Lakehead University "“ Orillia Celebrates Opening of Canada's First LEED® Platinum University Campus

(September 23, 2010 " Orillia, ON) Today, Lakehead University celebrated the opening of its new academic building at 500 University Avenue in Orillia. The new facility represents the first phase in the development of Canada's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum university campus.

"With the opening of our new LEED® Platinum campus, we are able to showcase our commitment to environmental sustainability while educating students to be leaders who understand the challenges of the future," said Lakehead President Dr. Brian Stevenson.
The new $43-million academic building was funded in part by the Government of Canada's Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the City of Orillia and by donors to Lakehead " Orillia's Your Bright Future Campaign, including the County of Simcoe.

"The Government of Canada has invested in innovation and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Canadians and set the foundation for economic prosperity," said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. "This investment has created jobs for people now and in the future, will provide the infrastructure Lakehead University's Orillia Campus will need for years to come, and will encourage innovation for the benefit of all Canadians."

"This is our future," said City of Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens, as he pointed to the new building. "The Lakehead " Orillia campus allows students in our communities to be able to afford a university education, a dream that drove the original local pioneers of post-secondary education decades ago," added Stevens.

Simcoe County Warden, Cal Patterson, also expressed his support for the Lakehead campus. "First and foremost, it's going to create jobs here. These students can stay in Simcoe County and become successful right here." Patterson demonstrated the commitment of Simcoe County to the University with a special presentation of a limited edition bust statue of John Graves Simcoe to Lakehead President, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

The new facility represents an exciting evolution for Lakehead's Orillia-based campus, which first opened in 2006 in downtown Orillia with approximately 120 students. Today, close to 1,000 students are enrolled and attend classes in downtown Orillia, and now at 500 University Avenue. All undergraduate students study at the new University Avenue facility, while professional and post-degree programs continue to be housed at the downtown location.
"We are delighted with the new building because it realizes every hope we had," said Kim Fedderson, the dean of the Orillia campus. "We have a particular philosophy of education at Lakehead that is inquiry-based and interdisciplinary. This building was designed with that in mind " it's student-centred."

The Grand Opening event offered visitors an opportunity to explore the facility and to see how students are learning amidst the bright, open spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
For Lakehead to meet the LEED® Platinum certification, which is the highest standard that exists, it made a wide-ranging commitment to go "green".

The LEED® certification system recognizes performance in five key areas including sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. One of the more distinct and noticeable features of the facility is its green roof. Over 50% of the roof is covered with a natural ground cover, which acts as a cooling agent and helps manage runoff.

The building also uses a geothermal heating system. Over 130 holes were drilled to a depth of 300 feet in order to take advantage of the heat stored below the surface of the earth. Another key and environmentally focused element of the building is its unique rain-water retention pond, which collects water for use in the building's non-potable water functions such as toilet flushing.

The new academic building is the first phase of construction at the 500 University Avenue site. Lakehead University has developed a master plan for the 85-acre property. The next phase is the completion of a 271-bed residence and construction of a cafeteria, both scheduled to open in September 2011.

The official ceremony concluded with an unveiling of an original painting created by local artist Will McGarvey, to commemorate the opening of the new campus. Poster copies of the painting were distributed to all those in attendance at the Opening.

Further information about the new 500 University Avenue campus and the programs offered at Lakehead " Orillia can be found at the University's website at http://orillia.lakeheadu.ca.

The front entrance of Lakehead-Orillia's
new 500 University Avenue campus

MEDIA CONTACTS
: Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer
(Orillia) at 705-330-4008 ext 2014/kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca or Heather Scott, Communications Officer (Thunder Bay) at 807-343-8177/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 7,700 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

Chief Louie Urges Community to Work Together for Success

(September 22, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Last night, Chief Clarence Louie of the B.C.-based Osoyoos Indian Band visited Lakehead University's Thunder Bay campus and took the podium at two separate speaking engagements to address the topic of "Working Together for Success."

Chief Clarence Louie

Through his personal passion and convictions, Chief Louie spoke to students and community members about the importance of education and the need for economic independence among Aboriginal people.

