(December 5, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Concerns over vanishing destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, Antarctica, and the ice cap on Mt. Kilimanjaro have prompted some travel operators and tour agencies to recommend these destinations to consumers before they disappear. This travel trend has been reported as: "˜disappearing tourism,' "˜doom tourism,' and most commonly "˜last chance tourism' where tourists explicitly seek vanishing landscapes or seascapes, and disappearing natural or social heritage.

Despite this increasing form of travel there has been little examination in the academic literature of last chance tourism phenomenon.

Last Chance Tourism: Adapting Tourism Opportunities in a Changing World, is a timely and multidisciplinary volume featuring contributions from leading scholars in the fields of leisure, tourism, anthropology, geography, and sociology. Edited by Dr. Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead's SSHRC Research Chair in Parks and Protected Areas, Dr. Jackie Dawson, Canada Research Chair at the University of Ottawa and a Lakehead alumna, and Dr. Emma J. Stewart, a Senior Lecturer in Parks and Tourism at Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand, the book draws on a range of international case studies that highlight this form of tourism in different regions, and in different contexts.

For the first time, global change and pressures of visitation on tourism destinations are empirically examined and evaluated. Last Chance Tourism develops a conceptual definition for "last chance tourism" and examines the ethics surrounding this type of travel. With chapter titles like Last Chance Birding: Twitching to See it First or Last? and Seeing it Off: Last Chance Tourism Opportunity Shagged by Rare Parrot!, the book provocatively discusses world venues that are in imminent danger of becoming spoiled or vanishing altogether.Last Chance Tourism examines current trends, discusses escalating challenges, provides management strategies, and highlights future tourism and research opportunities.

"In the past, most of the discussion about tourism challenges have pertained to the physical aspects of climate change," says Lakehead professor Dr. Harvey Lemelin. "What we are trying to do in this book is highlight the physical as well as the various historical, social, and political dimensions of climate change. Unlike previous works, we also discuss the resiliency of some of these destinations, and the potential positive aspects brought about through these changes."

The book also features contributions from Lakehead faculty and graduate students including: Firsts and Lasts in Arctic Tourism: Last Chance Tourism and the Dialectic of Change by Dr. Margaret Johnston (Lakehead University), Dr. Arvid Viken (Tromso University), and Dr. Jackie Dawson (Ottawa University); and Last Chance Tourism? Public Sector Views of Marketing Endangered Tourism Destinations in North America by Dr. Daniel H. Olsen (Brandon University), Dr. Rhonda L. Koster (Lakehead University), and Nicki Youroukos (Lakehead University).

Last Chance Tourism: Adapting Tourism Opportunities in a Changing World
Edited by Harvey Lemelin, Jackie Dawson, Emma J. Stewart
Published November 28, 2011 by Routledge " 240 pages
Series: Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility

Please visit the Routledge website for more details or to purchase the book: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780203828939/

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Media: Dr. Harvey Lemelin is available for interview. For more information, please contact Communications Officer Janine Chiasson at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Dr. Harvey Lemelin at 807-343-8745 or Harvey.lemelin@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.

(December 2, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Eleven students enrolled in Lakehead University's Department of Music course, Creative Community Engagements in Music, have the unique opportunity to apply their knowledge to create a program for residents in two local long-term care homes.

Students and instructors Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans and Professor Lise Vaugeois, are working closely with the staff at St. Joseph's Care Group at Bethammi Nursing Home and Hogarth Riverview Manor to organize music activities with residents. Music has been shown to improve the quality of life for residents of long term care homes and programming is being offered in groups and on an individual basis.

Dr. Dean Jobin Bevans says, "Research has demonstrated the benefits of music to older people who have chronic illness and dementia. We want to help long-term care homes create music resources that add to life enrichment for their residents."

"The new music program in long-term care homes provides an opportunity to build relationships between youth and older people, enriching the lives of both groups," says professor Lise Vaugeouis. "Our students are learning about the aging process and also contributing to the community."

In April, when the music course comes to an end, the music activities will be evaluated and lessons learned will be documented in a toolkit of music resources that will be shared nationally with other long-term care homes. Dr. Margaret McKee and Stacy Saukko, a graduate student in Social Work, are leading the evaluation.

