(July 16, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University researchers have been awarded numerous Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants, allowing them to continue pursuing their ground-breaking work, from biology and chemical engineering to physics and geology. In addition to NSERC's Discovery Grants, several faculty and graduate students have received other NSERC funding awards (as listed in the attached backgrounder), bringing the total amount conferred to Lakehead researchers to over $2 million.

Researchers, like Dr. Pedram Fatehi (Chemical Engineering), aim to produce new value-added products from pulp and paper process waste, while Dr. Mitchell Albert, Lakehead University-Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) Chair in Molecular Imaging and Advanced Diagnostics, is developing an advanced molecular imaging technology to detect diseases at an early stage. As well, one of our many talented graduate students, Jesse Walker (PhD Chemistry and Material Science Program) is studying the design, synthesis and utilization of organometallic compounds which have widespread applications in many areas of chemistry, including hydrogen storage, material science and the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals (for more details please refer to the attached backgrounder).

"Our scientists continue to prove that research not only opens doors to discoveries and a better understanding of the natural world, but that it's critical to creating jobs, improving human health, protecting the environment and creating renewable energy sources," explains Lakehead Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Rod Hanley. "The calibre of pure and applied research taking place at Lakehead demonstrates our commitment to becoming a top Canadian research university and establishing beneficial collaborations with industry, government and the community."

Vice-President (Research, Economic Development and Innovation) Dr. Rui Wang, the recipient of a $235,000 Discovery Grant for his work exploring how hydrogen sulfide can save the lives of brain and cardiovascular disease patients, is keenly aware of the importance of research funding, saying, "NSERC's funding is vital for advancing the knowledge creation processto benefit our communities and our people."

View the complete list of Lakehead University 2012 NSERC grant projects.

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For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(July 6 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Dr. David Barnett

Lakehead University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. David Barnett as its new Dean, Faculty of Engineering. Dr. Barnett's belief in providing engineering students the tools they need to reach their goals brought him from St. Louis, Missouri to Thunder Bay. His decision to cross the border was prompted by Lakehead University's emphasis on collaborative, multidisciplinary learning.

"I am committed to the development of the next generation of engineers who require not only solid engineering skills but also an appreciation of the societal issues that impact future technological developments," explains Dr. Barnett.

"His impressive combination of academic, research and industry experience is invaluable in positioning Lakehead as a top-ranked Canadian engineering program," adds Lakehead's Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Rod Hanley. "He understands the importance of adapting to the changing and complex demands of the engineering profession in our world."

Dr. Barnnett comes to Lakehead, having recently been a Professor and Chair of the Biomedical Engineering department, with a secondary appointment in Electrical Engineering, at Saint Louis University in Missouri. Dr. Barnett is a well-established researcher in the areas of biosignal processing and electrophysiological studies and his work has been published in more than 18 peer-reviewed journals as well as numerous conference proceedings. Please see Dr. Barnett's full biography for more information.

As Lakehead's Dean of Engineering, Dr. Barnett will focus on promoting educational excellence through teaching, research, and scholarship and building partnerships with industry and government. Dr. Barnett steps into his new role, August 7, 2012.

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Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(July 3 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Most teenagers can't wait for the end of the school year, however this Canada Day weekend a group of 65 enthusiastic high school students converged on Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus for the start of the prestigious Shad Valley program. Lakehead is one of ten Canadian universities hosting Shad Valley 2012.

Shad Valley students break the ice with a game

Shad Valley, which has been nurturing the creativity and ingenuity of future leaders for more than 30 years, is an enrichment program for exceptional grade 10-12 students that focuses on entrepreneurship, science, engineering and technology. Shad President Barry Bisson explains the value of the program, "When I ask our Shad Valley alumni to reflect on their Shad Valley experience, they all say the same things, whether they were in the program one month ago or 25 years ago. They describe it as a life-changing, life-directing experience that opened their eyes to exciting opportunities for their education and career."

Lakehead University is a dedicated supporter of Shad Valley's mission "to provide a transformational experience that unleashes the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth." As a research-intensive institution with an emphasis on technology transfer, Lakehead is the perfect setting for this unique month-long program. Our faculty will enable Shad Valley students to explore beyond standard academic curricula by introducing them to complex ideas and engaging them in challenging projects. Past Lakehead Shad Valley graduates have gone on to become patent holders, Top 20 Under 20 winners and, most importantly, citizens committed to fostering economic and social sustainability.

