County of Simcoe and Lakehead University further solidify partnership with $1M contribution and naming of building

Midhurst/November 26, 2013 – Lakehead University Orillia was presented a $1 million cheque by the County of Simcoe during County Council this morning in Midhurst, Ontario. This brings the total amount of contributions to Lakehead by the County of Simcoe to $3.5 million since 2009.

In recognition of the County’s ongoing, tremendous support, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, also made a major announcement by proudly proclaiming that the University’s Academic Building would be named Simcoe Hall. An official ceremony will be held at the Orillia Campus in spring 2014.

“The County of Simcoe has been enormously supportive of our University community and our Orillia campus since its inception,” said Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, who thanked the County on behalf of the University community and Lakehead’s Board of Governors. “Without the County, Lakehead University would not be in Orillia, today.”

“County Council recognizes the important impact that our partnership and support for both Lakehead University Orillia and Georgian College has in shaping the future of Simcoe County,” said Warden Cal Patterson. “Council is committed to implementing our 10-year economic development and tourism strategic plan and investing in our communities for the greater good of our residents. Thank you for naming your building Simcoe Hall — it is a great honour and we look forward to the official ceremony next spring.”

Dr. Stevenson stated that the County’s generous gift would go towards the funding of this world-class campus and enhancing every student’s academic experience. 

The County of Simcoe makes $1 million contribution to Lakehead University Orillia during County Council. Left to right: Warden Cal Patterson; Dr. Brian Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University; Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean and Vice Provost, Orillia Campus; and Mr. Bruce Waite, Member of the Lakehead University Board of Governors.   

Artist's rendering depicting Lakehead Orillia's Academic Building as the University's new Simcoe Hall

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca. 

Lakehead University 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. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

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