Lakehead U Moves Up in Maclean's Ranking Survey

(October 27, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University has improved its standing in several measurement categories in the recently released Maclean's Ranking of Canadian Universities 2011.

The Maclean's ranking separates all Canadian Universities into three broad categories " medical/doctoral, comprehensive, and primarily undergraduate.

This year, Lakehead ranks second overall among the five primarily undergraduate universities in Ontario and has moved up one place among all Canadian primarily undergraduate universities.

Lakehead shows clear strength in several of the Maclean's categories, which Lakehead University President Dr. Brian Stevenson credits to Lakehead's faculty and staff.

Lakehead University, in comparison to Ontario undergraduate universities, finished:

  • 1st in Total Research Dollars
  • 1st in Social Sciences and Humanities Grants
  • 1st in Library Holdings per Student
  • 1st in Library Expenses
  • 2nd in Student/Faculty Ratio
  • 2nd in Student Awards
  • 2nd in Scholarships and Bursaries
  • 2nd in Library Acquisitions
  • 2nd in Operating Budget
  • 2nd in Faculty Awards

"These results," says Dr. Stevenson, "bolster our firm belief that Lakehead University offers quality education and strong support to its students. In fact, an Ontario-wide survey conducted by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities says that 96% of Lakehead graduates are employed two years after leaving the University, which is better than the Ontario average and demonstrates that Lakehead attracts good students and positions them well in the competitive job market. This confirms that we provide our students an outstanding education."

"Even with these positive rankings, Lakehead is constantly striving to improve the student experience," says Lakehead Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Rodney Hanley. "Lakehead offers an unmatched university experience where students can both live and learn. We value the total university experience " one filled with academic exploration and inquiry, enhanced by the best in recreation and social activities."

For more information about living and learning at Lakehead University visit http://mylakehead.ca/ and watch Lakehead's newest video promoting Fall Preview Day in Thunder Bay on December 6, 2011.

Open your world to an exceptional education offered in unconventional ways. 

Start your Lakehead journey by experiencing our campuses from the comfort of your own home. Visit lakeheadu.ca/virtualtour to get started!

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Media: To schedule an interview with Dr. Brian Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University, or Dr. Rodney Hanley, provost and vice-president (academic) of Lakehead University, contact Janine Chiasson, communications officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Lakehead Piano Students to Perform at Carnegie Hall

Lakehead Piano Students Win Audition to Play at Prestigious New York City Concert Hall

(January 05, 2011 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Robyn Tenkula, a current Lakehead student, and Jonathan Boo, a recent Lakehead graduate, have won the opportunity to participate in the Winners' Recital of the Crescendo International Music Competition at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Robyn is a student of Dr. Evgueni Tchougounov, and Jonathan Boo is a recently graduated student of Heather Morrison. These talented young musicians entered the Crescendo audition in Montreal in December 2010. The annual Crescendo International Music Competition focuses on young talent in Canada and the U.S. and holds auditions in multiple North American cities.


(Front to Back) Jonathan Boo, Robyn Tenkula, Dr. Evgueni Tchougounov, and Heather Morrison.

Dr. Tchougounov, a new piano instructor in Lakehead University's Department of Music who is actively involved with Crescendo International Music Competitions and Festivals, notes, "The audition jury always includes musicians and teachers from prestigious schools, such as Marc Durand and Laurence Kayaleh, from the Université de Montréal, as well as representatives from McGill University and the Juilliard School. Robyne and Jonathan competed against 50 contestants from across Canada, all playing renowned repertoire masterpieces from memory. As young musicians, this chance to display their talents on one of the most prestigious concert stages in the world is a very important step in their careers. I'm proud of their achievement and thrilled to be accompanying them."

Robyn and Jonathan, both born and raised in Thunder Bay, will travel to New York City this week for the first time and both feel that this opportunity is like a dream come true. Jonathan says, "I can hardly believe I'm going. It's such an honour to play in a venue like Carnegie Hall where so many extremely accomplished musicians have performed. I'm excited and nervous at the same time." His long-time piano instructor at Lakehead University, Heather Morrison, feels confident about her student's ability to perform well, even under pressure: "Jonathon knows how to commit in many areas of his life. He's well prepared and I'm so pleased that he has this chance to perform on a world stage."

