August 9, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Today, at the annual Summer Conference of the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, Lakehead University formalized a learning partnership with the prestigious Couchiching Institute, Canada’s oldest and most recognized public affairs forum.

The new partnership began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed by Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, and Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs President, Dr. Rima Berns-McGown.

The MOU signing took place at Geneva Park, on the shores of Lake Couchiching, where the three and a half day annual Summer Conference served this year as a forum for open, non-partisan discussion about the significant historical and contemporary issues that affect the relations between Indigenous Peoples and Canada.

“Lakehead University is proud to collaborate with the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, a Canadian leader in providing opportunities for meaningful exchange of ideas on domestic and international issues,” said Lakehead’s Dr. Stevenson, who attended the conference. “Not only will this new relationship further our University’s commitment to civic engagement and the sharing of knowledge, it will offer Lakehead students new and innovative community service learning opportunities.”

The MOU outlines how the University and Institute will collaborate for mutual benefit. Lakehead will work closely with Couchiching to design learning opportunities for students, including participation at the annual Summer Conference. In addition to becoming a corporate member of the Institute, Lakehead will organize roundtable sessions in the community to encourage civic engagement and discussion on significant public policy issues.

“The Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs is delighted to deepen its roots in Simcoe County through its relationship with Lakehead University,” said Dr. Berns-McGown. “For 82 years we have held our signature annual Summer Conference on the shores of Lake Couchiching and this new bond between our two institutions strengthens our commitment to civic discourse, knowledge transfer, and community engagement on a year-round basis. We look forward to playing a more active role not only within the academic community but in the region as a whole, broadening our circle for meaningful, engaging conversation on issues that matter.”

Several Lakehead faculty members and students participated in the conference, including student Lisa Phillips, who said the experience was an extraordinary opportunity for her. “As a member of a First Nation community, this conference is especially meaningful. It has helped me learn how to navigate my two cultures, and more importantly, has provided the opportunity to envision a better nation, where all Canadians work together, respect each other and understand each other’s issues.”

Lakehead University is also involved with this year’s conference through its Lakehead Orillia Centre – A Gathering Place for Arts, Culture and Community. The new Centre has offered several interesting and creative programs this summer, including an Aboriginal Awareness workshop and an Aboriginal Sweat Lodge experience with members of the Rama First Nation. The Centre also supported the involvement of local First Nations communities at the conference by facilitating a display by local artists and organizations.

 Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs President Dr. Rima Berns-McGown and Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson display their newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding documents following a signing at the Institute's annual Summer Conference at Geneva Park.

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact Kathy Hunt, Lakehead Orillia Communications Officer, 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.

Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, Canada’s oldest and most recognized public affairs forum, is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization whose mission is to engage Canadians of all ages and deepen their understanding of domestic and international issues, through open and inclusive discussion, without advocacy or partisanship. Couchiching builds on its history and commitment to a balanced perspective to inform Canadians who care deeply about public issues and to create an environment that leads to a more vigorous civil society. http://www.couchichinginstitute.ca/

Lakehead University honours outstanding students, faculty and community leaders at 2013 Convocation

June 4, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Graduating students from Lakehead University’s Orillia campus are preparing for a special day of celebration this Saturday, as the campus holds its annual Convocation ceremony.

Over 1,000 people are expected to attend this year’s ceremony at Rotary Place (West Orillia Sports Complex) on University Avenue, including students, faculty, staff, and guests.

The ceremony will highlight the accomplishments of students, as well as members of the community. Over 375 students will receive degrees at this year’s ceremony.

This year, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters will be awarded to Holocaust survivor and public speaker, Dr. Eva Olsson, who will deliver the commencement address to graduands.  

The title of Fellow will be bestowed upon Dr. Robert Bennett for his contributions to Lakehead Orillia. This is the first time that a Lakehead University Fellow has been named for contributions directly related to the Orillia campus.

The Civitas Award, given annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University, will be awarded to local business leader and artist, Will McGarvey.  Past Civitas Award winners include: Anderson Charters (2012); Paul Weber (2011); former mayor of Orillia, Ron Stevens (2010); Lloyd Dennis (2009); and Sue Mulcahy (2008).

“On a day when we graduate those who will transform our world, tomorrow, it is fitting that we honour those who have, and continue, to do so, today,” said Chancellor Derek Burney. “Our hope is that our graduates will be inspired by our honouree’s deeds and words during this, a very transformative moment in their lives.”

Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, said, “Convocation is a chance to celebrate the hard work our students have put into their studies, to honour achievements, and to look toward a prosperous future together.”

