December 22, 2014 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

Lakehead University professors and students are receiving nearly $720,000 in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to help answer some fascinating questions.

Some of these outstanding research programs will investigate lead exposure in members of the colonial-era British Navy, analyze the protest media landscape during recent anti-austerity protests, examine how people responded to climate change over a long period of time, and determine how European immigrants influenced the culture of death in Canada.

Dr. Tamara Varney, Associate Professor in Anthropology, and scientists from Memorial University, the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron are receiving an Insight Grant worth $202,543 over four years to investigate lead exposure patterns in British Naval populations from colonial-era West Indies.

They are examining skeletal remains from three cemeteries in Newfoundland and Antigua, West Indies using a synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence laboratory. This equipment will help Dr. Varney determine the extent of lead levels while those individuals were alive.

Dr. Varney is leading this interdisciplinary team of researchers utilizing the expertise and technology of the CLS synchrotron facility in Saskatoon.

The team’s objective is to address the proposed idea that lead poisoning negatively impacted the quality of life for the British military serving in the colonial West Indies. One of the historical cemeteries involved will allow regular naval personnel to be examined and the remains of enslaved labourers who provided skilled labour support to the Naval Dockyard in Antigua.

“Working at the Canadian Light Source has been an amazing opportunity. Without its advanced analytical capabilities this project would not be possible, and I have SSHRC to thank for making it all come together,” Dr. Varney said.

“I am extremely happy with the initial success of this project and amazed at the volume of information that is being collected using the synchrotron,” said Dr. Ian Coulthard, staff scientist at the CLS.

“Dr. Varney’s research is a great example of the diversity of research topics that fall under the synchrotron umbrella, and this is the first SSHRC grant awarded specifically with direct ties to the CLS. I hope this is a sign of future growth in the social science research fields at the CLS.” 

Lead was pervasive in the colonial environment – contained in everyday items such as utensils for cooking and eating, alcohol distillation equipment and medicinal compounds. Lead is readily absorbed by biological organisms including humans, and exposure to the toxic metal remains a health issue in the modern world.

Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, a professor in Interdisciplinary Studies in Orillia, is receiving an Insight Development Grant of $69,995 over two years to analyze the protest media landscape in Spain, Italy and Greece during recent anti-austerity protests.

Dr. Jeppesen will use social movement documents, interviews with activists and more to examine various forms of media that support, emerge from or represent protest movements.

“This SSHRC Insight Development Grant will help us better understand how emerging groups of politically active citizens – what the Occupy movement has deemed the 99% – are using new digital media forms to organize protest movements against austerity, and how these media practices carry over into other social justice campaigns in between protest mobilizations,” Dr. Jeppesen said.

Dr. Pallavi Das, an Associate Professor in History, is receiving an Insight Development Grant of $58,530 over two years to examine the social-economic impacts of climate change and how people respond to it. The focus of the study is a horticultural community in the Himalayas.

“I am very happy to have this assistance from SSHRC. It would have been difficult to do this research without the Insight Development Grant,” Dr. Das said.

 This research will examine the impacts of climate change on people from 1940 until 2013 in the Himalayas. It will stress the experience and perception of ordinary people while also considering experts, government officers and business owners.

Mountain ecosystems and communities such as those in the Himalayas are more vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

At least four students will assist with the research programs described above.

Kimberly Shirley, a Master’s History student at Lakehead, is receiving a SSHRC scholarship for $17,500 to spend a year determining how immigrants influenced the culture of death in Canada.

Kimberly will examine symbolism on the grave markers of Europeans who immigrated and settled in and around Thunder Bay. This research will assist Kimberly in writing her thesis.

“Death is often treated more like an afterthought than a main subject in research. I like thinking out of the box when deciding on a topic,” Kimberly said, adding that it would have been difficult to do this research without the SSHRC scholarship.

The scholarship will allow her to purchase equipment to undertake her research and visit the national archive in Ottawa.

Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research, Economic Development & Innovation, is proud of the research happening at Lakehead University.

“Due to the hard work of our researchers, we are gaining even more of a reputation for engaging research that is proving beneficial for people in Canada and around the world,” Dr. Dean said.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

SSHRC Grants awarded in 2013-2014

Total value of awards:  $719,459

Faculty Member Grants

Insight Grant (four-year grant)

Dr. Tamara Varney, Department of Anthropology, Investigating lead exposure patterns in Royal Naval populations from the colonial era, $202,543.