Professor Laura Buker describes the Chief as a natural choice when Faculty of Education members first considered who to bring to campus to dialogue with students and the broader community. "Chief Louie is well known for his motivational yet direct speaking style. The successes and prosperity of his Band and outlying community speak for themselves. We wanted to bring him here so he could impart his spirit and wisdom upon our own community." Buker references the West Coast saying, "a rising tide lifts all boats," and notes the power of positive thinking and affirmative action in creating new opportunities. "The Chief's messaging resonates strongly with respect to the stance we as community members need to take in order to create beneficial opportunities, changes, and impacts around our campus, throughout our community, and across the region," she said.

Since 1984, Chief Clarence Louie has led his community to prosperity by building and managing a multi-faceted corporation that owns nine highly successful businesses.

Chief Louie recognizes Thunder Bay as unique in terms of its large aboriginal population, with a First Nations community on its front doorstep. He recognizes both the challenges and opportunities our Aboriginal population faces, and says, "I hope the Aboriginal people here take the initiative to become involved in the economy, just as much and as often as do non-Aboriginals. It's important for community members to share the same standard of living and quality of life, no matter what their status or background. It's also extremely important for non-Aboriginals to take the initiative to help bridge the gaps in building an inclusive atmosphere for all community members."

Beverly Sabourin, Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives), sees Chief Louie as a national leader in progressive thought and action and says, "The Chief and his Band are a prime example of the value that stems from progressive initiatives surrounding economicdevelopment. We have benefited tremendously from his talks, particularly with regard to aspects concerning self-sufficiency and education among the Aboriginal population."

This event was hosted by Lakehead University's Faculty of Education and the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives with presenting sponsors Ontario Power Generation and Goldcorp. Additional sponsorship and support was provided by the City of Thunder Bay (Aboriginal Liaison), Lakehead Public Schools, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, and Northwestern Ontario Building Trades."¨"¨

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Communications Officer Heather Scott at (807) 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 7,700 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

Business Students to Benefit from "¨Generous BDO Accounting Scholarship

(September 14, 2010 " Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University's Faculty of Business Administration is pleased to accept a substantial gift from BDO Canada. The BDO Accounting and Community Service Scholarship is an endowment valued at $80,000. Each year it will be awarded to a student with financial need who is enrolled in Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree program. The successful candidate must intend to pursue a Chartered Accountant designation, maintain an 80%+ average, demonstrate community involvement, and be a resident of Ontario.

Interest earned on the capital is used to pay out the award in perpetuity. A student will receive $1,500 this year, with thanks to a top-up gift made by BDO.

"¨"Lakehead offers a strong and competitive business program, and it's tremendously rewarding to see this reputation reflected in a gift of such magnitude from a respected and successful organization, both locally and nation wide," says Dr. Brian Stevenson, President, Lakehead University. Lee Gould, Vice-President (External Relations), notes the lasting impact Lakehead's students, both current and former, have on the University and the broader community. "Many employees of the local BDO firm are Lakehead alumni, so this particular gift speaks volumes to the quality of Lakehead's business programming in providing sound career opportunities for our graduates. It also speaks to the level of satisfaction employers have with our graduates in giving back to current students.""¨

BDO Canada is committed to creating scholarships for the most deserving and motivated accounting students, actively supporting and encouraging academic excellence, initiative, diligence, and leadership among Canada's next generation of accounting leaders. The scholarship provides students with financial support, and rewards those who distinguish themselves through academic merit while demonstrating involvement both at school and in the community.

"¨"Lakehead University has long been the primary recruiting source for the Thunder Bay office of BDO Canada. Of our current staff complement, almost 40% of the staff are Lakehead alumni," says Blair Smith, Office Managing Partner of BDO Canada LLP. Smith adds that BDO Canada has enjoyed a great deal of success with Lakehead graduates and sees this scholarship as a way to help Lakehead continue to grow and attract the finest students.