Above all, this year’s convocation will celebrate the accomplishments of Lakehead students.

For the first time in the history of the Orillia campus, degrees will be awarded to graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (HBComm) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and the four-year Honours Bachelor of Social Work program (HBSW). These graduates represent members of the charter classes for these programs.

Degrees will also 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:

- Emily House, HBASc

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:

- Jazmin Beddard, HBASc

- Brendan Trace, HBASc/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:

- Mason T. Ainsworth, HBComm (undergraduate)

ALUMNI AWARDS

Lakehead Orillia Alumni Awards will also be awarded for the first time this year at a Chancellor’s Dinner to be held at the campus on Friday, June 7. 

- Crystal Luchkiw, HBASc ’09 (Orillia campus) and Michael Thorn, HBASc ’10 (Orillia campus), HBSc ’11 (Thunder Bay campus), will receive Young Alumni Awards.

- Dr. Linda Rodenburg, HBA/BEd ’99 (Thunder Bay campus) and current lecturer at Lakehead Orillia, will receive the Alumni Honour Award.

Other awards and prizes to Lakehead Orillia graduates will also be presented during the ceremony to recognize outstanding academic achievement in specific program areas. (See full listing attached.)

Lakehead Orillia’s convocation ceremony takes place at Rotary Place at the West Orillia Sports Complex, University Avenue, at 10 am on Saturday, June 8.

Graduates, their families and friends are invited to enjoy refreshments immediately following the ceremony. The ceremony can be viewed live online at Lakehead’s website

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

Full listing of all student medals, awards and prizes is attached.

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 15, 2013 – Orillia, ON)

Lakehead University’s “Summer of Sustainability” (SOS) series continues this month with a special screening of People of a Feather, a film about survival in a changing Canadian Arctic. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 23 at 7 pm at Lakehead Orillia’s University Avenue campus.

The People of a Feather documentary shows, through groundbreaking footage, how the Inuit survive harsh Arctic winters. The award-winning film takes the viewer through time into the world of Inuit and their unique cultural relationship with the eider duck. Eider down, the warmest feather in the world, allows both Inuit and bird to survive harsh Arctic winters. The film demonstrates how traditional life is juxtaposed with modern life as both people and eiders face the challenges posed by changing sea ice and ocean currents.

Lakehead faculty member Jack Seigel, who teaches biology with the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, and has made numerous visits to the Arctic, will lead a discussion following the film.

Jack Seigel, who teaches biology at Lakehead University, will lead a discussion following the SOS series presentation of the award-winning documentary, People of a Feather. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 23 at 7 pm (University Avenue campus).

The final SOS series event takes place on August 20 and will also focus on the topic of survival. Guest speaker Dr. Andrea Kirkwood from the department of biology, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, will discuss the topic of aquatic ecosystems. She will share her research, which examines the ecological function of urban ponds and wetlands.

The SOS public lecture series is free and open to the public. For further information, visit www.lakeheadu.ca or contact series organizer, Dr. Thamara Laredo at 705-330-4008, ext. 2645 or tlaredo1@lakeheadu.ca.

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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.

(May 14, 2013 – Orillia, ON)

Lakehead University’s “Summer of Sustainability” (SOS) series is back this summer with new environmental sustainability issues and solutions to discover.

The SOS public lecture series takes place at Lakehead Orillia’s University Avenue campus and is free and open to the public. Participants can expect to have their eyes opened to environmental matters presented by special guest speakers from across Ontario. Following each presentation, those in attendance will have the unique opportunity to discuss their concerns, questions and perspectives in a relaxed and open setting.

Dr. Thamara Laredo, organizer of the SOS series and professor of chemistry at Lakehead Orillia, describes the series as a place where open discussions on environmental issues can occur. “Attendees are welcome to bring their perspectives and views, but the series has no political or group association,” said Dr. Laredo.

SOS lectures take place once a month, from May to August, on a Tuesday between 7 and 9 pm.

The first of this summer’s series is May 21, 2013. The kick-off lecture, Resilience in the Lake Simcoe Watershed, features guest speaker Seanna Davidson from the University of Waterloo’s Department of Environment and Resource Studies. Seanna will share her distinct perspective on how individuals and organizations have worked in collaboration to foster a healthier Lake Simcoe.

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

Download the full schedule here.

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.

(May 6, 2013 – Orillia, ON)

Your kids could be heading off to university sooner than you think!