This year's Shad Valley students in Lakehead's Senate Chamber

Mechanical Engineering Chair Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, who has been running Lakehead's Shad Valley program since 2001, says he enjoys shaping and working with people who are highly-motivated and ambitious. Shad Valley seeks out young people who excel academically, have a strong record of volunteer work and have distinguished themselves in other fields such as sports, the arts and music. "It's a very intense selection process," Dr. Siddiqui explains. "Academic achievement is considered, as well as leadership ability, communications skills and participation in extracurricular activities." This year, students from across Canada as well as two students from Saudi Arabia and one student from India, have been selected are coming to Lakehead to participate in the program.

This year's contingent of Shads will explore new solutions to tackle obesity. Participants will attend fascinating workshops and lectures given by Northwestern Ontario academic and community experts including an orthopedic surgeon, a gerontologist and the Regional Supervising Coroner for Northwestern Ontario. But it won't be all work and no play for these students " they will have the opportunity to discover our region's spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural history when they go tubing on the Stanley River, visit Fort William Historical Park, and travel to Sibley Provincial Park for some canoeing, hiking and overnight camping.

The highlight of Shad Valley 2012 is the exciting Shad Entrepreneurship Cup, an event that encourages students to put their new knowledge and skills into action. Teams of students will compete against one another to invent new products aimed at the prevention and treatment of obesity. Teams will prepare detailed business plans and create prototypes before being judged by a panel of community and business leaders. The winning team will proceed to the national competition.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet Shad Valley students at activities throughout the month of July including a musical performance, an open house day, and the Shad Entrepreneurship Cup judging.

Visit the Lakehead University Shad Valley events schedule for weekly program updates.

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Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca or Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, Mechanical Engineering Chair, at (807) 708-9696 or sultan.siddiqui@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. More 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(June 28, 2012 - Barrie, ON) Imagine more students moving seamlessly between college and university - transferring credits, or starting a program in college, completing it at university, and then graduating with a joint degree that packs a one-two punch with future employers.These are the kinds of innovative post-secondary opportunities that will be available to students as part of a new partnership between Lakehead University and the Georgian College University Partnership Centre.

Celebrating a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding are (from l to r): Lakehead University student Rebecca Akrasi-Sarpong, Lakehead University President Dr. Brian Stevenson, Georgian College President Brian Tamblyn, and Georgian College student Katrina Sutton.

"This is student-centred, student-focused learning at its best," declared Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson. "We are creating new pathways without obstacles to higher education, for all students."

Georgian College President and CEO Brian Tamblyn agreed the new partnership will enhance post-secondary options for students, and better meet the growing educational and economic needs of Simcoe County and beyond.

"It will expand student access, collaboration and innovation. Both institutions are genuinely excited about the potential to work together on mutually beneficial alignments and projects that will provide very attractive post-secondary opportunities for our students," Tamblyn said.

Georgian and Lakehead publicly announced their new relationship today, signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Effective immediately, Lakehead University and Georgian College will work to develop seamless and effective pathways for students at both institutions. These pathways include:
- Credit transfer agreements;
- Joint delivery of programs in which a student could obtain both a Georgian diploma and a Lakehead degree;
- Course-to-course credits;
- Block transfer agreements; and
- Fast-track diplomas.

The partnership will also examine ways to enhance educational opportunities for Aboriginal students, a key focus of both institutions. Collaboration on technology for distance learning will be investigated as well.

The partnership reflects provincial priorities to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for Ontario students and taxpayers. It also fits within Georgian's existing University Partnership Centre.

Lakehead and Georgian will collaborate on partnership programs that have not been offered to area students in the past and that do not duplicate any of the programs offered by Georgian's existing partners.

Stevenson says this is a win-win for students, at both institutions, saying, "We are interested in collaborating with Georgian to create pathways and delivery modes that benefit all learners. This is the start of a long-term relationship with Georgian to increase accessibility for post-secondary education for all students, and better serve our communities."