Co-applicants

• Dr. David M.L. Copper, University of Saskatchewan
• Dr. Ian B. Courtland, University of Saskatchewan
• Dr. Treena M. Swanston, University of Saskatchewan
• Dr. Vaughan Grimes, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Collaborator

• Dr. Arthur R. Murphy, National Parks Antigua

Insight Development Grants (two-year grants)

• Dr. Pallavi Das, Department of History, A people’s history of climate change:  A study of the western Himalayan region in India, $58,530.
• Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Interdisciplinary Studies, Protest media ecologies:  communicative affordances for social change in the digital era, $69,995. Collaborator: Dr. Alice Mattoni, European University Institute, Florence, Italy.

• Dr. Antony Puddephatt, Department of Sociology, Open access publishing: costs, benefits, and contentious academic politics, $73,396. Collaborator: Dr. Neil McLaughlin, McMaster University

Aid to Small Universities (three-year grant)

Dr. Pallavi Das, Department of History, Research network on social and economic development, $90,000. The funding related to this grant will establish the Resources, Economy, and Society Research Group (RESRG).

Co-applicants

• Dr. Ron Harpelle, Department of History
• Dr. Michel Beaulieu, Department of History
• Dr. Steve Jobbitt, Department of History
• Dr. Chander Shahi, Faculty of Natural Resources Management
• Dr. Chris Southcott, Department of Sociology
• Dr. Jennifer Jarman, Department of Sociology

Connections Grant (one-year grant)

Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Interdisciplinary Studies, Media activism summer institute, $49,995.

Graduate Student Awards

Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master’s Program (one-year grants worth $17,500 each)

• Alexandra Bissell, Education, Arts-based expression of identity as a tool for resilient education: Building understanding between non-Indigenous teachers and Indigenous students.
  

• Meagann Blundon, English, The reclamation of First Nations women's voice in the Idle No More Movement.

• Samantha Chong, Psychology, Cortical response to a body image exposure.

• Maximillian Coghlan, English, Interpretative networks in Jeanette Winterson's 
  novels.

• Adam Davis, Psychology, Are systems thinkers motivated to seek congruent beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours? The proposed inverse relationship between systems thinking and cognitive consistency.

• Shy-Anne Hovorka, Education, Aboriginal music in education.

• Alicia Humphrey, Education, Inquiry­based learning for Aboriginal students.

• Chad Keefe, Psychology, Psychological contingencies in a chocolate dose-cardioresponse paradigm.

• Richard Mastrangelo, History, Life in Northwestern mining communities.

• Kimberly Shirley, History, How immigrants influenced the culture of death in 
  Canada.

Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead University’s newly-appointed Provost & Vice-President (Academic).

Thursday, December 18, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson is pleased to announce that the University’s Board of Governors has appointed Dr. Moira McPherson as the University’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic). As the chief academic officer at Lakehead University, she leads academic planning, development, and internal operations.

“Dr. McPherson has played integral roles in the development of our organization throughout her career at Lakehead,” states Dr. Brian Stevenson. “I am very pleased to be able to continue to work with someone who is so strongly committed to the learner-centred experience and exceptional education our students deserve.”

Dr. McPherson began her career at Lakehead University in 1987 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Athletics. She holds a PhD specializing in Applied Biomechanics and is regularly sought out for her scholarly and professional expertise in applied kinematic and biomechanical skill analyses by both national and international organizations.

Following seven successful years as the Director of the School of Kinesiology, Dr. McPherson became the University’s Associate Vice-President (Academic) and then took on the role of Deputy Provost in 2011. Dr. McPherson led the development and implementation of the Academic Plan, the University’s transition to the Institutional Quality Assurance process, efforts to increase student mobility and college transfer pathways, and most recently the development of the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement proposal.

As Lakehead’s newest Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. McPherson will broaden her contributions to the senior management team, building on her experience as the University’s Acting Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Acting Vice-President (Research, Economic Development & Innovation), and Interim Provost & Vice-President (Academic).

Dr. McPherson says she’s excited to continue to work with her colleagues across campus to expand initiatives that improve our students’ learning experiences and their access to the knowledge that a thriving research culture provides.

“I look forward to finding ways to enhance instructional effectiveness in small and large classes, and build engagement with our students within and beyond the traditional classroom.  We need to find the best ways to develop hybrid, online, and telepresence course pedagogies that will expand program delivery on both campuses and beyond.”

“This position provides me with a wonderful opportunity to continue to make a difference to the well-being of our students, but also to further develop an academic environment where our amazing and committed Lakehead faculty and staff can flourish.”