This music project is part of a five-year program of research lead by Dr. Mary Lou Kelley from Lakehead University's Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health. The overall research aims to improve quality of life for long-term care residents and create palliative care programs in long-term care homes. The research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) with St. Joseph's Care Group as a key partner. For more information on this project please visit the project website www.palliativealliance.ca.

"Palliative care goes beyond good pain and symptom management," says Dr. Kelley. "It strives to meet the psychological, social, and spiritual care needs of people. Music can enrich peoples' social and spiritual lives on a daily basis."

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Media: Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans, Chair, School of Music at Lakehead University; Dr. Mary Lou Kelley, Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health at Lakehead University; and Nadia Thatcher, Director, Bethammi Nursing Home, St. Joseph's Care Group; are available for interview. For more information or to schedule an interview 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.

About St. Joseph's Care Group
St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG)is a leader in Northwestern Ontario in the provision of Complex Care & Physical Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care and Mental Health & Addiction Services. St. Joseph's Care Group has approximately 1700 employees and over 400 volunteers. With an annual operating budget over $125M, SJCG is one of the top employers in Thunder Bay. To learn more about SJCG, visit the web site at www.sjcg.net

About CERAH
CERAH, the Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, is an internationally recognized leader in aging and health. This year, CERAH marks two decades of research, education and innovative community partnerships that advance the health and social care of people as they age. For more information, visit cerah.lakeheadu.ca.

(December 1, 2011 - Orillia, ON) Looking at dozens of students hunched over laptop computers in the Learning Commons at Lakehead University, Shannon Green can foresee trouble.

A massage therapist and osteopath, Green knows that the "forward flexed" posture can cause upper and lower back pain, tension headaches, and in some cases a numbness and tingling in the hands. Desktop computers with screens at eye level and keyboards above the waist put much less stress on the body, she notes.

Last week, Green, who works at Optimum Potential Chiropractic and Nutrition in Orillia, was offering professional advice to students as part of a Health and Wellness Fair at Lakehead's University Avenue location. The Fair was presented by the University's Wellness Centre to help students learn about local services in the community.

Lakehead University graduate, Shannon Green, takes part in a Health and Wellness Fair held at the University Avenue Campus on November 22. As a professional massage therapist, she helped students such as Rodger Whitman learn how to alleviate stress.

Green, 42, is no stranger to Lakehead. She graduated in 2010 with first class standing and won the Orillia Campus Dean's Medal, awarded to the highest-ranking student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science program. She also received the Poulin Award (renamed the "Lloyd Dennis Award" in 2011) for outstanding citizenship.

Her remarkable achievements as a mature student are a far cry from her first university experience fresh out of high school more than two decades ago. With no clear career path at that stage in her life, she attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained a BA in English and sociology. Her marks were less than stellar.

After taking a one-year diploma course at Fanshawe College, she tried working as a legal assistant, but found she was not suited to law. It wasn't until she trained to become a massage therapist and osteopath that she found work that inspired her. Relieving pain, increasing mobility, and improving a client's general well-being was very satisfying.

"The body does not operate strictly in a physical realm. Psychological and social factors have an effect on overall health as well," Green says. "I want to treat the whole person." Touch can be a comforting and compassionate form of therapy, especially for the elderly, Green notes. "For an aging person who is pain-ridden and fearful of death, a massage can make them feel loved and cared for at a time of their life when they experience little physical contact," says Green.

Deciding she wanted to become a doctor focusing on the elderly, Green knew her marks from Western wouldn't cut it. So she enrolled at Lakehead University in 2007 to boost her eligibility. She was living in Bracebridge at the time and commuted for the first semester before moving to Orillia with her husband. Green thrived at the fledgling campus, then in its second year and occupying part of Heritage Place in downtown Orillia. "Western was huge and impersonal. Here the campus was small and intimate. I loved being a big fish in a small pond. You had one-on-one time with your professors. They were always available."