Tamblyn agreed the opportunities are endless. "From our first conversations, we were all excited by the spirit of collaboration and innovation that everyone brought to the table. We believe together we can do great things for students," he said.

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Imagine more students moving seamlessly between college and university " transferring credits, or starting a program in college, completing it at university, and then graduating with a joint degree that packs a one-two punch with future employers.

These are the kinds of innovative post-secondary opportunities that will be available to students as part of a new partnership between Lakehead University and the Georgian College University Partnership Centre.

"This is student-centred, student-focused learning at its best," declared Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson. "We are creating new pathways without obstacles to higher education, for all students."

Georgian College President and CEO Brian Tamblyn agreed the new partnership will enhance post-secondary options for students, and better meet the growing educational and economic needs of Simcoe County and beyond.

"It will expand student access, collaboration and innovation. Both institutions are genuinely excited about the potential to work together on mutually beneficial alignments and projects that will provide very attractive post-secondary opportunities for our students," Tamblyn said.

Georgian and Lakehead publicly announced their new relationship today, signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Effective immediately, Lakehead University and Georgian College will work to develop seamless and effective pathways for students at both institutions. These pathways include:

· Credit transfer agreements;

· Joint delivery of programs in which a student could obtain both a Georgian diploma
and a Lakehead degree;

· Course-to-course credits;

· Block transfer agreements; and

· Fast-track diplomas.

The partnership will also examine ways to enhance educational opportunities for Aboriginal students, a key focus of both institutions. Collaboration on technology for distance learning will be investigated as well.

The partnership reflects provincial priorities to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for Ontario students and taxpayers. It also fits within Georgian's existing University Partnership Centre.

Lakehead and Georgian will collaborate on partnership programs that have not been offered to area students in the past and that do not duplicate any of the programs offered by Georgian's existing partners.

Stevenson says this is a win-win for students, at both institutions, saying, "We are interested in collaborating with Georgian to create pathways and delivery modes that benefit all learners. This is the start of a long-term relationship with Georgian to increase accessibility for post-secondary education for all students, and better serve our communities."

Tamblyn agreed the opportunities are endless. "From our first conversations, we were all excited by the spirit of collaboration and innovation that everyone brought to the table. We believe together we can do great things for students," he said.

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For more information:

Sharon Burkhart, Director (acting), Corporate Marketing and Communications, Georgian College, 705-728-1968 ext. 1043

Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 705-330-4008, ext. 2014.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(June 27, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

In a field straddling Ecole Gron Morgan Public School and Corpus Christi Elementary, Lakehead University officially launched its new Active U, a day camp program wherein grade 4-6 children learn and play through a student-centered approach to cooperative physical activity and education.

Ecole Gron Morgan Public School and Corpus Christ Elementary students gathered in the field between their two schools to get active

Amanda Nesbitt, Coordinator of Programs and Initiatives for Lakehead Athletics, explains, "Active U is an all-inclusive program and much different from your typical summer camp. We invite all kids who want to have fun, be active and explore unique learning opportunities provided by Lakehead athletes and academics alike."

Amanda Nesbitt, Lakehead Athletics' Coordinator of Programs and Initiatives, speaks at today's media conference launching Active U

This morning, students from Ecole Gron Morgan Public School and Corpus Christi Elementary were the first to get a feel for what Active U is all about. Also in attendance were Cathi Siemieniuk, Director of Lakehead Public Schools, Mike Thompson of the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board, Lakehead Athletics Director Tom Warden and Lakehead President, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

"Active U is about active minds, active bodies, and whose goal is to get kids engaged," says Dr. Stevenson. "Lakehead is reaching out to the community to help kids lead healthy lives for years to come."

Dr. Stevenson had a great time meeting these energetic students

Active U will take advantage of many of Lakehead's facilities, such as the pool, gymnasium, outdoor fields and courts, classrooms and laboratories. During Active U's inaugural year, Lakehead's Faculty of Engineering will be providing hands-on learning experiences for Active U participants.

Active U runs for two one-week camps, the first July 9-13, followed by the second, July 23-27. More details, including a Parent's Information Guide, can be found at www.activeu.ca.