"¨"Our business students, faculty, and staff are grateful to BDO Canada for this gift. It certainly demonstrates the firm's desire to invest in deserving students and to motivate them to achieve ongoing excellence," says Dr. Bahram Dadgostar, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration. "Business programs are very competitive by nature, so providing this opportunity to students in need allows them to reserve their drive for academics rather than worrying about supporting themselves financially while simultaneously focusing on their studies."

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MEDIA: Dr. Bahram Dadgostar (Thunder Bay campus) is available for interview from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. today. Lee Gould (Orillia campus) is available from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. today. To arrange interview times, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca. To arrange interview with Blair Smith, please contact Carol Kelner at 807-625-4444.

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 7,700 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.

Finish Line in Sight for Determined Dean

Dr. Philip Hicks, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, continues to train for the September 19 Thunder Bay Marathon while collecting donations toward the Sprint for Students' Scholarships program he initiated and continues to spearhead with the help of the Office of University Advancement.

Dr. Philip Hicks
Dr. Hicks participates in the upcoming marathon to create more assistantship opportunities for Lakehead graduate students

Over the past few months, Hicks has been training for this much-anticipated event while tirelessly gathering funds from family members, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the general public. Every day he gets closer to achieving his goal of $10,000, which will create another Graduate Assistantship opportunity for one of Lakehead's masters or PhD students.


Assistantships are crucial to the University's recruitment process, and in order to become one of the top 25 research-intensive universities in Canada, Dr. Hicks believes Lakehead needs to attract a higher number of top-quality students to his Faculty. To date he has collected over $8,000, but continues to rely on members of the University and broader communities to help further his progress over the next ten days. He notes that every contribution, whether for $20 or $200, moves him one step closer to helping future students.

Donating to the Sprint for Students' Scholarships is easy. Simply give online at donate.lakeheadu.ca and direct your gift to Dr. Hicks' fundraiser, or drop into the Faculty of Graduate Studies, located in the lower level of the Regional Centre (RC0009).

Visit the University Advancement website to learn more.

Chief Clarence Louie Visits Thunder Bay to Dialogue with Community

All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to spend an evening with Chief Clarence Louie, one of Canada's greatest business leaders and speakers, as he visits Thunder Bay and Lakehead University on September 21. Hosted by Lakehead University's Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and Faculty of Education, this event takes place at 7:00 p.m. in ATAC 1003. Admission and parking are free of charge.

Chief Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia, will speak to the Lakehead University and broader communities about Working Together for Success.

Since 1984, Chief Clarence Louie has led his community to prosperity by building and managing a multi-faceted corporation that owns nine highly successful businesses. The Chief's direct speaking style has made him a sought-after speaker both nationally and internationally.

This past January, Chief Louie was named one of the top ten nation builders of the past decade by the Globe and Mail, just one of many accolades which include being named to the Order of British Columbia in 2006. Chief Louie is committed to sustainable business development as a way to improve the socio-economic conditions of his people. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Okanagan language and includes Okanagan culture in all aspects of the band's activities. Chief Louie has taken his experience and his message across Canada and around the world, and Lakehead is honoured to welcome him to its Thunder Bay campus.

This event would not be made possible without contributions from presenting sponsor Ontario Power Generation, as well as those from the City of Thunder Bay (via Aboriginal Liaison Anna Gibbon alongside the Community Economic Development Commission), the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, the Lakehead District School Board, and the Northwestern Ontario Building Trades, among other sponsors and partners.

For more information, please contact Laura Buker at (807) 629-7190 or lbuker@lakeheadu.ca.

Scholarship Golf Committee thanks our many sponsors!

Lakehead University Selects Re"¨search Chairs

(August 25, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Lakehead University is pleased to announce the selection of faculty members Dr. Phil Fralick (Geology) and Dr. Harvey Lemelin (ORPT) as the newest Lakehead University Research Chairs. Dr. Fralick and Dr. Lemelin hold these prestigious titles within the disciplines of Natural Sciences and Engineering, and Social Sciences and Humanities, respectively supported by NSERC and SSHRC.

The Lakehead University Research Chair Program recognizes high-quality research, as well as scholarly and creative achievement. "The Lakehead Research Chair positions awarded to Drs. Fralick and Lemelin recognize their outstanding research contributions and will support their individual research programs in years to come. This program is a key element in retaining outstanding research talent at this institution, and the caliber of all Lakehead Research Chair holders speaks volumes on the merit of the program," explains Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President (Research), Lakehead University.