Green excelled academically. But she also made her mark in the community, helping to form a student organization called ThunderCATs, which took on social causes. They revived the Walk for Memories and raised $6,000 for the Alzheimer Society of North East Simcoe County. The ThunderCATs also collected food items for the Sharing Place Food Bank on Halloween with the door-to-door Trick-or-Eat campaign. Their 30-Hour Famine raised more than $3,000 for Haitian relief efforts. The ThunderCATS continue to be active today, both on campus and in the community.

Though she thoroughly enjoyed the downtown Heritage Place campus, Green says the new campus on University Avenue with its environmental awareness focus and energy-efficient design is extraordinary. "This is a wonderful facility. The campus reflects the student body. It's ecological, modern, and environmentally sensitive. It's an amazing fixture for Orillia."

With her top marks, Green has applied to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, which is connected with both Lakehead and Laurentian Universities. Only 64 students are accepted each year and last year Green just missed the cut, ending up fourth on the waiting list. Determined to follow through with her goal, she has reapplied this year and looks forward to a successful outcome.
Lakehead has put her in a solid position to realize her highest ambition.

"I'm very proud this is the school that made me able to find my place in the world. It's a big part of who I am.

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Media: For more information please contact Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

(December 1, 2010 " Thunder Bay, ON) Today, Lakehead University and RBC celebrated the success of the pilot Joint Aboriginal Outreach Project launched in November 2010. The project, a joint initiative between Lakehead's Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and RBC, introduced Aboriginal youth to education options and support systems at Lakehead University while strengthening RBC's relationship with the Aboriginal community.

The project started when Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), spoke to St. Patrick high school students in November 2010 in his role as Special Advisor to RBC. Appropriately, Phil Fontaine has returned to close and celebrate the pilot project and to receive an Honourary Doctor of Laws from Lakehead University at a special afternoon Convocation attended by Aboriginal youth participants in the pilot program.

Hundreds of Aboriginal students have come to Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus to participate in the Joint Aboriginal Outreach Project wrap up celebration.

Their day includes aspects from all directions of the Medicine Wheel: an emotional opening ceremony full of thanks; an interactive outdoor spiritual session; a physical session focused on traditional dance; and an intellectual experience as they listen to Phil Fontaine deliver his Convocation Address.

"It's been a good year," says Beverly Sabourin, Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives). "Lakehead staff have organized dozens of experiences and events for Aboriginal youth living in and around Thunder Bay and we are well pleased with the outcome of our collaboration with RBC."

Over 180 Aboriginal students came to campus in April of this year to participate in Aboriginal Preview Day for interactive discussions, presentations, and tours. Carrie Still, Program Coordinator Aboriginal Markets for RBC, came from Winnipeg to encourage students to stay in school and to speak to anyone interested in summer employment as part of RBC's Aboriginal Stay in School Program.

As part of the Joint Aboriginal Outreach Project the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives initiated a mentor program where Aboriginal student volunteers received training and guidance to help them support and assist other students. An offshoot of this initiative was the successful Hammarskjold High School Friendship Circle Lunch program where Aboriginal mentors and role models shared their personal stories and where students could access professional resources and be alerted to upcoming events of interest.

To further engage community members in discussion and relationship building, the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives developed an Indigenous Knowledge Speakers Series that included Aboriginal and Metis film nights and supported the Biindigate Film Festival. The Speaker Series culminated with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, who spent a month as Aboriginal Scholar in Residence at Lakehead University and managed to speak to students at every high school in Thunder Bay.

Murray Walberg, RBC Regional Vice President, Northwestern Region, is pleased that Lakehead University and RBC together have been able to "strengthen and build relationships with the University's existing and prospective Aboriginal students. RBC has welcomed these opportunities to provide Aboriginal youth with information about employment, training, and development opportunities. We have cemented friendships and look forward to creating more."

President of Lakehead University, Brian Stevenson, inspired by the leadership of RBC Senior Advisor Phil Fontaine, says "RBC is doing an extraordinary job of reaching out and building bridges to the Aboriginal community. We are grateful that they have joined with us to create and deliver the Joint Aboriginal Outreach Program that has meant so much to our region's youth. When we partner with innovative companies like RBC, we can create more opportunities for Aboriginal student success."

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MEDIA: For more information or to arrange 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 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.

