software, with or without changes, must pass along to all subsequent users the freedom to further copy and change it. Richard is the main author of the GNU General Public License, the most widely used free software license in the world.

In 1985 he started the Free Software Foundation (FSF), a charity that defends the rights of free software users around the world and provides a legal infrastructure for the free software movement.

Since the mid-1990s, Richard has spent most of his time zealously advocating for free software around the world. He campaigns against software patents and what he sees as excessive extensions of copyright laws. In 1989 he co-founded the League for Programming Freedom, whose aim is to prevent monopolies in software development.

Among other honors, Richard has been granted honorary doctorates by Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology, the University of Glasgow, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels Free University), the Universidad Nacional de Salta (Argentina), the Università Degli Studi di Pavia (University of Pavia, Italy), and the Universidad Los Angeles de Chimbote (Peru).
He believes that using free software is a political and ethical decision that affirms the right to learn and to share one's knowledge with others. By making free, high-quality software available as an alternative to proprietary software, he has benefited everyone who uses a computer.

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Media: President, Dr. Fred Gilbert, and Vice President (Academic) & Provost, Dr. Laurie Hayes, are available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 28, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Lakehead University's steel bridge team met with great success at the 18th Annual AISC/ASCE U.S. National Student Steel Bridge Competition hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Civil Engineering team at Lakehead took 3rd place for assembly time, 2nd place for construction economy, 10th for lightness, 3rd for display (aesthetics), 15th for stiffness, and 13th for structural efficiency - placing third overall in a competition among 47 American and Canadian universities. The Lakehead team placed first at the Mid-West Regional Competition hosted by North Dakota State University, Fargo, in mid-March.

The Student Steel Bridge Competition is the premiere event for American Civil Engineering students. The goal of the competition is to design a 1/10 scale model for replacement of a century-old bridge that crosses a river and emergent wetland. The bridge is designed and the components fabricated at the University by the students prior to the competition.

The models, approximately 20ft long, are erected under simulated field conditions, and then load tested. To test the strength and stiffness, one hundred 25lb lengths of angle iron are loaded onto the bridge to simulate a loaded truck crossing it, for a total applied load of 2500 lbs. The Lakehead team designed a flexible, fast-to-build bridge, weighing 144.2 lbs, and assembled in 3.78 minutes.

Lakehead's civil engineering teams have done consistently well at the national level, placing 10th in 2001, second in 2002, fifth in 2003 and 2006, and fourth in 2007. Lakehead's is the only Canadian team to place in the top five overall since the inception of the competition.
"The steel bridge team, which consists of students Gavin Clements, Frederic Lavoie, Jeffrey Luckai, Robert McDonald, and Jesse Zylstra, is grateful for the support of the many local and national sponsors who made participation possible at the regional and national competitions," says Faculty Advisor Dr. Timo Tikka. "The team has performed extremely well considering the quality of the competition, and have continued what is becoming a tradition at Lakehead University with their excellent standing in this competition."

First place went to SUNY Canton, and second place went to North Dakota State University.

Steel Bridge Team Sponsors
Canadian Ironworkers - Local 759
Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Lakehead University Faculty of Engineering
Professional Engineers of Ontario, Lakehead Chapter
Thunder Bay Testing & Engineering Ltd.
Lakehead University Student Union
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Steel Structures Education Foundation
Comstock Canada Ltd.
Engineering Student Society
Habib Architects
CSCE Student Chapter
Engineering Northwest Ltd.
Cook Engineering
Nor-Shore Ready Mix Concrete Products Ltd.
KGS Group
Trow Associates Inc.
Confederation College Welding Department
Superior Trailers Ltd.
Rudnicki Industrial Inc.
Lakehead University Technology Services
Coastal Steel Construction Ltd.
Twin City Fan Company Ltd. (Brookings, South Dakota)
Simulia (Abaqus)
JML Engineering Ltd.
Air Liquide Canada
Stantec Engineering Limited

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Media: Dr. Timo Tikka and members of the steel bridge team are available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 27, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Lakehead University Researcher, Dr. Matthew Boyd of the Department of Anthropology, has received more than $177, 000 for his latest research project which promises to fundamentally change the way the ancestors of Subarctic peoples are viewed and studied by archaeologists. His project was ranked first among 106 competitive Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada applications.