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Media: For more information, please contact Amanda Nesbitt, Coordinator of Programs and Initiatives at (807) 343-8950 or amanda.nesbitt@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. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(June 21, 2012 - Orillia, ON) A desire to travel to Canada's far north, coupled with the opportunity to be a front-line social worker, prompted Amanda McLaughlin to embark on a journey that has changed her life.

McLaughlin discovered Lakehead University's Honours Bachelor of Social Work one-year, post-degree program online and decided to apply for the program, a combination of classroom study and work placement in a compressed and intensive 12 months of study.

"I chose Lakehead because Orillia offered work placements anywhere," said McLaughlin, 28. "I was really looking for an opportunity to go north and this program opened the door for me to do that."

After spending her summer and fall terms in the classroom taking core courses and electives, McLaughlin spent her winter and spring terms in the field - in Arviat, Nunavut. Arviat is a remote fly-in community, with a population 2,600 - one of the largest centres in Canada's newest territory.

McLaughlin works as a community social services worker. "My main role is children's protection... but I've also done some adult services and counselling," said McLaughlin. "Primarily, I am involved in the overall protection of children in the community, ensuring they are in a safe, healthy environment that will allow them to grow into their own person while remaining in their traditional culture."

Her work in the remote community has been an eye-opener and much of McLaughlin's role has revolved around education and advocacy. "There's not an outright backlash, but a stigma about the social work profession is evident. We're trying to give people knowledge, and let them know that we're here to help and promote the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities, and not to break up families."

Working on the front line has only heightened McLaughlin's ambition to land a full-time job in her chosen field. Even though she is still just wrapping up her program, she says she has already applied for some positions in Nunavut, such is her love for this mostly unknown part of the world.

"I'm really intrigued by the north; it's part of the country I live in, it's part of our heritage, yet it's a completely different way of life," said McLaughlin. "So few people get to experience this... that's why I was so eager to do it."

But there have been challenges. The snow is only now melting in Arviat, where transportation is primarily by snowmobile and all-terrain vehicles. The remote community has just two stores, no pharmacy, no bank and no "social gathering place," she says.

"Coming from a technology-based, fast-paced society, it's a challenge here," she said, noting water is delivered regularly, while sewage tanks are emptied every two days.

Still, she is grateful for every experience - from being stranded in another community for two days due to fog, to experiencing blizzards that forced her to delay writing her online exams - to getting to know the people of Arviat.

While most of her time has been devoted to working in the community, McLaughlin has gone on numerous land trips, including a caribou hunt and a trek over the frozen tundra to the tree line. "I went with some students on a nine-hour snowmobile trip to the tree line," said McLaughlin. "It was the longest ride of my life. But it was amazing. A lot of these kids rarely see trees, so we were literally hugging the trees."

In addition to meeting people and seeing the sights, McLaughlin has learned much about the life of the Inuit people. She said, for example, learning their "IQ principles" has helped shape her outlook as a teacher and social worker and, along with her code of ethics, has guided her work in the community.

"Talking to the people who have grown up here has been really interesting," said McLaughlin, who said she will likely pursue a master's degree in the future. "They have amazing resiliency. The sheer knowledge and skill these people have is incredible."

"I am so glad Lakehead gave me this opportunity," said McLaughlin, who grew up in Napanee and graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BA in criminology (and a minor in psychology). "It's been great for me."

Cynthia Clarke, the field education co-ordinator for Lakehead's School of Social Work, said the program is a good fit for students who already have a three- or four-year undergraduate degree and have decided they want a career in social work.

"The program is intensive because they do eight courses before they do their placement, which is a 100-day assignment that takes place between January and June," said Clarke. Students have had placements on the east coast, throughout Ontario and, of course, in Nunavut.

This year, Lakehead University's Orillia campus welcomes another 60 students into the one-year Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) program beginning July 3 with orientation. Students are coming from the west coast and east coast of Canada as well as many Ontario communities.

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Lakehead University is proud to welcome Kathy Pozihun as our new Vice-President,
Finance and Administration.

Pozihun is currently the Superintendent of Business for the Lakehead Public School
Board. Lakehead's newest vice-president's responsibilities will play right into the
expertise of this accomplished alumna, as Pozihun provides leadership for University
services, including Human Resources, Finance Services, Information Technology and
Physical Plant.