About Lakehead University's Office of Aboriginal Initiatives
The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives assists the growing Aboriginal population at Lakehead University in achieving its goals by providing a culturally supportive environment. The Vice-Provost offers leadership in Aboriginal affairs and promotes and understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language within the University community serving as a liaison between the Aboriginal community and the University. The Vice-Provost is also responsible for Aboriginal academic support services and Aboriginal community relations.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. It is Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. RBC is one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provides personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. RBC employs approximately 78,000 full- and part-time employees who serve close to 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.

(November 25, 2011 " Orillia, ON) Lakehead University has a positive impact on the people who live, work, and study in Simcoe County and Central Ontario and is focused on its mission as a comprehensive university committed to excellence and innovation.

That was the message delivered today as Lakehead University launched its 2010-2011 Report to the Community at a gathering of friends and supporters at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club in Orillia.

"Our purpose today is to celebrate the enormous contribution Lakehead University is making on the economic, social, and cultural life of our communities," says Robert Lamb, member of the Lakehead University Advisory Committee. "It is vital that people who live in Simcoe County and Central Ontario understand the critical role Lakehead plays in creating jobs and improving our quality of life."

The 2010-2011 Report to the Community consists of a website and brochure that highlight Lakehead's accomplishments during Brian Stevenson's first year as President and Vice-Chancellor (www.report.lakeheadu.ca). The Report documents the success of Lakehead students, faculty, alumni, and staff. It also features financial statements, strategic directions, honours and awards, and eight performance indicators such as enrolment, graduation, employment rates, and first generation students, defined as students whose mother and/or father has not obtained a university degree.

"Much of Lakehead University's research at the Orillia campus is focused on environmental sustainability and is often driven by community needs," says President Brian Stevenson. "The partnerships Lakehead forges with community organizations, donors, and governments, are crucial to its success as a comprehensive university dedicated to excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, service, and other scholarly activity."

Lakehead University Board of Governor member Bruce Waite, Orillia-based lawyer and community leader, says he is extremely pleased with how Dr. Stevenson's initiatives have been received in the community. "This support and enthusiasm will be a catalyst for the development of an increasing number of economic partnerships in the coming years."

"This year's Report to the Community, which includes a link to our audited financial statement, demonstrates that Lakehead is accountable to its stakeholders," noted Stevenson.

Lakehead is proud of its role as a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural development in Orillia and Simcoe County. Last year, there were 972 students enrolled at Lakehead's Orillia campus, all of them purchasing goods and services from local businesses. The economic impact of the University's operating expenses on the City of Orillia totalled $16.5 million.

The 2010-2011 Report to the Community website features eight success stories that detail some of the extraordinary achievements of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. These include the Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund project that involves and supports many local partners, and Humanities 101, an innovative access program, which will expand to the Orillia campus this year. Each success story is accompanied by a short video featuring two to three Lakehead researchers, students, employers, staff members, and partners.

Will McGarvey, of Shadowbox Learning Services Inc. of Orillia, is one of the many Lakehead University community partners who attended the launch.

"As a local business person, I understand the need for smart growth in our region. By supporting Lakehead, we are contributing to the kind of growth that benefits the entire region. As a parent and grandparent, I am helping to create the kind of community I want for my children and grandchildren."

Dr. Chris Murray, assistant professor, general science, provided a brief overview of some of the interesting research opportunities available for students at the Orillia campus.

"The small class sizes at Lakehead provide unique opportunities for undergraduate students to work one-on-one alongside their professors. Our students are fortunate to be involved in research that is relevant and cutting-edge," says Murray.

Nikki McBride, a third-year Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science/Bachelor of Education student, also gave her perspective, saying "Lakehead University has provided me with outstanding opportunities for learning and leadership. "I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the vibrant life of this new University campus and would not be able to accomplish as much without the enthusiastic support of the University and the community."

Lakehead's 2010-2011 Report to the Community can be read online at www.report.lakeheadu.ca and mobile users can scan a QR code to view a device-friendly version of the Report.

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Media: For more information please contact Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@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.

(November 25, 2011 - Orillia, ON)Lakehead University has a positive impact on the people who live, work, and study in Simcoe County and Central Ontario and is focused on its mission as a comprehensive university committed to excellence and innovation.