Robyn Tenkula, also surprised but thrilled by her inclusion in the Winners' Recital, is heading to New York with many of her family members to support and cheer her. When asked how she felt about her upcoming performance Robyn remarked, "I'm not really a performer. I love to teach " I teach piano now " and hope to use my passion for music to inspire students in the classroom. I'll be enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at Lakehead next year. This experience will fuel wonderful stories that can show children that almost anything is possible."

A firm believer in young musician's exposure to a larger musical world, Dr. Tchougounov is working to expand Crescendo's Canadian audition sites so that more young Canadian musicians can gain access to mentoring and advice from experienced musicians and from each other. He notes that "the Winner's Recitals almost always have representation from every American state as well as some international students from Russia, France, and other countries. These recitals help build connections and support in the wider musical community."

In addition, participants in the Winners' Recital are eligible for cash prizes of up to $1,000 plus special prizes that are awarded for the best performance within respective age groups. All winners are eligible to participate in an International Student Exchange Program hosted throughout Canada, Germany, and Russia.

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Additional information about the Crescendo International Music Competitions and Festivals can be found at: http://www.crescendocompetition.org/Festivals/icf.html

For more information please contact Janine Chiasson, 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 8,280 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 Music Students Place Second and Third in Carnegie Hall Competition

 

(January 24, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) With auditions in multiple North American cities, the annual Crescendo International Music Competition focuses on young talent in Canada and the U.S. Lakehead U students Robyne Tenkula, taught by Dr. Evgueni Tchougounov, and Jonathan Boo, a recently graduated student of Heather Morrison, participated in Crescendo auditions in Montreal in December 2010. Both verytalentedyoung musicians, Robyne and Jonathan won the opportunity to participate in the Winners Recital of the Crescendo International Music Competition at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday, January 9, 2011.


From left to right: Jonathan Boo, Dr. Evgueni Tchougounov, and Robyn Tenkula

Robyn and Jonathan took second and third prizes, respectively, in their category. Robyn, second place winner, says, "It was a very inspiring experience for me. I'm thrilled to have placed second and a bit relieved that it's all over." Third place winner, Jonathan Boo will "remember playing at Carnegie Hall for the rest of my life. It was a great experience and I'm so glad that Evgueni encouraged both Robyn and me to enter. Even though I was very nervous, I am a bit sad that it's all over."

Dr. Evgueni Tchougounov brims with pride when he recounts, "The evening was marvelous. I was lucky to be in attendance with their families and was so happy that Robyn and Jonathan could experience a world stage like Carnegie Hall. Their second and third placings are a tremendous achievement and one that the Lakehead University Department of Music are immensely proud of."

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Media: For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact Janine Chiasson, 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 8,280 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 Researchers Receive $2.5 Million in Funding for Resources and Sustainable Development in the Arctic

(February 25, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Minister Goodyear announced today that Dr. Chris Southcott, together with a team of Lakehead researchers, has been granted $2.5 million to investigate the social, environmental, and economic challenges facing Arctic communities in Canada and the rest of the circumpolar world.


Minister of State for Science and Technology,
the Honourable Gary Goodyear

This Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) funding comes through its Major Collaborative Research Initiatives (MCRI) program. The grant will build on existing SSHRC-funded work on northern communities, to establish an international network of researchers from a broad range of disciplines and organizations including communities, government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. Contributions from other sources increases the total funding for the project to over $6 million.

This team of Lakehead researchers believes that a new approach to resource development is possible in today's northern communities. With recent changes, including self-government, recognition of land-claims, co-management of resources, and environmental regulation, the arctic region and its communities can manage resource development in ways that improve the health and well-being of northern communities while preserving the region's unique environment.




Dr. Chris Southcott, MCRI Project Leader

"The project brings the best northern social science researchers in the world together with northern communities to try and find new ways to ensure that a larger share of the benefits of resource development stay in the North with fewer costs to communities," says team leader Dr. Chris Southcott, Professor of Sociology. "The large number of Lakehead researchers involved in the project shows the clear strength of northern social science research at Lakehead University."