This summer, Lakehead Orillia's day camp is back, giving kids 6 - 13 years of age a sneak peek into university life. Starting July 8, the University is offering four one-week camp sessions, all designed around popular themes, including ArtsU (July 8 - 12), Super Science (July 15 - 19), Bizkids (July 22 - 26) and Nuts for Nature (July 29 - August 2).

New this year is BizKids, which culminates in a "Dragon's Den" style "Wolf Den" challenge for the day camp entrepreneurs. Current business students at Lakehead who make up the Business Orillia Student Society (BOSS) are busy planning the week's activities.

Camp Director Liz Ross, athletics and recreation facilitator at the Orillia campus, says she is excited about how this year’s camp program is coming together. “Our CampU staff are highly qualified and motivated students enrolled in Lakehead University's Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Social Work programs. They all have experience working with children, and represent some of our top student leaders.” Ross adds that it’s the variety of programming, along with the chance for campers to experience the campus facilities, which make CampU stand out.

All camp weeks feature a day at the beach, and options for extended care and nutritious meal plans. Older campers spend one overnight in the campus residence, another exciting way to experience university life.

CampU registration is on weekly basis with online registration available at www.lakeheadu.ca.  For further information, contact Liz Ross at 705-330-4008, ext. 2116 or orathlet@lakeheadu.ca

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Photo caption:This summer, Lakehead Orillia's CampU day camp is back, giving kids 6 - 13 years of age a sneak peek into university life. Starting July 8, the University is offering four one-week camp sessions focused on different themes: ArtsU, Super Science, BizKids, and Nuts for Nature.

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

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

May 10, 2013

A Business 2 Innovation event at Lakehead Orillia's University Avenue campus will encourage learning, collaboration and interaction by connecting industry and researchers to explore potential partnerships and funding opportunities.

Lakehead University and Georgian College, in cooperation with the County of Simcoe, the City of Orillia, and the Ontario Centres of Excellence, are hosting the Thursday, May 16 event from 5 to 8 pm. It will kick off with a barbeque, followed by presentations and networking.

This is the third annual event to promote such partnerships in Central Ontario and is open to all area businesses that are interested in accessing expertise and funding to support the growth of their business and economic development in the region.

“A special thank you to Georgian College, the County of Simcoe, the City of Orillia and the Ontario Centres of Excellence for helping to make this important networking event happen,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “The sharing of best practices benefits everyone and I hope local business owners take advantage of this opportunity by participating in Business 2 Innovation.”

“Georgian’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation helps businesses bring their ideas to life, and also provides real world experience for our students,” said Georgian College President and CEO, MaryLynn West-Moynes. “We are very pleased to co-host this important event. Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of our regional economy. Our joint efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation are key to addressing local job growth and economic development.”

One of the success stories to be featured at the event is 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 team recently developed an experimental garden on campus to test the products. Dr. Murray and Derek Rynard of PSI will officially unveil this first onsite research “lab” during the event.

“This is an excellent opportunity for local business people to get a sense of what kind of research the University and College are doing and how we work together with industry,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation at Lakehead University. “We are open for business and look forward to fostering partnerships that will provide learning opportunities for our students, while supporting economic development in our communities.”

The event is free and open to all interested business people, students and researchers. Registration is required and can be completed online at bit.ly/business2innovation, by phone at 807-343-8871, or via email to kafettes@lakeheadu.ca.

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

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 named 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.

August 15, 2013 – Orillia/Barrie, ON

Georgian College and Lakehead University are creating new ways for students to earn both a college diploma and a university degree in less time.

This latest development in the ongoing Lakehead and Georgian partnership comes as student groups call on postsecondary institutions across Ontario to improve the transferability of college and university credits.

Three newly signed articulation agreements will allow qualified Georgian graduates to gain advanced standing in selected programs at Lakehead.

Graduates from the Georgian College General Arts and Science two-year diploma program are eligible for course credits in Lakehead’s Honours BASc or BASc Interdisciplinary Studies programs, with specializations in Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. Qualifying students will have the opportunity to earn a degree with just over two years of additional study.

In addition, graduates from Georgian College’s Environmental Technology three-year diploma program are eligible to transfer into the Honours BASc Environmental Sustainability program.

These new agreements represent the first college transfers resulting from the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Georgian and Lakehead last year.

“Helping students gain advanced skills through both college and university education is one of the most effective steps we can take to help them succeed, said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian College President and CEO. “Our two institutions are proud to be leading the way.”