That was the message delivered today as Lakehead University launched its 2010-2011 Report to the Community at a gathering of friends and supporters at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club in Orillia.

"Our purpose today is to celebrate the enormous contribution Lakehead University is making on the economic, social, and cultural life of our communities," says Robert Lamb, member of the Lakehead University Advisory Committee. "It is vital that people who live in Simcoe County and Central Ontario understand the critical role Lakehead plays in creating jobs and improving our quality of life."

The 2010-2011 Report to the Community consists of a website and brochure that highlight Lakehead's accomplishments during Brian Stevenson's first year as President and Vice-Chancellor (www.report.lakeheadu.ca).The Report documents the success of Lakehead students, faculty, alumni, and staff. It also features financial statements, strategic directions, honours and awards, and eight performance indicators such as enrolment, graduation, employment rates, and first generation students, defined as students whose mother and/or father has not obtained a university degree.

"Much of Lakehead University's research at the Orillia campus is focused on environmental sustainability and is often driven by community needs," says President Brian Stevenson. "The partnerships Lakehead forges with community organizations, donors, and governments, are crucial to its success as a comprehensive university dedicated to excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, service, and other scholarly activity."

Lakehead University Board of Governor member Bruce Waite, Orillia-based lawyer and community leader, says he is extremely pleased with how Dr. Stevenson's initiatives have been received in the community. "This support and enthusiasm will be a catalyst for the development of an increasing number of economic partnerships in the coming years."

"This year's Report to the Community, which includes a link to our audited financial statement, demonstrates that Lakehead is accountable to its stakeholders," noted Stevenson.

Lakehead is proud of its role as a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural development in Orillia and Simcoe County. Last year, there were 972 students enrolled at Lakehead's Orillia campus, all of them purchasing goods and services from local businesses. The economic impact of the University's operating expenses on the City of Orillia totalled $16.5 million.

The 2010-2011 Report to the Community website features eight success stories that detail some of the extraordinary achievements of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. These include the Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund project that involves and supports many local partners, and Humanities 101, an innovative access program, which will expand to the Orillia campus this year. Each success story is accompanied by a short video featuring two to three Lakehead researchers, students, employers, staff members, and partners.

Will McGarvey, of Shadowbox Learning Services Inc. of Orillia, is one of the many Lakehead University community partners who attended the launch.

"As a local business person, I understand the need for smart growth in our region. By supporting Lakehead, we are contributing to the kind of growth that benefits the entire region. As a parent and grandparent, I am helping to create the kind of community I want for my children and grandchildren."

Lakehead University President Dr. Brian Stevenson (second from right) with members of the community (l to r): Don Ross, Anderson Charters and Will McGarvey, at the launch of the 2010-2011 Report to the Community.

Dr. Chris Murray, assistant professor, general science, provided a brief overview of some of the interesting research opportunities available for students at the Orillia campus.

"The small class sizes at Lakehead provide unique opportunities for undergraduate students to work one-on-one alongside their professors. Our students are fortunate to be involved in research that is relevant and cutting-edge," says Murray.

Nikki McBride, a third-year Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science/Bachelor of Education student, also gave her perspective, saying "Lakehead University has provided me with outstanding opportunities for learning and leadership. "I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the vibrant life of this new University campus and would not be able to accomplish as much without the enthusiastic support of the University and the community."

Lakehead University student Nikki McBride speaks to community representatives at the University's launch of the 2010-2011 Report to the Community.

Lakehead's 2010-2011 Report to the Community can be read online at www.report.lakeheadu.ca and mobile users can scan a QR code to view a device-friendly version of the Report.

www.report.lakeheadu.ca

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Media: For more information please contact Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@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. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

(November 25, 2011 "Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead's Science Olympics is back " bigger and better than ever. Lakehead University's Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies and Faculty of Education, together with Youth Science Ontario, is hosting its second Lakehead University Science Olympics, taking place at PACI. By solving problems in a collaborative manner, Science Olympics helps increase awareness of the importance of science in everyday life.

Science Olympics is a one-day event, for students in grades 9 through 12, that requires teams of four to apply their knowledge of science and engineering in creative and fun ways.

