(May 9, 2013 - Orillia, ON)

Lakehead University’s 2013 Civitas Award recipient describes the development of the Orillia campus as a large conceptual art piece that has been brought to life.

This is a fitting description, considering the artistic background and creativity of this year’s Civitas Award recipient, Will McGarvey. McGarvey helped transform the original ideas and concepts for a university campus into what Lakehead Orillia is today. The Civitas Award is given annually to a Simcoe County resident who has a record of community engagement that has significance or importance to Lakehead University’s Orillia campus.

Will McGarvey is a professional artist, small business owner, and community leader who has been an active supporter of Lakehead’s Orillia campus for the past 10 years – longer than the life of the campus itself.  He was one of a handful of Orillia community members who originally formed the Orillia University Committee in 2003 to advocate for a university campus. He then became one of five community members asked to sit on the Orillia Mayor’s Task Force, chaired by then Mayor Ron Stevens, to establish a university in Orillia.

Since the campus opened in 2006, McGarvey has been a member of the Orillia Campus Advisory Committee and has chaired the Community Relations sub-committee since its inception.

Under McGarvey’s direction, the Community Relations committee has contributed to the development of numerous community partnerships that have benefitted the University and the community. Most notable among these are the community connections made for the University’s Humanities 101 program (offering a university experience to adult learners faced with barriers to further education) and work placements by social work and education students. The committee regularly provides input about community needs, making it a valuable asset to the growing Orillia campus.

“I consider it a privilege to be able to help connect our University with the community,” says McGarvey, who thought that once the University opened its doors, the work of the Mayor’s Task Force would end. As it turned out, members of the Task Force began the formation of the Orillia Campus Advisory Committee. “Many of the University’s administrators were new to the community and continued to need help with networking and learning about community resources,” explained McGarvey. “A small, new campus has limited resources and we were able to help expand the capacity of its administration.”

McGarvey, whose father James “Pete” McGarvey was Lakehead Orillia’s honorary degree recipient (Doctor of Humane Letters) in 2011, attributes much of the motivation behind his commitment to the University to his own role as father and grandfather. With four children and five grandchildren, McGarvey believes that a community with a university will provide the kind of opportunities he wants for his growing family.

“I love what a university does to a community – we have a more creative culture, a youthful dynamic, and the kind of opportunities that we just didn’t have 35 years ago when I returned to Orillia.”

Born in Orillia, McGarvey moved away from the area when his broadcaster father was transferred to Southwestern Ontario. He later moved to Toronto and completed an Honours Degree in Fine Arts from York University and a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Toronto. It was when he was starting a family that McGarvey decided to move back to Orillia. He and his wife Lucia opened the Shadow Box, a retail art store in downtown Orillia, while McGarvey also focused on his art career and developed his reputation as an exceptional visual artist.

In 1998, McGarvey founded a second business, Shadowbox Learning Services Inc., an online e-learning production company. Although busy with his business, art production and a growing extended family, he looks forward to continuing his work as an ambassador and advocate for Lakehead Orillia.

“The opening of Lakehead has been one of the most exciting developments in our community,” said McGarvey. “From the outset I was confident that the presence of a university campus would make a difference and I am honoured to be recognized for the role that I have played.”

McGarvey will be presented the Civitas Award at Lakehead University’s June 8 convocation ceremonies at Rotary Place in Orillia.

The Civitas Award was first introduced in 2008 when it was given to Sue Mulcahy, who spearheaded the Simcoe College initiative. Other Civitas Award recipients include Lloyd Dennis (2009), Ron Stevens (2010), Paul Weber (2011) and Anderson Charters (2012).

– 30 – 

Lakehead Orillia 2013 Civitas Award recipient Will McGarvey meets Lakehead graduate student Debbie Balika at Lakehead’s Research & Innovation event, one of the many University initiatives he supports as chair of the University’s Orillia Campus Community Relations Committee.