“These are the kinds of innovative post-secondary opportunities that today’s and tomorrow’s students will continue to expect from colleges and universities,” said Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Georgian and Lakehead are committed to facilitating and enhancing the student-centred, student-focused learning experience that will have a real-life impact on the futures of graduates from both our institutions.”

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson and Georgian College President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes meet to discuss new ways of partnering. The presidents recently signed articulation agreements to allow Georgian graduates to more easily combine a diploma and a degree.

For details on these articulation agreements, visit the Georgian College Articulation and Transfer Agreements website at http://www.georgiancollege.ca/articulations or Lakehead’s website at http://www.mylakehead.ca/college/.

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MEDIA:  For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Lakehead University Communications Officer Kathy Hunt at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca or Georgian College Senior Communications Specialist Mark Hall at 705-728-1968 or mark.hall@georgiancollege.ca .

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 120 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 named 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.

April 26, 2013 – Orillia, ON

The athletics program at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus just got a huge boost, with the recent announcement that the campus was accepted as an affiliate member of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). Lakehead Orillia’s official membership status is effective as of May 1, 2013 and opens up opportunities for expanding varsity sports and athletic competition.

“The OCAA membership presents a great opportunity for us,” said Dr. Herman van den Berg, Acting Dean at Lakehead Orillia. “As an OCAA member, we will be able to expand our varsity sport opportunities, as will the Thunder Bay campus.”

Varsity athletics at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus operate under the auspices of Ontario University Athletics (OUA). The OCAA is the sports governing body for intercollegiate sports at colleges and smaller universities in the province. Other universities that have recently joined OCAA include Laurier’s Brantford campus and Trent University.

Lakehead’s successful application, which required the support of two existing members, was endorsed by Humber College and Georgian College.

The first varsity sports Lakehead Orillia will field for OCAA competition are men’s and women’s curling, beginning in the 2013-14 season. Within the next five years, the Orillia campus plans to introduce additional varsity sport teams, according to interest and the development of community partnerships.

In addition to varsity sport expansion, the OCAA membership supports growth of the University’s extramural clubs, such as soccer, hockey and basketball. “As a non-OCAA member, our teams were restricted to three tournaments per year,” explained Dr. van den Berg.  “With membership status, the teams will be eligible for all tournaments, including championships.”

“We are extremely pleased to have Lakehead University’s Orillia campus as a new member,” said Blair Webster, OCAA Executive Director. “Lakehead’s membership will not only contribute to sport competition in the province, but will also enhance the Lakehead Orillia student experience.”

Dr. van den Berg agrees. “Congratulations to our staff team for making this happen,” he said. “Our membership in OCAA will increase options for students here on campus and will also benefit the community. As sport and tournament activity increase, so will the economic and social benefits to businesses and residents in the region.”

Lakehead Orillia’s athletic and recreation program has experienced rapid growth since the University Avenue campus opened in 2010. As well as varsity and club teams, the University offers a variety of intramural and drop-in sports and fitness programs, plus a YMCA membership for all full-time students. For more information, visit lakeheadu.ca. (https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-services/or/athletics-...)

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Lakehead University Athletics and Recreation Facilitator Liz Ross (l) with athletes: Josh MacDonald, Men's Extramural Hockey Captain; Sandra Best, Ontario University Equestrian Association; and Cassandra Uyl, Varsity Curling.

August 20, 2013 – Orillia, ON

Thanks to generous local sponsors and 148 golfers, Lakehead University’s President’s Golf Invitational, which took place at the Barrie Country Club on Monday, August 19, was a round of success, raising over $94,000 for academic scholarships and initiatives.

Monies raised by the daylong event will support student scholarships through an endowment fund created following the inaugural tournament in 2009. Two scholarships of $5,000 are awarded each year to Simcoe County students – one to a first year Lakehead student, and another to a graduating business student. 

Recipients of the 2012-2013 scholarships attended this year’s tournament and shared their experiences with the sold-out crowd.  The undergraduate scholarship was awarded to Katelynn Crawford of Severn Bridge, and the business scholarship went to David French of Barrie.

“Being awarded this scholarship was a great way to finish up my four years at Lakehead,” said French. “It has been an amazing experience – Lakehead has an outstanding learning culture and I feel like I got tremendous value here. I am grateful to the people behind this scholarship – it will definitely help as I take my next steps toward a new career.”

Crawford also expressed her appreciation. “I am paying for university myself, so the financial security this gives me is wonderful. I’m very grateful,” said Crawford.

For the first time this year, funds raised by the tournament will also support Lakehead Athletics and the University’s Humanities 101 program, both critical to Lakehead Orillia and its growing presence in Simcoe County. Humanities 101 is a unique program that provides a university experience to those who would otherwise not have the opportunity due to financial and other barriers.