"It's a great opportunity for us to remind students what science is and that it is part of our lives everyday," says Dr. Andrew Dean, dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead University."It's easy to forget how chemistry informs us in virtually everything we do from transportation to entertainment to healthcare to agriculture. There isn't a single sector I can think of that doesn't rely on chemistry in some way."

Lakehead's Science Olympics, held in partnership with Youth Science Ontario, and with support from NSERC, tests students' abilities to solve challenging problems in creative and innovative ways.

"I never tire of watching participants develop their collaborative, problem-solving and communication skills as they work together as a team," says Carolyn Rayfield, Executive Director of Youth Science Ontario, an organization that works across the province to give all Ontario students the opportunity to pursue science exploration. "The best part is always how much fun everyone seems to have. Teachers, students, organizers " all working together to solve problems with creativity and lots of laughs."

Lakehead's second Science Olympics welcomes over 90 student participants, representing all seven Thunder Bay high schools (Churchill, Dennis Franklin Cromarty, Hammarskjold, St. Ignatius, St. Patrick, Superior, Westgate), as well as students from Nipigon and Terrace Bay.

Dr. John O'Meara, dean of the Faculty of Education, is pleased with the number of participants. "We've doubled our numbers from our inaugural Science Olympics in May, and incorporated a lot of good feedback from teachers and participants to make this event even better for all high school grades. We're especially thrilled that regional schools have accepted our invitation to come to Thunder Bay to take part in the event and we're expecting to see some pretty ingenious solutions."

"The Science Olympics is a terrific initiative," says Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Rod Hanley. "I can't think of a more fitting way to entice and inspire our local and regional youth to consider what a career in science might hold and to spark their postsecondary aspirations."

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHALLENGES

Students will participate in four challenging team-building events. The first three are tailored to different grade levels, but the last event brings all grades back together.

JUNIOR (Grades 9 & 10)

Event #1 " Star Wars
Teams position mirrors to use a low-powered laser to illuminate a hidden target. The laser beam is positioned to hit the target and is then turned off. Teams place two mirrors to reflect the beam to illuminate the target, which is behind a barrier. Teams have 3 minutes to set up their mirrors before the laser is turned on. Teams make 2 attempts, one to the left of barrier, one to the right. The team with the best two attempts gains the highest score.

Event #2 INDYcator 500
Teams use a range of indicators to measure the pH of three unknown liquids. They are provided with buffer solutions of known pH values and work to get precise values for the pH of all three unknowns in the lowest time possible.

Event #3 - Models of Mitosis
Teams spend 20 minutes using materials provided to build models showing interphase and the 4 stages of mitosis. Teams make an oral presentation to the judges to describe key events of each stage of interphase and mitosis. Materials chosen enable teams to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge.

SENIOR (GRADES 11 & 12)

Event #1 " Dante's Peek
Your research team has been conducting an aerial survey of an active volcano and has crashed into the side of the mountain. You must reconstruct your aircraft from the parts in the crash (which, although completely dismantled, have miraculously not broken). The mountain is expected to erupt in 40 minutes.

Event #2 - Models of Meiosis
Teams have 20 minutes to build models showing the stages of meiosis using material allocated and highlight the main events occurring. Due to the elaborate scheme of meiosis and time constraints, students model only select contrasting stages of meiosis (i.e. interphase I and II, metaphase I and II etc). Teams make an oral presentation to judges to describe the key events. Materials chosen enable teams to demonstrate their creativity and knowledge.

Event #3 " Chemistry Compound Boggle
Teams receive randomly created 4 x 4 arrays of element symbols. They have 10 minutes to locate and write the formulae of as many compounds as they can, supplying brackets and subscripts where appropriate, using any sequence of horizontally, vertically, or diagonally adjacent elements. A chemical name must be given to each compound using the I.U.P.A.C. system for inorganic nomenclature. We use three different arrays, with the highest scoring group gaining the most points for the event.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR GRADES TOGETHER

Event #4 Heavy Engineering
This culminating challenge sees teams building the tallest structure that supports the most mass (tennis balls!) using only the materials provided in exactly 25 minutes.