– 30 –

Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

December 17, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Three Lakehead University athletes who demonstrated exemplary leadership, sportsmanship and athletic performance were recently recognized with the Orillia campus Plastics Protect & Holliswealth Athletic Achievement Award.

The award recognizes a different athlete each month, from October to March, based on nominations from team coaches. In addition to honouring the efforts of individual athletes, the award provides $500 to support the athlete’s team or club activities.

Fourth year Interdisciplinary Studies student Jocelyn Nicholls from Whitby, Ont. won the award for October. As president of the Dance Team, Nicholls has shown outstanding dedication to the club over the past four years. “Her incredible organizational abilities have helped build a great team,” says her coach. 

The November athlete is a member of the men’s basketball team – Akeem Are of Richmond Hill, a first year Criminology student. In his position as shooting guard, he has led the team in scoring in every game played throughout the season, and is described by his coach as someone who has “jump out of the gym” athleticism.

December’s athlete is soccer player Kaitlyn Mulholland of Collingwood, a third-year Criminology student. She is described as an athlete who contributes 100 per cent and has led her team by example, always looking to improve performance.

“We are extremely fortunate to have partners who recognize the unique opportunities for students at the Orillia campus and who want to support and help shape our growing athletics program,” said Kim Fedderson, Orillia Campus Dean and Vice-Provost.

The award was established under the direction of former Olympic and Canadian championship athlete, Michelle Cowell, who represents the award donor, Plastics Protect & HollisWealth – Benson Kearley IFG.

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Three Lakehead Orillia athletes were the recent recipients of the Plastics Protect & Holliswealth Athletic Achievement Award: (l to r) Jocelyn Nicholls, dance; Akeem Are, basketball; and Kaitlyn Mulholland, women’s soccer.

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

With help from some children, LUSU President Ian Kaufman; Tammy Squitti, Nanabijou Board Chair; Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; Norine Carroll, executive assistant to MPP Bill Mauro; and Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC cut a paper ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Nanabijou Childcare Centre.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

The Nanabijou Childcare Centre officially opened its doors during the grand opening of its new building located along Oliver Road on the grounds of Lakehead University.  

Several dignitaries and government officials attended and spoke at the event that featured a tour of the 8,200-square foot facility, and an overview of the many services available to the University and local community.

Funding for the new childcare centre came from several sources, including $1 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU). Further in-kind support came from Lakehead University’s Financial Services Department and Physical Plant, which helped Nanabijou throughout the building process, and the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board.

“The NOHFC’s contribution of $1 million to the Nanabijou Childcare Centre is an investment in our future,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC. “It offers childcare and a new infant care program, and prepares the workforce by providing training for students. We congratulate the supporters of the centre for making this project a reality.”

Bill Mauro, MPP, Thunder Bay-Atikokan, congratulated the Nanabijou Childcare Centre for its creation of a new infant care program.  “This facility enhances the social and cognitive development of children in a safe and healthy environment – and it has also generated new employment and training opportunities within this sector.  I’m pleased that our government was able to contribute funding through NOHFC. Best wishes for continued success,” said Mauro.

“Our dream became a plan. That plan became a drawing. And the drawing became our new Nanabijou Childcare Centre,” said Nanabijou Childcare Centre Director Sheila Wilhelm. “Our new building on Lakehead University’s campus is as beautiful as the smiles on the faces of parents and children when they come here.”

Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson said the new childcare centre represents the exceptional work of the Nanabijou Board of Directors, local government representatives, and the Lakehead University community. “This new facility was built by members of our community for our community to support more parents with their daily balancing of work, school, and childcare, as well as the advancement of early childcare education.”

“Thanks to the support of Ministers Gravelle and Mauro, and Lakehead University’s Student Union, more of our University and Thunder Bay community members have a state of the art childcare facility to call their own," added Dr. Stevenson.

Ian Kaufman, President of LUSU, stated that Lakehead students are proud to support the new on-campus childcare centre so that students and faculty, as well as other community members, can now access more spots in a beautiful, modern space.

“Students voted to support this new centre because we wanted to make sure everyone studying at Lakehead has the resources to succeed here,” Kaufman added. “Lakehead’s students are increasingly diverse and that brings with it diverse needs. On-campus childcare plays an important role in meeting those expanding needs.”