"I am extremely proud to welcome Kathy into our executive team here at Lakehead,"
declares Lakehead University President, Dr. Brian Stevenson. "Her invaluable work
experience and passion for education carries over perfectly to the tasks and
responsibilities awaiting her in her new role. She is a great addition to my team and we
look forward to having her as part of our University."

With life-long roots in Thunder Bay, Pozihun returns to her alma mater after twenty
distinguished years working in administration and academe within the community. In
2005, she was hired as the Lakehead District School Board's Manager of Finance. The
next few years would see her quickly become the Board's Senior Business Official (prior
to obtaining her Business Supervisory Officer credentials and being appointed
Superintendent of Business and Treasurer of the Board. Serving 10,000 students in 30
schools, her various duties included the oversight of a $130M budget and diverse
administrative functions, such as accounting, budget, treasury, risk management,
procurement, payroll, benefits administration, facilities, cafeteria operations,
transportation, information technology and office services.

Pozihun assumes her new role as Vice-President, Finance and Administration on August
20, 2012.

Biography, Kathy Pozihun PDF

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Media: For more information, or interview requests, please contact Tracey Skehan,
Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 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 8,700 students and 1,850 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.

(June 5, 2012 - Orillia, ON) Graduating students from Lakehead University's Orillia campus are preparing for a special day of celebration this Saturday, as the campus presents its largest convocation to date. Attendees can expect a standing-room only crowd, as up to 1,500 students, staff, faculty, and guests attend this year's convocation ceremony at Rotary Place (West Orillia Sports Complex) on University Avenue.

The ceremony will highlight the accomplishments of students, as well as members of the community. A total of 415 degrees will be awarded to 349 students (with some graduates receiving multiple degrees).

This year, an honorary degree will be awarded posthumously, a very rare honour, to the late Dr. Lloyd Dennis, who will be conferred a Doctor of Laws degree. An enthusiastic proponent for the establishment and growth of Lakehead University's Orillia campus, Dennis was well-known and respected for his outstanding contribution to education. He was a teacher, principal and co-author of the Hall-Dennis Report, which transformed education in Ontario. He had been offered and accepted this honour shortly before he passed away in March 2012.

Anderson Charters, longtime friend of Dennis and a member of the Lakehead Orillia Advisory Committee, will deliver the commencement address to graduands on behalf of Dennis.

Anderson will also be awarded the Civitas Award, given annually to a community member residing in Simcoe County who has made a significant contribution to the community and to Lakehead University. Anderson is being recognized for this outstanding leadership in the establishment of Lakehead University in Orillia. Past Civitas Award winners include: Paul Weber (2011); former mayor of Orillia, Ron Stevens (2010); Lloyd Dennis (2009); and Sue Mulcahy (2008).

Above all, this year's convocation will celebrate the accomplishments of Lakehead's students. Degrees will be conferred to students who have completed the Bachelor and Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science (HBASc,BASc), Bachelor of Education (BEd), Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW), and Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin) programs.

The ceremony will highlight outstanding student achievements with special awards:

THE ORILLIA CAMPUS DEAN'S MEDAL
Awarded to the highest-ranking graduating student in the Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program ?

Elijah Howard Sellberg (HBASc)

DEAN BRAUN MEDAL
Awarded to the highest-ranking graduating student in the following program:
Bachelor of Administration - Charles Husband (BAdmin)
Honours Bachelor of Social Work - Jennifer Lynn Gordon (HBSW)

THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Award given annually to the graduating students who have occupied positions of responsibility in student organizations and who, by their activities and achievements, have earned the gratitude of the University
Jodi Lee Bernhardt-Gay (HBASc/BEd)
Dana Louise Shaughnessy (BASc/BEd)

LLOYD DENNIS AWARD ?Award given for outstanding citizenship presented to the full-time student selected by her fellows, the faculty and administration as contributing most to the welfare of the university through student activities?