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Media: Dr. Andrew Dean, dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, and Dr. John O'Meara, dean of the Faculty of Education, are available for media interview. To arrange an interview, please contact Janine Chiasson, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

Visit www.youthscienceontario.ca for more information about science initiatives across the province.

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.

(November 22, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Colourful artwork graced the halls of historic PACI as Lakehead University gratefully accepted and displayed some of over 600+ pieces of Aboriginal art donated by local businessman and art collector George Ward and his wife Kelly Ward.

George and Kelly have been adding to their collection for decades and have purchased or received works by over a dozen artists, many of whom are children or relatives of famed Woodland artist Norval Morrisseau. The 25 artists represented in the collection are:

Francis Esquega (Sikkaasika) Ringo Fiddler Gelineau Fisher Waylon Goodwin Derek Harper Robert Kakegamic Lloyd Kakekapetum Eddie Kakepetum Roger Kakepetum Wally Kakepetum Morley Kakepetum Jayson Lucas Sinclair Sabourin

Paul McKay Jeff Monias Christian Morriseau Eugene Morriseau Benjamin Morrisseau Wolf Morrisseau Charlene Muckaday Eddy Munroe Perry Perrault Chris Sutherland Tim Tait Louis Vazquez

George Ward, who grew up in Geraldton, has always been close to the Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal art scene and began acquiring art pieces in the 1970s. George and Kelly Ward have great respect and admiration for Chief Roy Michano " a successful First Nations politician for over 30 years " and have named the collection in his honour as "The Chief Roy Michano Series."

"Chief Roy Michano is a good friend and valued political leader. I want to do something meaningful and significant to recognize and honour his contributions," says George Ward. "By giving this art collection that expresses Aboriginal culture and worldview so beautifully and evocatively, I hope that thousands of Lakehead students will be inspired and encouraged to pursue their dreams."

Currently the art is being catalogued and stored in a climate controlled facility, but Lakehead University Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives) Beverly Sabourin and donors George and Kelly Ward would like to see the collection on display at a proposed new Lakehead University building devoted to supporting Aboriginal learners " the Gichi Kendaasawin Centre.

"We are so grateful for this wonderful contribution of important Aboriginal Art from the Woodlands School,"says Beverly Sabourin. "It will provide inspiration to all of us at Lakehead as we work to create a centre that will support and nurture Aboriginal learners and showcase their vibrant culture."

Lakehead President Brian Stevenson agrees, "This generous art donation is a touchstone for Lakehead and a symbol of good things to come."

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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.

(November 21, 2011 " Thunder Bay, ON) Today, Wasaya Airways and Lakehead University signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Wasaya Airways Thunder Bay hangar and announced Reach Up! " Northern Community Sports and Leadership Program.

Reach Up! is a collaborative initiative between Lakehead University Athletics and Wasaya Airways to provide on-site instruction in sport-specific coaching and general leadership strategies for youth in Northern Ontario First Nations communities serviced by Wasaya Airways. Program visits feature discussion between Lakehead coaches and community coaches/leaders on how to grow and sustain interest in sport as well as sport-specific training. In addition, Lakehead athletes meet with local youth to discuss peer leadership, life goals, and to share their personal experiences.

Lakehead University Athletics and Wasaya Airways believe in the power of sport to change lives and want to establish a sustainable program that will not only create a legacy of activity in Northern communities, but also encourage Aboriginal youth to consider the benefits of postsecondary education for themselves and their communities.

Tom Morris, President and CEO of Wasaya Airways states, "Wasaya strives to actively promote education and recreation programs in the Northern First Nation communities we service. We are very fortunate to have partnered with such an exceptional postsecondary institution to offer a life changing opportunity for our Northern First Nation youth. We hope that this initiative will inspire our youth to partake in a more active lifestyle, build relationships with potential mentors, and continue to pursue education and learning opportunities."

The Wasaya Airways and Lakehead University MOU strengthens and formalizes the positive working relationship between Wasaya and Lakehead. The MOU establishes several key areas for collaboration, including:

• promoting sport, healthy living, leadership, and team-building in Northern communities
• increasing Aboriginal participation in, and access to, Lakehead programs and services
• providing opportunity for student athletes to better understand and appreciate Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language
• instilling confidence in Aboriginal youth to help young people realize their potential
• promoting the importance of a university education

Lakehead University has a longstanding commitment to fostering leadership and development with Aboriginal students, and advancing the understanding of Aboriginal cultures, heritage, and languages within the University and broader communities.