Once the network is established, it will fund a series of research projects around themes of sustainable regions, sustainable communities, sustainable cultures, and sustainable environments. The projects will measure and analyze the impacts of resource development and find ways of assisting Arctic communities to deal with these impacts through a range of new and innovative development and policy tools.

L-R: Kenora MP Greg Rickford; Dr. Gillian Siddall, Dean, Social Sciences and Humanities; Minister of State, the Honourable Gary Goodyear; Dr. Chris Southcott, Professor of Sociology; Dr. Chad Gaffield, SSHRC President; Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President, Research, Economic Development and Innovation

According to Rui Wang, Vice President, Research, Economic Development and Innovation, "This significant funding reflects the research excellence and leadership of Lakehead's researchers in northern community studies. The collaboration between our researchers with researchers in other institutions and a number of community and government partners has been critical in winning this research grant and, more importantly, will also assure the success of this Major Collaborative Research Initiative."

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Media: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca. Or contact Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, at 807-343-8372 or eabaya@lakeheadu.ca.

About SSHRC
SSHRC is the federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its three funding programs " Talent, Insight and Connection " SSHRC enables the highest levels of research excellence in Canada and facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration across research disciplines, universities and all sectors of society.

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 8,280 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.c

Law Society of Upper Canada Approves Lakehead University Law Degree Program

(May 6, 2011 - Thunder Bay, ON) Dr. Brian J. R. Stevenson, president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University, is pleased to announce that on April 28, 2011, Convocation Benchers of the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) voted unanimously to approve Lakehead University's proposed academic program leading to the conferral of a common law degree. The LSUC decision follows approval of Lakehead's proposed curriculum by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in February 2011. As a result of this approval, graduates of the program will be able to enter the Law Society of Upper Canada's Licensing Process.

Dr. Stevenson says, "The unanimous approval of our proposed curriculum by the Law Society of Upper Canada is, indeed, the final external vote of confidence we needed from Benchers in the Province.

In its April 2011 decision, the Law Society approved the proposed program with certain conditions, including receiving appropriate governmental approval and funding.

Colin Bruce, Chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors, emphasizes, "Northern Ontario has followed Lakehead's application for a law school with enormous anticipation.As with most things that will have strategic implicationsfor this region, this has been an intricate and multifaceted process " one which we hope will end satisfactorily for all concerned. We are filled with optimism and enthusiasm."

Lakehead University's Senate will be meeting on May 13 to consider a motion to approve the proposed Faculty of Law and law degree program. Pending Senate approval, Lakehead University will be devoting time and effort toward obtaining government approval and funding, the last critical step in the process.

Lakehead University Chancellor Arthur Mauro adds, "There has been strong community support for the proposed law school and what it can mean to this region of Canada. We need the continued support of individuals, groups, and Aboriginal communities to achieve a successful conclusion to this important undertaking."

For a full report of the Law Society of Upper Canada's decision, please visit its website at www.lsuc.on.ca.

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Media: For more information please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177, commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications at 807-343-8372, eabaya@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 8,280 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 Senate Approves Proposed Law Curriculum and Faculty of Law

(May 13, 2011 - Thunder Bay, ON)The Lakehead University Senate met today and officially approved the establishment of a Faculty of Law and proposed new law degree program. Today's decision follows closely on the Law Society of Upper Canada Benchers' vote in April to approve Lakehead's law degree program.

The Lakehead University Senate approval is the final step before submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for funding support.

Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, Lakehead University president said, "I am pleased that the Lakehead University Senate has given its stamp of approval for the proposed law school curriculum and Faculty of Law. Our final hurdle is to obtain funding support from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The proposed curriculum addresses real needs in Northern Ontario in terms of access to appropriate legal counsel for many communities, and we have had the endorsement of numerous stakeholders who continue to demonstrate their support for Lakehead's proposed Faculty of Law. Our curriculum is unique and will effect significant change for Northern Ontarians, particularly First Nations populations."

A news conference is being planned on May 18 to announce the Chancellor's Task Force as well as next steps in the process. Lakehead University Chancellor Arthur V. Mauro, a vigorous proponent of a Faculty of Law for Lakehead University, said, "It is important that we now move forward on the last leg of our law school journey. Canada needs a law school dedicated to the North and I know that many organizations, councils, and citizens are poised to help bring this project to fruition."

If approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Lakehead's law degree program will be the first new law school in Canada in 36 years, and the first in Ontario in 42 years.

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Media: To arrange for media interviews, please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177, 807-630-2510 or at commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Director of Communications, Eleanor Abaya, at 807-343-8372, eabaya@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Lakehead University Creates Task Force for Faculty of Law

(May 18, 2011 - Thunder Bay, ON) Today, Brian Stevenson, president of Lakehead University, announced the creation of the Chancellor's Task Force for the proposed Lakehead University Faculty of Law. The Task Force was created following an historic vote by Lakehead University Senate on May 13, at which both the proposed curriculum and the establishment of a Faculty of Law were approved. The Senate vote came on the heels of the Law Society of Upper Canada approval of the proposed curriculum in April.


(l-r): Kristen Bucci, Brian Stevenson, Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose, Karen Drake, Arthur Mauro, Lee Gould, Silvio DiGregorio, Catherine Beamish, Maria Dufresne
Missing: Richard Buset, Cam Clark, Doug Lewis, Ross Murray, Rod Shewchuk

The Chancellor's Task Force will be headed by Arthur V. Mauro, Chancellor of Lakehead University, and prominent lawyer and businessman. The Task Force will focus its efforts on securing the provincial funding necessary to support the operation of the Lakehead University Faculty of Law. The Task Force comprises prominent members of the legal and business communities from the region as well as Simcoe County, and includes: Arthur Mauro, Chair, Brian Stevenson, Vice-Chair, and members Catherine Beamish, Kristen Bucci, Richard Buset, Cam Clark, Sylvio Di Grigorio, Karen Drake, Maria Dufresne, Lee Gould, The Honourable Doug Lewis, Ross Murray, Rod Shewchuck, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose.

The Chancellor's Task Force will focus its efforts on advocating for funding support from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to establish the Faculty of Law. Other responsibilities of the Task Force are assessing the proposed next steps including reviewing the proposed timelines, assisting in developing a strategic plan for fundraising, and enhancing community outreach. Arthur Mauro emphasizes, "The Chancellor's Task Force is a fitting mechanism to continue to work toward offering a Faculty of Law that provides educational focus on legal issues related to the resource-based Northern Ontario economy. Lakehead University's Faculty of Law will help redress declining participation in sole- and small- law firm practice, provide access in Northern Ontario to a Canadian law school, and emphasize working with Aboriginal peoples to address the legal needs of Aboriginal communities in the North."

Since 2005, the University has been preparing, researching, and developing plans to accommodate a yearly cohort of 55 students at the former Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (PACI), a heritage site acquired by the University in 2008 after the closure of the 100-year-old high school.


President Brian Stevenson addressing crowd on front lawn of PACI,
home to Lakehead's new Faculty of Law

Dr. Stevenson stressed that, "The Lakehead Faculty of Law is good for the North, good for Ontario, and good for the growing Aboriginal population in Northwestern Ontario. The Chancellor's Task Force is just the vehicle we need to move this dream forward. The Chancellor's Task Force is made up of advocates of the Faculty of Law who bring a wealth of skills, enthusiasm, and Northern Ontario expertise to this project."

"I am honoured to represent Nishnawbe Aski Nation on the Chancellor's Task Force and I am pleased to support the development of a Faculty of Law in Northern Ontario as an important investment in the future of NAN youth and communities," said Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose, who holds the education portfolio at NAN. "This will provide more opportunities for First Nation members to pursue challenging and rewarding careers in law and will help empower our people with the skills and resources to make their communities more self-sufficient and self-reliant through business, economic, and resource development."

Lakehead University Chancellor Mauro summed up, "I am greatly honoured to be tasked with leading the crucial next steps to secure Lakehead's Faculty of Law. Most critical of these steps is, of course, advocating for provincial funding support. I speak for the members of the Task Force as well as for the many individuals, groups, and organizations at Lakehead and in Northern Ontario and Simcoe County, who have been involved in this initiative, and who are expecting the realization of a long-held dream for Northern Ontario. Task Force members will be extending their advocacy to the broader communities, assisting with strategic planning, enhancing community outreach, and advancing and reviewing proposed timelines and goals. I thank the Task Force members in advance for all the hard work ahead of them."