First awarded during Research & Innovation Week 2008, Lakehead's initial four Research Chairs were Dr. Lori Chambers (Women's Studies), Dr. Todd Dufresne (Philosophy), Dr. Steve Kinrade (Chemistry), and Dr. Baoqiang Liao (Chemical Engineering).

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Media: Drs. Fralick and Lemelin are available for media interview today. To arrange interview times, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, at (807) 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 7,700 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

Dr. Brian Stevenson's Visit to Orillia, August 15 - 21, 2010


Brian Stevenson and his family enjoy "Guitars on Parade" at the Port of Orillia
.


Dr. Stevenson is interviewed by media representatives at the Media Conference held at 500 University Avenue, Lakehead - Orillia's new campus site.

Lakehead - Orillia students enjoy a breakfast and discussion with Dr. Stevenson.

Faculty and staff attend a Town Hall meeting with the new president at the Heritage Place Campus.


All aboard for the Island Princess boat cruise to celebrate the launch of Lakehead's new Simcoe County Alumni Chapter.

New President Shares Vision for Future of Lakehead University - Orillia

(Orillia, ON " August 18, 2010) Lakehead University's sixth president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, shared his vision for the University and its Orillia Campus at a media conference held yesterday at the site of Lakehead " Orillia's new academic building at 500 University Avenue. The new facility opens for classes this September and will be Canada's first and only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED©) Platinum campus.
Dr. Stevenson is in Orillia for one week to participate in a series of events and activities, including meeting with stakeholders who have a vested interest in the success of Lakehead University - Orillia.

"I am delighted to be at the Orillia campus and to meet many of the individuals - and organizations - who have been instrumental in helping Lakehead University accomplish its goal to have Canada's first LEED© Platinum university campus to serve Orillia and Simcoe County. Although this is only my third week on the job, I am acutely aware of the major hurdles Lakehead and its supporters have overcome together thus far to be where we are today. Our long-awaited Grand Opening on September 23, when I will expect to see all of you again, will be a celebration of our collective journey. And in a manner of speaking, the journey is not an ending but a beginning."

Dr. Stevenson became Lakehead University's sixth president and vice-chancellor on August 1, 2010, following the retirement of President Fred Gilbert. Dr. Stevenson previously served as provost and vice-president academic at the University of Winnipeg. He also worked at the University of Alberta as the vice-provost and associate vice-president.

In addition to his academic credentials from the University of Victoria and Queen's University plus more than a decade of senior administrative responsibilities, the new president also brings to his new position a unique global outlook that is expected to serve Lakehead University well beyond the next decade. Stevenson has extensive background in international affairs, including experience as senior policy advisor to Canada's Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

During his remarks, Dr. Stevenson shared his commitment to enhancing the position of Lakehead University within Canada and beyond.

"The establishment of the Orillia Campus was a defining moment for both Lakehead and Orillia and the surrounding areas. Without the Orillia Campus, Lakehead would be hard-pressed to meet its enrolment targets and compete with other universities. And with Lakehead's Campus here in Orillia, growth and development in Simcoe County will be much more promising," said Stevenson.
Lakehead University's new president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, shared his vision for the University and its Orillia Campus at a media conference held yesterday at the site of Lakehead " Orillia's new academic building at 500 University Avenue.

Over the next few years, under Dr. Stevenson's direction, Lakehead University will concentrate on four priorities related to growth and sustainability. The University has specific goals and the Orillia Campus clearly has a role to play in accomplishing them. By 2013, Lakehead aims to increase enrolment to 9,000 students, with a large number of these new students coming from the Orillia campus. Lakehead also aims to be in the top 25 research-intensive universities in Canada, which means increasing research productivity and funding. Another goal is to expand the Orillia campus in order to offer students more opportunities and choices.

"Above all, Lakehead professors are committed to academic excellence," said Dr. Stevenson. "Lakehead is still small enough for our professors to provide students with the guidance they need to succeed and we want to ensure that we grow in a managed way to maintain our academic quality."