Lana C Johnston (undergraduate)

Lakehead Orillia's convocation ceremony takes place at Rotary Place at the West Orillia Sports Complex, University Avenue, at 10 am on Saturday, June 9. Graduates, their families and friends are invited to enjoy refreshments immediately following the ceremony. The ceremony can be viewed online at 10 am on June 9 at: http://streaming.lakeheadu.ca/convocation/.

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

(June 7, 2011 - Orillia, ON) At Lakehead University's Orillia convocation ceremony this Saturday, Anderson Charters will receive Lakehead University's Civitas Award. This award is given annually to a community member residing in Simcoe County who has made a significant contribution to the community and to Lakehead University. This year, the award recognizes Charters' outstanding leadership in the establishment of the Orillia campus.

He is often referred to as the driving force behind the establishment of Lakehead University in Orillia, but Charters is quick to point out that it was a group of individuals who were responsible for the successful project. I spoke to Anderson recently about his experience and here are some highlights from that conversation.

How did your idea for a university in Orillia originate?

It was one of those "by chance" circumstances really - there was a bit of serendipity connected to the original idea. About 10 years ago, I had a chance encounter in Waterloo with an old friend from Montreal, Terry Copp, who was a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. He told me about the successful new satellite campus in Brantford and mentioned that Laurier might be interested in a second community location for another campus. He wondered about Barrie. I said, "How about Orillia?"

What about the role of the "infamous" poker group that is often mentioned in connection with a university in Orillia?

A few months after my meeting at Laurier, I brought up the idea of a satellite university campus in Orillia at a regular poker group gathering. I suggested that this was an opportunity in which the community could get involved. That was the start of what became the Orillia University Committee. Poker group members who jumped on board included Don Ross, Will McGarvey, Dennis Smith, and Norm Sinclair. The first three later became members of the Mayor's University Task Force.

How is it that we have Lakehead University in Orillia and not Laurier?

One of the first things our new committee did was to arrange a meeting in Orillia with the (former) president of Laurier, Bob Rosehart, and other senior leaders from the University. With the help of MPP Garfield Dunlop, some provincial government civil servants were also invited, and attended the meeting. Although a good start, the project stalled due to the provincial election in 2003. At the same time, Laurier also placed the project on the back burner.

We persevered and planned a public meeting, which was very well attended. A few city councillors attended, including Tim Lauer, who was really the key person at city council to support the objectives of the Orillia University Committee. He also happened to sit on the Economic Development Committee at the time, and it was his enthusiasm for the project that encouraged (former) mayor of Orillia, Ron Stevens, to establish the Mayor's University Task Force to attract a major Ontario university to Orillia.

In September, 2004, about ten months into the new Liberal government's mandate, Garfield Dunlop set up a meeting with Premier McGuinty's first Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Mary Anne Chambers. She was another key player in the project. She happened to mention that the (former) president of Lakehead University, Fred Gilbert, had recently shared with her the challenges facing Lakehead University and its growth in Northern Ontario. Ron Stevens immediately picked up on this comment and began discussions with Lakehead. Just two years later, Lakehead opened its Orillia campus at Heritage Place in downtown Orillia.

Has Lakehead University and its growth in Orillia met your expectations?

The Orillia campus has entirely met the expectations of any of us who were originally involved. Our long-term vision is to have 6,000 to 7,000 university students enrolled at Lakehead in Orillia. With another 3,000 to 4,000 at Georgian College in Orillia, that would mean 10,000 postsecondary students in our community. Then we would have something very special here. To date, Lakehead has delivered everything that the University leadership promised.

What are you most proud of, as one of the instigators of the Orillia campus?

The thing that gives me the most satisfaction is something that I had not anticipated. We emphasized the economic spinoff from the outset. We understood that in a 21st century knowledge-based economy, you absolutely need postsecondary presence for a community to thrive. What I didn't expect was the benefit to individuals in the community. Lakehead has opened up the possibility of university education for people who otherwise couldn't afford or be able to go to university. That has been very gratifying.

Lakehead Orillia's convocation ceremony takes place at Rotary Place at the West Orillia Sports Complex, University Avenue, at 10 am on Saturday, June 9. The ceremony can be viewed online at 10 am on June 9 at: http://streaming.lakeheadu.ca/convocation/.

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By Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer at Lakehead University Orillia: kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.