Lakehead University's proposed Faculty of Law is the first law degree program approved in Ontario in 42 years.

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Media: For more information please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications at 807-343-8372 or ebaya@lakeheadu.ca

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the West Campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Faculty of Law Gets the Green Light from the Province of Ontario: First New Law School in Ontario in 42 Years


Thunder Bay - Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle addresses crowd gathered for Lakehead Faculty of Law announcement on the lawn of historic PACI

(July 5, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON)Today, in a ceremony on the lawn of the new Lakehead Faculty of Law building, MPP Thunder Bay " Superior North Michael Gravelle, together with Bill Mauro MPP Thunder Bay " Atikokan, announced funding support from Ontario's Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

The Province of Ontario has today made a significant funding announcement in support of Lakehead's Faculty of Law. MTCU has committed to fully fund and support the Faculty of Law and, as part of the Province's capital improvements budget, they have made a $1.5 million commitment to complete capital improvements to the historic PACI building in Thunder Bay where the Faculty of Law will be housed.

"I am thrilled to announce today that the McGuinty government has approved the first Faculty of Law in Northern Ontario for Lakehead University," said Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North. "This announcement aligns with the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, as it will provide training, education and employment opportunities for Northerners and Aboriginal people throughout Northern Ontario for generations to come. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to make this announcement a reality."

Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, said, "Today's announcement is another incredible achievement for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, and exhibits the commitment of our government to Northern issues.It is another significant milestone for our community.We continue to evolve, grow and diversify our economy, and to provide even more knowledge-based jobs and opportunities for our young people to live, learn and work here at home."


L-R: Lakehead President Brian Stevenson with MPPs Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro

"This is tremendous news for Lakehead University and Northern Ontario," said President Brian Stevenson. "Lakehead University is now a fully comprehensive university with significant professional programs to educate our own students in the North and students from across the province, the nation, and around the world. Our Faculty of Law, with its unique mission to improve access to justice in Aboriginal, northern, and rural communities, will create a new legal education culture to foster improved and informed relationships in northern law practice. I'm very grateful for the steadfast support of our local MPPs Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro."

The Faculty of Law has many supporters including Lakehead University Chancellor Arthur V. Mauro who recently announced a special task force to advocate for and support the new Faculty of Law. "This announcement is wonderful," said Chancellor Mauro. "As a long-time member of the bar, I have recognized a need for expert practitioners in areas of Aboriginal and natural resources law for decades. I commend the local law association and the Aboriginal community for their steadfast adherence to the idea of a Faculty of Law for the North. It is fitting that Ontario'snewest Faculty of Law be located at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, the birthplace of one of Canada's most celebrated jurists " the late Bora Laskin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada."

"The development of a local law school is an important investment in the future of NAN (Nishnawbe Aski Nation) youth and NAN communities, and will encourage NAN youth to pursue the specialized, higher education they will need to attain challenging and rewarding careers," said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose. "This will enable our youth to gain the skills to support their communities as they move towards self-sufficiency and self-reliance through business, economic, and resource development, and will help our young people look to the future with a sense of hope, pride and self-worth."


L-R: Bill Mauro, Michael Gravelle, Wendy Landry, Brian Stevenson, Terry Waboose

President of the Thunder Bay Métis Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Wendy Landry, said "this is exciting news for Northwestern Ontario and we hope that this new opportunity for Métis and other Aboriginal young people will help break down some of the obstacles that face them when pursuing postsecondary education. Ontario and Canada's economic prosperity depends on a well-educated Aboriginal work force, and this is a good step in that direction. We need to educate our youth and the investments we make now will have enormous positive intergenerational effects. The Province of Ontario is making a good investment here, one that will pay dividends long into the future."


Historic PACI home to Lakehead's new Faculty of Law

With provincial funding now in place, the final leg of the Faculty of Law proposal journey is over, which makes Lakehead the first new law school in Ontario since 1969. Lakehead is poised to expedite the operational decisions and plans needed to open the doors at PACI, the home of Lakehead's new Faculty of Law.

Details of progress will be made available online through a new Faculty of Law website, www.law.lakeheadu.ca.