Lakehead University student David French (r) of Barrie, shown here with Lakehead Orillia’s Paul Weber, will graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree at Lakehead Orillia’s Convocation ceremony in Orillia this Saturday (June 8). French is also the first recipient of Lakehead Orillia’s new President’s Golf Tournament Business Award.   

June 6, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Barrie resident wins prestigious Lakehead University scholarship

Four years ago, David French, a successful automotive sales professional in Barrie, decided to make a drastic change to his life. After 15 years in the business, he was looking for a new challenge and left his career to become a full-time student.

Now, French is not only about to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with first class standing (over 80% average) from Lakehead University, he is the first recipient of Lakehead Orillia’s President’s Golf Tournament Business Award.  The $5,000 Award was initiated last year as a result of funds raised through the University’s highly successful golf tournament, held annually at the Barrie County Club.

“Our new business award represents a commitment from the business community to support the business faculty at Lakehead Orillia and encourage students to pursue their education and career goals,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

“Members of the golf tournament organizing committee are business people and are proud to be supporting someone who has excelled in the business program at Lakehead,” added Paul Weber, Community Relations Manager at Lakehead Orillia.

When French enrolled at Lakehead, he wasn’t sure if he would be successful and was apprehensive about going back to school as a mature student, so his achievements have surpassed even his expectations.  

“After spending years in automotive retail, doing everything from sales to management, I was ready for a change and knew I would need to upgrade my credentials to open up new opportunities,” said French.

While in the car business, French realized that coaching and training staff were what he enjoyed the most about his work, so he considered becoming a high school teacher and discovered the Education program at Lakehead in Orillia.

“Lakehead offered everything I was looking for in post-secondary education,” said French.  With a young family – French and his wife have two children, aged 8 and 13 – the University was close to home; had the program he was looking for; and was small, offering an environment that may not be as intimidating as a larger university.  “I was worried that I might become lost in large lecture halls, so the idea of one-on-one opportunities with professors was very attractive.”

During his first two years of study, French was exposed to the interdisciplinary arts and science program, eventually leading him back to his familiar business territory. He transferred into the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program, and was impressed by both the wide range of business skills covered within the program and the insight provided by his professors. “We got to know all of our profs on a first-name basis and were always able to ask questions and get the answers we needed.” 

“The best way for students to learn is by getting involved, and David did a great job of getting involved,” said Dr. Jo-Anne Ryan, chair of Lakehead Orillia’s business program.  “His interest in the subject matter and commitment to learning helped inspire many dynamic discussions among the entire student group.”

Now armed with his degree, including a minor in Geography, and research experience in sustainability and economic development, French said that he is looking forward to taking the next step toward a new career. French said he would love to find a position that combined his practical business background with his new skills in organizational strategy to help a business operate in a more effective and sustainable way, ultimately improving its bottom line.

French will receive his degree at Lakehead Orillia’s convocation ceremony on June 8. He is looking forward to celebrating his success, along with the opportunities and challenges that are sure to follow. 

“The last four years have been an amazing experience,” said French. “Lakehead has a great learning culture. Although it was a lot of hard work, I feel like I got tremendous value. You have an opportunity here to learn as much as you can, which is what I did.”

- 30 –

Media: For more information, please contact Lakehead University’s Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 orkjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

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

(September 18, 2013 – Orillia, ON)

Celebrated author, poet, and educator, Lee Maracle, will be the guest lecturer at Lakehead University’s first event of the 2013 Aboriginal Speakers Series.

Maracle, a member of the Sto:lo Nation of British Columbia and granddaughter of the renowned Chief Dan George, will read from her book, Ravensong, on Thursday, September 26 from 6 to 8 pm at Lakehead Orillia’s University Avenue campus. All events in the series are open to the public and free of charge.

The series is organized by David Snake, Lakehead Orillia’s Aboriginal Liaison Advisor and promotes an understanding of Aboriginal history and customs. Each session is led by a local Aboriginal leader or guest lecturer and begins with traditional ceremonial greetings, followed by presentation and discussion. The significance of indigenous place names and the meaning of the Ojibwe clan system are just two of the interesting topics that will be covered in the upcoming series.