Although Dr. Stevenson will work primarily from the University's Thunder Bay Campus, he plans to visit and connect with members of the Orillia Campus on a regular basis. "This week, I hope to meet with and talk to as many community members and business leaders as possible," says Stevenson. "These connections will be crucial as we work together to grow and expand the Orillia campus."

Dr. Stevenson noted the significance of following a roster of dedicated individuals known for their commitment to the sustainable progress of the institution. He too shares the priority of focusing on the ongoing development of the local communities served by the University, including Orillia and those within the Simcoe County region.

According to Dr. Stevenson, universities fill a profound need " not just to educate future generations for social and business leadership, but also to help foster economic development and environmental stewardship. "With the opening of the new LEED® Platinum Academic Building in Orillia, we are able to showcase our commitment while educating students to be leaders who understand the challenges of the future." Dr. Stevenson expressed how thrilled he and his family are as they join the Lakehead University community, as well as the communities of Thunder Bay and Orillia. "I look forward to working closely with Orillia Campus Dean Kim Fedderson as well as Lakehead and Orillia community members in learning how the Orillia Campus can continue to achieve its strategic goals."

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Media Contact:

Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer
Lakehead University " Orillia
705-330-4008 ext. 2014
kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia. It offers post-secondary undergraduate and graduate programs as well as research expertise that meet specific regional needs. The University is known for its multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Lakehead-Orillia opened in 2006, and in September 2010 will open the doors of its new Academic Building. This is the first phase in the development of Canada's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum university campus.

New President Visits Orillia

New President Comes to Town!

Members of the Lakehead University and broader Orillia community are gearing up for a busy week ahead as they welcome the University's new president and vice-chancellor Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson.

Dr. Stevenson became Lakehead University's sixth president and vice-chancellor on August 1, 2010, following the retirement of President Fred Gilbert. Dr. Stevenson previously served as provost and vice-president academic at the University of Winnipeg. He also worked at the University of Alberta as the vice-provost and associate vice-president.

In addition to his academic credentials from the University of Victoria and Queen's University plus more than a decade of senior administrative responsibilities, the new president also brings to his new position a unique global outlook that is expected to serve Lakehead University well beyond the next decade. Stevenson has extensive background in international affairs, including experience as senior policy advisor to Canada's Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Although Dr. Stevenson will work primarily from the University's Thunder Bay Campus, he plans to visit and connect with members of the Orillia Campus on a regular basis. While he hopes to enjoy some time with his family at a cottage on Lake Couchiching, his next week will be chalk full of introductory events and meetings. He will spend time touring the Orillia campus facilities downtown and at the new University Avenue site, meeting with faculty, staff, and students, and familiarizing himself with the community.

Dr. Stevenson will participate in Lakehead - Orillia's 2nd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournamentat the Barrie Country Club on Monday, August 16, and will also join the Simcoe County Alumni Chapter Boat Cruise aboard the Island Princess on the evening of August 18. He and his family also look forward to meeting members of Orillia's City Council and other community leaders.

"I hope to meet with and talk to as many community members and business leaders as possible," says Stevenson. "These connections will be crucial as we work together to grow and expand the Orillia campus."

Dr. Stevenson notes the significance of following a roster of dedicated individuals known for their commitment to the sustainable progress of the institution. He too shares the priority of focusing on the ongoing development of the local communities served by the University, including Orillia and those within the Simcoe County region.

According to Dr. Stevenson, universities fill a profound need - not just to educate future generations for social and business leadership, but also to help foster economic development and environmental stewardship. "With the opening of the new LEED? Platinum Academic Building in Orillia, we are able to showcase our commitment while educating students to be leaders who understand the challenges of the future."

Dr. Stevenson notes how thrilled he and his family are as they join the Lakehead University community, as well as the communities of Thunder Bay and Orillia. "I look forward to working closely with Orillia Campus Dean Kim Fedderson as well as Lakehead and Orillia community members in learning how the Orillia Campus can continue to achieve its strategic goals."

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