“I am extremely proud and appreciative of the tournament’s group of outstanding organizers, supporters and participants,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “The contributions and involvement of the people and businesses from throughout this region speak to how they value their University and understand the importance of supporting our local students.”

Tournament chair, Blake Hunter of Investors Group, said he believes the students at Lakehead are the future leaders of Simcoe County. “Our committee is dedicated to helping these future leaders by making an investment in their education. As a business person, I look at this not as a charity but as an investment from which we will all benefit.”

Since the inception of the Lakehead campus in Orillia, almost half a million dollars has been raised for student scholarships.

The President’s Golf Invitational is the University’s largest annual fundraiser — an event made more popular, every year, with its a renown for the value it offers. Because of the many generous sponsors and donors, golfers enjoyed a full day of golf, a silent auction, contests, prizes, and a wrap-up wine and cheese reception and dinner.

Dozens of area businesses support the tournament each year, including the top “degree” sponsors for 2013: BMO Nesbitt Burns; Casino Rama; C. C. Tatham & Associates Ltd.; Cordery Electrical Contracting Inc.; Investors Group; Mid Ontario Disposal/Best Western Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre; Monteith Building Group; The Sarjeant Co. Ltd.; and Wallwin Electric.

“This golf tournament is truly a community-driven success story,” said tournament organizer Paul Weber of Lakehead Orillia. “So many have played a critical role to ensure access to post-secondary education in Simcoe County. We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners to ensure the growth of the campus and its role in educating our future leaders.”

Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson with recipients of The President’s Scholarship Golf Tournament awards, David French (BAdmin ’13) of Barrie and Katelynn Crawford (HBASc ’16) of Severn Bridge.

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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

Lakehead University Orillia partners with Streets Alive! and local artist Paul Baxter to create the only matching pair of letters for the Streets Alive! festival. Paul will also lead a creativity workshop for CampU’s ArtsU week to help children produce designs for their very own letter sculptures. Sami Pritchard, Lakehead’s CampU Coordinator (l to r), Liz Ross, Lakehead’s CampU Director, Nikki McBride, Lakehead Communications Assistant, and Paul Baxter, local “letter” artist, reveal the preliminary designs on the “Letters of Orillia” sculptures.  

June 12, 2013 – Orillia, ON 

"Letters of Orillia" spell opportunity at Lakehead University's CampU

Lakehead University Orillia has partnered with the Streets Alive! Letters of Orillia art project and local artist Paul Baxter to design the only matching pair of letter sculptures for the annual Streets Alive! festival.

“Letter” artist Paul Baxter is designing the letters “L” and “U” in recognition of Lakehead University Orillia and its food service provider, Madison County Food and Beverage Co. Inspired by the phrase “the sky is the limit,” Baxter is turning the two, 6 foot high and nearly 200-pound metal sculptures into masterpieces that will appear at the Streets Alive! launch in downtown Orillia on June 22.

“I was thrilled to learn that Lakehead University had chosen my design for their letters,” said Baxter. “The University means so much to Orillia and I am honoured to be able to work with such a dynamic and important member of the community – it’s a very exciting project!”

The University is also excited about the oversized letters and will be incorporating them into its ArtsU camp as part of CampU, the day camp running at the Orillia campus this summer.

The arts-themed day camp, taking place July 8 to 12, is designed to expand children’s knowledge of art mediums and methods while building leadership skills. “The Letters of Orillia project is a perfect way to add a creative, fun activity into the week,” explained Liz Ross, Lakehead Orillia’s Athletics and Recreation Facilitator, and Director of CampU.

The project will include a workshop with Baxter as a guest artist. “Paul’s workshop will focus on how to turn personal inspirations into artistic designs, offering CampU participants the opportunity to work with an established artist to produce their very own creations,” said Ross.

Using their new skills and with professional guidance, CampU participants will create individual designs that will come alive when they transfer their creations onto a scaled-down version of a “Letters of Orillia” sculpture.

Camp staff will be on hand at the Streets Alive! kick-off event on Saturday, June 22 in downtown Orillia to help showcase the “L” and “U” and the summer arts camp opportunity.

CampU also offers Super Science, BizKids and Nuts for Nature camp weeks. For more information, visit the Lakehead University website at http://orillia.lakeheadu.ca/camp-u/or contact Program Director Liz Ross at 705-330-4008 ext. 2116, or orathlet@lakeheadu.ca.

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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