“Participants will gain a sense of understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, especially around some common stereotypes,” explains Snake.  “By the end of the five-event series, they will also have a good knowledge of the interesting history of the area.”

The Aboriginal Speakers Series continues on Wednesday, October 2 and on Thursday evenings, October 10, 16 and November 7. For details, including topics and speakers, click here or contact David Snake at dsnake@lakeheadu.ca

Canadian First Nations poet and author Lee Maracle opens Lakehead’s Aboriginal Speakers Series on September 26.

 –     30 –

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

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

July 2, 2013 – Orillia, ON

 Photo/Interview Opportunities

More than 200 future Lakehead University students will visit the Orillia campus in July to participate in Fast Pass, a pre-orientation program designed to help incoming students learn about the campus, their programs, and university life.

Fast Pass was offered for the first time last year and was a huge success, with all sessions offered filled to capacity. This year, up to 300 new students are expected to attend one of the six sessions offered over three dates: July 9, 11 and 15. Students from as far away as Smiths Falls and Windsor have registered for this year’s event.

Fast pass includes several sessions, such as “Money, Money, Money,” and “Wolfie’s Top 10,” to help incoming students gain an understanding of how to make the most of university opportunities. Students can also pick up their student cards, and meet with faculty and staff, who can answer all their questions.    

Breakout sessions are also offered for students’ family and friends on how to best support a student transitioning into university.

New students can register for Fast Pass at the University’s website (https://www.lakeheadu.ca/future-students/new-to-lakehead/or/fast-pass).

EVENT DETAILS:
Fast Pass

Dates & Times:  

1) July 9 - 8:45 am - 12:15 pm

2) July 9 - 5:15 pm - 8:45 pm

3) July 11 - 8:45 am - 12:15 pm

4) July 11 - 5:15 pm - 8:45 pm

5) July 15 - 8:45 am - 12:15 pm

6) July 15 - 1:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Location:     Lakehead University - University Avenue Campus, Orillia

Guide to Fast Pass: Click here

- 30 -

MEDIA:  For more information, please contact New Media Communications Coordinator, Derek Desroches, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2021 or ddesroch@lakeheadu.ca.

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

May 17, 2013

Business leaders from across Simcoe County gathered at Lakehead Orillia's University Avenue campus yesterday for a Business 2 Innovation event that brought together researchers from Georgian College and Lakehead University with local business leaders. This was the third annual event presented by the two institutions to encourage collaboration and partnerships to support business success in the region.

The event, presented in cooperation with the County of Simcoe, the City of Orillia, and the Ontario Centres of Excellence, provided information on business and funding opportunities and highlighted innovative partnership projects currently underway.

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson and Georgian College’s Vice-President, Academic, Baldev Pooni welcomed guests to the event, emphasizing the value of partnerships in supporting economic growth throughout the region. Both Stevenson and Pooni stressed the importance of research activity at the post-secondary institutions, saying they were “open for business.”

One of the success stories highlighted at the event involved the unveiling of a new “Research Garden” at the Lakehead Orillia campus. Guests were invited to see and learn about an experimental garden established recently as a result of an innovative partnership between Lakehead University and EcoPoly Solutions Inc., based in Orillia and Newmarket. Lakehead professor Dr. Chris Murray leads a research team that is working with the company to improve their degradable plastic film products. The research garden on campus will test new products designed for agricultural use worldwide.

Event participants also learned about Georgian College research partnerships with RM Products Ltd., a manufacturer of modular fiberglass structures and with OutFront Eco, a new company that has developed a residential grey water system. Lakehead University also showcased a business strategy project by Master of Business Administration students for On the Water Designs (dock systems).

The event concluded with networking opportunities and information about how to access further information about research academic partnerships. Interested businesses can contact Georgian College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation and Lakehead University’s Department of Economic Development and Innovation.