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Media: For more information please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Frances Harding, Acting Director of Communications, at 807-343-8193 or fharding@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Lakehead University Invites Fellow Award Nominations

(December 8, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University is seeking nominations for the 2012 Lakehead University Fellow Awards. Both members of the public and the University community are encouraged to put forward their recommendations to the Nominating Committee to honour supporters of the University whether they are volunteers, donors, educators, or administrators.

The Fellow Award is one of the highest distinctions Lakehead confers and it recognizes individuals who have contributed substantially either to the growth and development of the University or to education at Lakehead. Nominees must also have a strong history of community service and charitable work outside Lakehead University.

Fellow Awards have been granted annually by Lakehead's Board of Governors since 1976 and are an important way to acknowledge the many people of diverse backgrounds and interests who have made Lakehead a major academic and research hub. William Tamblyn, Saul Laskin, Margaret Page, Larry Hebert, and Lyn McLeod number among those who have been granted Fellowships for their leadership and dedication to Lakehead.

Submit your choice for a Fellow Award by downloading a copy of the nomination form on the Lakehead University website. All nominations must be submitted by January 6, 2012. Read more about the Fellow Awards in the November/December Agora Online.

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Media: Nominating Committee Chair Kevin Cleghorn is available for interview. To arrange interview times or for more information please contact Karen Roche, University Secretary, at 807-343-8577 or kroche@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Lakehead's 2011 Fall Preview Day Opens Doors For Over 500 Prospective Students


Lucky winner of her first year's tuition at Lakehead, Julia Tuomi, a grade 12 student at Westgate C&VI, poses with (L-R): Andrea Huillery, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Robert Perrier, Manager of Undergraduate Recruitment, (Julia), President Brian Stevenson, and Lakehead's energetic mascot, Wolfie

(December 6, 2011 ?" Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University??s Outpost was hopping today as throngs of students checked out displays and information booths about everything from where to live at Lakehead, to athletics opportunities, to student life supports and services as part of the 2011 Fall Preview Day.

On its biggest preview day yet, Lakehead University welcomed over 500 prospective students, friends, and family from around the city, region, and province to this year??s Fall Preview Day. Many students made their way from towns across the region, over 70 students and their families travelled from southern Ontario to have a first-hand look at Lakehead??s Thunder Bay campus, and hundreds of Thunder Bay high school students were present to have a look and learn more about Lakehead.

Andrea Huillery, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, is pleased what she hears from participants. ??"This group of prospective students are having a great time exploring. They've been able to get more information about specific programs, but more importantly, they've come on campus to get a real feel for life at Lakehead."

The annual recruitment-based event took place across campus on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Prospective students filled halls and classrooms and labs as they interacted with Lakehead University faculty and staff, spread out all over campus, and gained an intimate understanding of Lakehead programs and student service offerings.

Students chose from dozens of activities, hands-on interactive sessions, and academic program information sessions including sample lectures, international exchange opportunities, scholarships and financial aid, career planning, how to prepare for NOSM, and much more. Participants also got a true taste of student life as they enjoyed the ultimate student dining experience at an all-you-can eat lunch in the University's residence cafeteria.

Fall Preview Day wrapped up in the Outpost with President Brian Stevenson leading hundreds of enthusiastic youth in a Lakehead U cheer, followed by attendance and participation draws for Lakehead loot. The room was quiet as hopeful students waited to see if they won the top two prizes for the day " an iPad2 and the grand prize of first year tuition. The iPad2 went to Grade 12 Westgate student Brice Willie while his classmate, Julia Tuomi, won the day's grand prize of free tuition for her first year at Lakehead.

"This is amazing," said virtually speechless Westgate student Julia Tuomi. "I've already applied to Lakehead and hope to study Civil Engineering or Applied Biomolecular Science. My parents will be thrilled to hear this good news."

After the big prize draws, local students headed back to their high schools while out-of-town guests enjoyed a guided bus tour of all the important stops in Thunder Bay " shopping, attractions, and more.

For students who missed Fall Preview Day, Lakehead offers customized campus visits year-round. For more information or to book your Lakehead experience visit mylakehead.ca.

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Media: For more information please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

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