This project, entitled "Tracking ancient maize (Zea mays spp. mays) consumption in Boreal North America: Paleoecological, food residue, and archaeological investigations," involves Dr. Scott Hamilton from Lakehead University as a co-investigator, and represents an expansion of Boyd's previous research on the history of cultivated plants in North America. With his students, Boyd has discovered that domesticated plants like maize and beans were consumed by Subarctic peoples at least 1000 years before European contact--both significantly earlier and further north than archaeologists have previously suspected. According to Boyd, the northward spread of maize horticulture represents a pivotal event in the history of precontact Indigenous societies in North America. By the time of European contact, maize was a dietary staple across much of the Eastern Woodlands, the American Southwest, and the eastern Great Plains.

Boyd says, "In all of these areas the introduction and intensification of corn horticulture are strongly linked to the emergence of increased social complexity and sedentary village life. However, many aspects of the timing and nature of maize dispersal are unclear. Understanding this early and non-intensive use of maize is crucial for modeling subsistence exchange networks, and the transition to food production, in the past."

Understanding the dynamics of cultivated plant use in small-scale societies is a fundamental goal of archaeology--one that lies at the heart of some of the most important changes in human society and human-environmental relations. Boyd says, "By mapping the spread of maize into northern North America, and by understanding and contextualizing its use in this setting, this project will yield important new insight into the history of maize, the food-producing transition, and hunter-gatherer/villager food exchange networks. The results of this study will interest a wide range of academic and non-academic communities."

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Media: Dr. Matthew Boyd is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 15, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Lakehead University is gearing up to participate in Ontario's Energy Conservation Week, which takes place May 19 - 22, 2009. A variety of events are designed to raise awareness and encourage University Community members to continue or adopt sustainable practices. Individuals may drop off used batteries for free and responsible recycling on campus, win a compact fluorescent light bulb, and purchase food from a local supplier at the Main Cafeteria, as well as participate in a variety of other events.

Lakehead is committed to sustainability, and has eliminated more than 7,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions this year, as a result of its major Facility Renewal Project at the Thunder Bay Campus. Completed in 2008, the project not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but also electricity consumption by 23% per year, and saved the University $4.1M in operating costs.

Several other projects and initiatives in the works, including the use of Styrofoam-free packaging by Food Services, and a recycling program that diverts substantial amounts of metal, glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, scrap metal, oil, batteries, paint cartridges, cell phones, and e-waste from landfill sites.

Hugh Briggs, Director of Physical Plant, says, "The commitment to environmental sustainability is ongoing; the changes we have implemented, and continue to implement, are long-term changes that are designed to make operations as cost-efficient and energy-efficient as possible. We have already begun to experience the benefits from several of these changes, and future generations will continue to benefit from the improvements that we're implementing now."

Briggs says, "Lakehead University's Sustainability Committee continues to examine areas where improvements to current practices may be realized. We encourage everyone to participate in Ontario's Energy Conservation Week, as substantial changes are best made with a concerted effort from the entire community."

For more information about Lakehead's sustainability initiatives, visit http://sustainability.lakeheadu.ca/. For more information about Lakehead University - Orillia Campus, visit http://orillia.lakeheadu.ca/yourbrightfuture/

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Media: Hugh Briggs is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 14, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Building upon the success of the three-year BA program, the Department of Women's Studies at Lakehead University is pleased to announce its expansion. The Department now offers a four- year Honours BA in Women's Studies, as well as a joint Honours Programs with the Departments of Education, English, History, Gerontology, Indigenous Learning, Outdoor Recreation, Psychology, and Sociology. In addition to its current course offerings relating to such historical and contemporary gender issues as women's health, sexuality, social justice, and equity, the new course offerings include Women, Popular Culture and Counter Culture; Gender, Bodies and Sexuality; Women's Sport and Leisure; Law & Literature: Feminist Perspectives; and Transnational and Global Feminisms, among others.

Media: Dr. Helen Smith is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(May 12, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University and the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), along with UMD's Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) and Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), have created a new partnership designed to enhance research at both institutions, and to strengthen community linkage between Thunder Bay and Duluth.

"The purpose of the research partnership is to develop a relationship that will allow us to make the most of our mutual strengths," explains Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President (Research) at Lakehead. "We will collaborate on research, cultivate co-operative training for research trainees, and hold annual joint research workshops." The agreement involves an annual $20,000 funding commitment - $10,000 from each institution - to be used to support annual workshops for faculty and students, travel, and the establishment of a Team Building Exchange fund. The agreement lasts for two years and is renewable.

(l-r) Dr. Mike Lalich, Director of the Natural Resources Research Institute at University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD), Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President (Research), Lakehead University, and Bruce Holm, Industry Liaison, Lakehead University

(l-r) Dr. Mike Lalich, Director of the Natural Resources Research Institute, (UMD), Dr. James P. Riehl, Dean of Swenson College of Science and Engineering, (UMD), President Dr. Fred Gilbert, Vice President (Research) Dr. Rui Wang