- 30 - 

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

Lakehead University and Georgian College representatives celebrated research partnerships at the Business 2 Innovation event held yesterday (May 16) at the Lakehead Orillia campus. Showcasing a new “Research Garden” at Lakehead are (left to right): Dr. Herman van den Berg, Acting Dean, Lakehead Orillia; Derek Rynard, EcoPoly Solutions Inc.; Dr. Chris Murray, Lakehead University Orillia; Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor; and Baldev Pooni, Georgian College Vice-President, Academic.

Georgian College fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, preparing students to become not only job-seekers, but job creators. Working together with industry and community partners, Georgian offers relevant, cutting-edge curriculum, quality work placements and co-op experiences. With more than 100 career-focused programs across seven locations in Central Ontario (Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay), Georgian serves 11,000 full-time students and 28,000 Continuing Education registrants annually. Georgian received the highest score among Ontario colleges in the 2013 International Student Barometer – ranking number three in the world – and has been one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers six times and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers four years in a row.

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

May 2, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead business students help design marketing plan for new Huronia Economic Alliance website

You have just put together a new economic development initiative to build and support prosperity in your region and have launched a new brand and website. Now, how to promote the website and the region’s economic development opportunities, becomes the challenge facing the recently formed Huronia Economic Alliance.

The Huronia Economic Alliance (HEA) is a joint venture of the Town of Midland, Town of Penetanguishene, Township of Tay, and Township of Tiny. It was formed in 2012 to support the economic development efforts of these four member municipalities. Realizing the importance of marketing the new HEA and its website, Town of Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall contacted Lakehead University in Orillia with a proposal for a student project.

The proposal was met with enthusiasm by the University’s leadership and Lakehead Assistant Professor Dr. Joseph Paniculangara. The professor thought the project would provide a valuable learning experience for students in his Marketing II course.

“I introduced the project to my students, explaining that the objective was to build awareness for the organization [HEA] and the website – both within the four municipalities, and beyond the borders of the Huronia area,” said Dr. Paniculangara.

The students were divided into six groups, with each team focusing on one of the six economic development sectors identified by the HEA: industry, healthcare, retail, agriculture, tourism and recreation.

In April, the students concluded their course with project presentations to the class and HEA representative, Jessica Klug, Senior Planner with the Town of Penetanguishene.

“I was overwhelmed by the presentations – there were so many ideas and suggestions,” said Klug. “It was especially useful to hear from a young audience. The students stressed the importance of using social media. Many of us are keen about the potential of social media, but not savvy enough to follow through with a social media strategy.”  Klug was also impressed to learn that some of the student groups actually came up to the area as part of their research.

Lakehead student Erica McCluskey explained that before working on the project she didn’t know much about the heritage and history of the area. “As part of our research for the tourism sector, we visited the region. I have always been interested in local history and now I’m looking forward to a trip back to the area this summer.”

All of the groups identified some common challenges, including confusion around the name, “Huronia.” They suggested a need for increased brand recognition and understanding. Among their many recommendations, from branding taglines to new areas of eco-friendly businesses, the students all mentioned the importance of social media, saying that this was “the next generation of word of mouth marketing.”

Klug assured the students that their reports would be put to good use. “They will all be turned over to our website design team this summer.” With support from the Province of Ontario’s Communities in Transition program, the HEA will be contracting web design services for the project.  

Student Khanh Nguyen said he enjoyed the assignment because it provided a “real life” project. “I’m glad to hear that our recommendations will be considered,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the results and how they will help improve the economy of the region.”

 – 30 –

Business students at Lakehead Orillia conclude their year with the presentation of a class project for the Huronia Economic Alliance. Shown with the students are Assistant Professor Dr.Joseph Paniculangara (far right) and Senior Planner from the Town of Penetanguishene, Jessica Klug (third from right).

July 17, 2013 – Orillia, ON

For those interested in learning more about a favourite creative passion this summer, Lakehead University Orillia’s new “Gathering Place for Arts, Culture and Community,” may have just the right opportunity. 