"Lakehead is proud of this new initiative and MOU that will give us another avenue to reach out and encourage Aboriginal youth to participate in healthy activities and to believe that their future can include post-secondary education," says Lakehead University President Dr. Brian Stevenson. "We know that changing the face of education for Aboriginal students is a long journey but when we work together with partners like Wasaya and our Lakehead athletes, we become stronger together. Over 1,000 Aboriginal students are enrolled at Lakehead University.We want to see that number increase."

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Media: For more information please contact:

Janine Chiasson Communications Officer Lakehead University office: 807-343-8177 cell: 807-630-2510 commun@lakeheadu.ca

Jennifer Mihalcin Public Relations & Communications Specialist Wasaya Airways LP office: 807-474-2351 cell: 807-251-0733 jmihalcin@wasaya.com

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.

About Wasaya
Wasaya Airways LP, a 100% First Nation owned company, part of the Wasaya Group of companies, is the leading provider of quality airline transportation services. Whether you are transporting cargo or freight, utilizing their passenger service to more than 25 destinations across Northwestern Ontario, or chartering an aircraft to any destination in North America, choosing Wasaya Airways LP is the right decision to make.

(Nov. 17, 2011 - Orillia, ON) Lakehead University's Orillia campus has developed a unique program to help students become better leaders. Now in its second year, the EXCEL (Excellence in Community and Environmental Leadership) program has attracted both new and experienced student leaders to a series of leadership training workshops.

This year, for the first time, the University is sending three participants of the EXCEL program to the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership at the University of Calgary, taking place November 17 to 20. The opportunity was offered to members of the University's student ambassador team, many of whom participate in the EXCEL program as part of their training.

The EXCEL training is set up as a series of nine modules, with students required to complete a minimum of five modules in order to receive a letter of participation. There is no cost to the students for the program and the workshops are offered during times that do not conflict with regular classes.

The program was established by the University's Office of Student Affairs under the direction of Assistant Dean Frank Cappadocia, who has a strong background in leadership including a master's degree in Community Leadership.

"Most universities offer some type of extracurricular leadership training," explains Cappadocia, but it is often accessible to only certain groups of students, such as ambassadors or those in upper years, whereas our program is open to the entire student body and is designed to suit students with leadership experience as well as those who are new to this kind of training."

Workshops are led by student affairs staff as well as members of the faculty on a variety of topics. "The most popular workshops are those focused on subject areas that students can apply in work-related settings," explains EXCEL organizer Simon Looker of student affairs. "Our sessions on public speaking, social networking and managing conflict have all been well attended."

Looker is also responsible for putting together the student leadership conference delegation. "We presented the opportunity to our student ambassador group and chose three students based on their written submissions about how they would benefit from attending the conference."

Simon Looker, student affairs officer at Lakehead University Orillia, reviews plans for a trip to the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership with student delegates (l to r): Nikki McBride, Lana Johnston, and Kaylen Leonienco.

Kaylen Leonienco, a third year Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) student, Lana Johnston, a fourth year Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science/Bachelor of Education (HBASc/BEd) student and Nikki McBride, a third year student, also in the HBASc/BEd program, were the successful applicants. "All three are outstanding students who have already made impressive contributions to the University." notes Looker.

The Canadian Conference on Student Leadership will be an opportunity for the Lakehead student leaders to share and learn from others. In addition to attending workshops, which are all facilitated by students, delegates will hear from a number of keynote speakers including Brett Wilson, a panelist on the reality show, Dragon's Den, and Craig Kielburger, co-founder of Free the Children.

The Lakehead student delegates are excited and looking forward to the trip west. Lana Johnston says she looks forward to learning from other students at the conference. "I hope to continue being part of the process of growing the Orillia campus. I am interested in learning how we can maintain the environment we know and love here at Lakehead as the school grows and changes."

Following their conference experience, the students will continue to participate in the University's EXCEL program as workshop facilitators.

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