“This is what happens when a group of volunteers like our Board of Directors dedicate their minds, talents, time to a good idea,” said Tammy Squitti, Nanabijou Board Chair. “We are very proud to offer an affordable, accessible, licensed, quality choice for families seeking childcare in Thunder Bay.”

Completed in September 2014, the new Nanabijou Childcare Centre added 38 daycare spots, created eight new full-time jobs, established a new infant care program, and enhanced access to post-secondary training opportunities for early childhood educators.

Squitti added, “I would like to thank Bridgman Collaborative Architecture, which did a wonderful job of turning dreams into drawings, and DRD Construction Services, which was an exceptional contractor who did the job well, on time, and on budget.”

An Open House for the general public will happen later today (December 16) from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Free parking will be available at the adjacent Lakehead University Fieldhouse lot.

For information about Nanabijou Childcare Centre, please visit:

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/nanabijou

Click here to read the November 2013 NOHFC funding announcement: 

http://news.ontario.ca/mndmf/en/2013/11/strengthening-education-and-childcare-services-in-thunder-bay.html

– 30 –

Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

December 11, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University is seeking exceptional and unconventional research story ideas in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.

These story ideas must describe significant research milestones, projects and innovations undertaken by faculty and/or students in the last 50 years.

“Lakehead’s 50th Anniversary provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the University’s past and present research contributions regionally, nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation.

These stories will celebrate the accomplishments of Lakehead researchers who will be recognized during the 10th Anniversary of Research and Innovation Week in 2015.  

Each nominee will also be featured on the University’s 50th Anniversary web page. 

The mission of the 50th Anniversary celebration is to recognize Lakehead alumni. Stories highlighting alumni involvement in research are especially encouraged.

Anyone with a connection to Lakehead University may submit a nomination. Self-nominations are welcomed.

Nomination forms must be received no later than Friday, Jan. 9, 2015.

The selection of 50 research stories will be decided by a committee managed by Lakehead’s 50th Anniversary Committee and the Office of the Vice-President, Research, Economic Development, and Innovation.  

For further information about the criteria, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca/50researchstories or contact Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation at vpresearch@lakeheadu.ca.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead students (l to r) Ruixia Liang, LinLin Feng, and Chenhan Chu of China are preparing to complete their Business degrees at the Orillia campus.

Travelling across an ocean alone and leaving your family and friends behind sounds like quite an intimidating experience. For three Lakehead Orillia students, that experience was their reality, and fortunately, the big risk was worth the big reward. 

“I was very excited to come to Canada to further my education. In the beginning, I did get a little homesick, but once I got involved in the Canadian lifestyle I began to enjoy it more and more,” says Chenhan Chu, one of three international students from China who study at Lakehead’s Orillia campus.

Chenhan, along with LinLin Feng and Ruixia Liang, came to Canada in 2012 to further their education in the English language. They first attended Columbia International College in Hamilton for two years to complete their high school diploma and prepare for post-secondary education. After graduation, all three decided that Lakehead Orillia was the university for them and joined the English Language Program taught by Dr. Jeff Hawkins, International Officer at the Orillia campus.

“The English Language Program is aimed at getting students’ proficiency in English up to a level where they feel comfortable and ready to begin their undergraduate studies,” explained Hawkins. “The students spend Monday to Friday together on campus, working on a variety of reading, writing and grammatical studies.”

Hawkins is extremely committed to the program, and, according to his students, is passionate about helping his students succeed.

“I love taking Jeff’s class. He takes total care of our academic needs and always encourages us to ask questions. We all feel comfortable talking to him and learning from him, as he never says no or turns us away when we need help,” said Feng when asked about her experience.

All three students are preparing to complete their Business degrees at Lakehead. When asked why they chose to attend Lakehead, they all agreed that they would not only receive a high-quality education here, but would also have a great community of people with whom to interact and practice their English.  “Larger schools have very diverse populations, so it could be easy to fall into speaking our own language and not have as much opportunity to practice English,” said Chu.

After spending a few months here, the students have discovered some of the highlights of living in Orillia and studying at Lakehead. They all mentioned the rural environment, especially the beautiful fall scenery, as well as the cleanliness and environmentally-friendly feel of the campus. In addition to their studies, the three students have also enjoyed Lakehead’s extracurricular activities, their favourite so far being a trip to Treetop Trekking at Horseshoe Valley. And they all agreed the small size of the campus helped in creating a good community for them and has made them feel comfortable.

Chu, Feng, and Liang are all excelling in their studies, and can’t wait to start their undergraduate classes, hopefully in the New Year.