Based on community interest, a series of short, fun workshops have been planned that offer creative instruction in acting, writing, stage directing, audio recording, filmmaking, stone sculpting, and painting.  

Coming up are one-day workshops that focus on Shakespeare’s most alluring characters (July 20, August 3 or 10); a three-day hands-on stage direction program (July 29 – 31); special Leacock Summer Festival packages, including a “Freeing the Writer Within” workshop by writer Lauren Carter (July 27); family painting workshop with artist Jeff Miller (July 30); a two-day workshop on how to make films with your smart phone (August 6, 7); stone sculpting with Karen Brodie (August 12); and an introduction to music recording at Unity Market Recording Studio in Barrie (August 13).

Details for all programs, including registration forms, can be found online at the Lakehead Orillia website. Some programs can also be combined with an overnight stay in the beautiful, new Lakehead Orillia residence, for a summer getaway experience.

To learn more about the Centre, visit www.lakeheadorilliacentre.ca or contact Program Director Kathryn Manners at 705-330-4008 ext. 2010, or kmanners@lakeheadu.ca

– 30 –

Media:  For more information, please contact Lakehead University’s Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 orkjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University 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. For more information about Lakehead University, visitwww.lakeheadu.ca

June 25, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia has launched a new summer initiative that offers exciting and unique opportunities for creative learning – the Lakehead Orillia Centre: A Gathering Place for Arts, Culture and Community.

"Inspired by this region’s vibrant arts community, the Lakehead Orillia Centre is the result of a cooperative effort between our University and numerous community partners,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

Programs will be offered this summer at a variety of local gathering places where people can come together to explore and participate in the arts. Some of the events include options for overnight stays at Lakehead Orillia’s residence.

“We hope the community will rally around the Centre and register for programs,” said Kathryn Manners, the Centre’s program director.  “We’re prototyping many great learning events this summer, so we’re looking forward to involvement and participation from the community to help guide future programming for the Centre.”

Registration is now open for a number of interesting learning experiences, from “Shakespeare Seductions” and “Mariposa Folk Expressions” to “Life Books” and “Film School Smarts.”

One of the upcoming programs, Shakespearean Seductions, is described as “a sexy romp through some of the most tantalizing duets of Shakespeare.” Participants will explore the dynamics of some of the most alluring characters – from the actor, director and audience points of view.  Other programs are designed for those who enjoy films, books, painting, making music, dancing and more.

To learn more about the Centre and to register for programs, visit the Centre’s website at www.lakeheadorilliacentre.ca or contact Program Director Kathryn Manners at 705-330-4008 ext. 2010, or kmanners@lakeheadu.ca

– 30 –

Media:  For more information, please contact Lakehead University’s Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 orkjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University 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. For more information about Lakehead University, visitwww.lakeheadu.ca

July 23, 2013 – Orillia, ON 

Mitchell Sarjeant, Danielle Douglas and Annaleece Teape were among the many students who attended last week’s Fast Pass pre-orientation program at the Orillia campus of Lakehead University. The half-day session is aimed at easing new students’ transition to university life.

For most new students, leaving home and heading off to university is a milestone tinged with equal parts excitement and anxiety. To help ease what can be a difficult transition, Lakehead University opened its doors this month to welcome new students – and their families – for an advance orientation.

The unique summer program, called “Fast Pass,” is a half-day orientation with multiple information sessions and tours that allows first-year students to get a sense of their new academic home.

“This is the second year we’ve run the program and it’s been very popular,” said Simon Looker, Lakehead student affairs officer, who presented a well-attended seminar, ‘Money, Money, Money.’ “We have had a lot of students recommend Fast Pass to others, which tells you how well the program helps.”

In addition to Looker’s presentation – which went over the nuts and bolts of paying tuition, upcoming financial deadlines, government assistance programs and myriad other details – there were also seminars focused on the top ten questions new students have, life in residence, the student union and the bookstore.

New students appreciated the program, which continues to gain in popularity.

“I wanted to get a head start so that I didn’t feel intimidated or overwhelmed in September,” said Danielle Douglas, a 19-year-old from Toronto who will begin her social work program in the fall.

“I wanted to be in a smaller community and Lakehead has smaller classes, which is a better learning environment,” she said.

That was a sentiment echoed by Annaleece Teape.

“Honestly, I liked the idea of a smaller campus, away from the hustle and bustle and just the natural setting here,” said Teape, 18. “I was very attracted to Lakehead.”

She said she was impressed by the new 271-bed campus residence.

“I was not aware that the residence building was so new, but upon my arrival I discovered that the rooms were very spacious and I was very happy with it. It made me very excited about my first year living in residence,” said the Stouffville native.

She was also impressed with the practical information Fast Pass provided.

“I came so I could learn how to navigate around the campus and to have some of my questions answered,” she said. “It really helped … and now I feel comfortable about coming here in the fall.”

Oro-Medonte’s Mitchell Sarjeant, 17, said he is happy he can go to university close to home and save money by living at home while pursuing his interdisciplinary studies.

“I like the idea of being at a small university where you get to know the professors and they know you by your name,” said Sarjeant. “That really appealed to me.”

The Fast Pass program also embraced students’ families and supporters. Parents and guests were encouraged to attend the information sessions with students. And during the second half of the program, when students met with academic advisors to learn more about their programs and course selections, parents were invited to a session designed for them.

At the “Supporting Your Student” session, Jim Wylie, one of Lakehead Orillia’s personal counsellors, led a discussion about how parents can be involved, and talked about on-campus services, supporting independence and various other issues. In addition, a panel of parents talked about their own students’ experience, what worked and pitfalls to avoid.

“I think, as parents, it’s a time to recognize that you did a good job of getting them here and now it’s their time to shine,” said panelist Carol Deimling, a parent of two university graduates. “My kids told me to tell you to encourage your children to get involved with athletic and other extra-curricular activities. That’s the best way to meet new people.”

Wylie stressed that the adjustment to university life is one the entire family makes.

“You go from a time when they are kids, when you are totally responsible for their every need 24 hours a day to a time when they are moving away and moving toward independence,” he said. “It’s an adjustment for all families and we are here to help you with that adjustment.”

Many parents were thankful for the support.

“I think we all feel a lot more comfortable about the coming year now,” said Laura Deschamps who, along with husband Paul, participated in the events with their son, Mitchell. “I think it’s a good idea to have the opportunity to come, to see the residence where he will live, to meet some of his professors … I’m glad we came.”

- 30 -

(June 13, 2013 – Orillia, ON)

The next event in Lakehead Orillia’s Summer of Sustainability (SOS) public lecture series takes place on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 pm, and will investigate the unique landscape of Ontario’s Land Between.

Where the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands collide, lays an extraordinary landscape known as an ecotone, which extends from Georgian Bay all the way to Kingston on Lake Ontario. This intersection results in a habitat that has an explosive diversity of plants and animals, but is alarmingly sensitive.

Guest speaker Leora Berman, managing director of The Land Between, will deliver an insightful presentation on what makes Ontario’s Land Between so distinct.

“Berman has dedicated her career to innovative research on this integral part of our ecosystem,” says Dr. Thamara Laredo, professor at Lakehead Orillia and organizer of the SOS series. “With significant ecological, cultural, social, and economic characteristics, this transition zone is not only unique because of its physical characteristics, but because of its rich cultural heritage.”

Join us at Lakehead Orillia’s University Avenue campus to learn about The Land Between and how you can help to conserve its fragile qualities to ensure it continues to be an integral part of our culture and community.

For more information on Ontario’s Land Between check out the trailer for The Land Between Documentary Series at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z-WhyWa9vI.

Admission and parking for SOS events are free. For a complete listing of all event dates, topics, and speakers, visit the Lakehead University Orillia website, or contact Thamara Laredo at 705-330-4008, ext. 2645, or tlaredo1@lakeheadu.ca.

– 30 –

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

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