As the Orillia campus expands, the University expects the number of international students to continue to grow. In addition to Chu, Feng, and Liang of China, Lakehead Orillia is also home to students from Norway, Cayman Islands and Nigeria.

- 30 -

 Stephanie Edwards is a third year Lakehead University student (HBASc/Anthropology) who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office.

November 11, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University’s commitment to a sustainable future took centre stage this afternoon.

People from communities across Simcoe County gathered at Hawk Ridge Golf Club to celebrate the release of the 2013-14 Annual Report, which focuses on Lakehead’s achievements in the spheres of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The close relationship between Lakehead University and the community was revealed by the $40 million impact of Lakehead’s operating expenditures on the City of Orillia and surrounding communities in 2013-14.

“As the president of a university committed to sustainability, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the last year and how we are transforming the world we live in,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor

At the lunch event, President Stevenson interviewed, as “host” in a talk show format, Lakehead faculty, students, and supporters who are contributing to healthier communities and ecosystems. Stephen Van Wart of TD Canada Trust spoke about TD’s commitment to student success through its new TD Impact Award. Lakehead faculty members, Dr. Katherine Becker and Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo shared news about a new research journal they established focused on early learning and development. And students Kayla Snyder and Brooke Marion talked about how the research opportunities they experienced at Lakehead allowed them to pursue their passion for environmental sustainability.

The event also highlighted some of the other 2013-14 accomplishments including the founding of the Research Centre for Sustainable Communities.

A Report to the Community launch will be held on the University’s Thunder Bay campus on November 13.

Read more about the exceptional work being done by Lakehead’s researchers, students, and alumni by going to report.lakeheadu.ca.

– 30 –

Lakehead University’s annual Report to the Community luncheon featured a new talk show format with President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson hosting guest students, professors and community supporters. The event was held at the Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club on November 11.

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

November 25, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Last night (Monday, November 24) members of the community filled Brewery Bay in downtown Orillia for two dinner seatings to celebrate and raise funds for Lakehead University’s Humanities 101 program.

The fundraiser was organized in memory of Yuksel Gulmen, who was one of the founding community volunteers to help set up the program at the Orillia campus two years ago.

“Without the support and commitment from our community, we would not be able to continue to realize Yuksel’s goal of helping local residents access university opportunities,” said Yuksel’s husband, Tony Gulmen. “Humanities 101 meant a lot to her – she wanted to give students back some self-esteem and give them a chance to pursue their dreams.”

Two graduates of the Humanities 101 program, who are now full-time Lakehead University students, spoke about the opportunities Humanities 101 opened up for them. “I was inspired, especially by two of my Humanities 101 professors,” said Madeline Clarke. “They gave me the encouragement and confidence to return to school.” Erika Brown’s experience was similar. After taking time off after high school, it was the Humanities 101 program that made her want to take the step to university. ““We got to hear a little bit about the kinds of programs Lakehead offered and meet some of its great professors.” Both students are enrolled in the University’s Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.

Humanities 101 is a community-based outreach program that provides access to a university education experience to adult learners, despite financial and other barriers. Dozens of participants have successfully completed the program since it was launched at the Orillia campus in 2012, and several have gone on to explore post-secondary opportunities and make various important life changes.  The next 12-week session begins in January 2015.

To see photos from the event, visit Lakehead Orillia’s Facebook page here.

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Humanities 101 graduates and current Lakehead students Madeline Clarke and Erika Brown spoke about their experience at the fundraising event for the Lakehead’s outreach program.

Dr. Linda Rodenburg, director of Lakehead Orillia’s Humanities 101 program, with Steve Clarke of Brewery Bay, and Tony Gulmen, who helped organized the fundraising event.

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

June 25, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead’s Task Force on Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support has submitted its report to University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. 

The task force’s chair, Dr. Lori Chambers, said she is pleased with the results of the task force’s work and hopes its report helps Lakehead enhance and expand existing supports for victims of sexual assault. 

“Our mandate included developing a means to more effectively educate the University community about the pervasiveness of sexual assault, and to minimize stigma and sexual assault myths,” said Dr. Chambers, who is also Chair of Lakehead’s Department of Women’s Studies. “I am confident that this report and the adoption of its recommendations will fulfill this need.”

The report was submitted seven months after Dr. Stevenson created the President’s Task Force in response to a letter to the editor published in the Chronicle-Journal about a former student’s disclosure of an alleged sexual assault involving another student off campus.

“I would like to thank the individual who wrote the  letter to the Chronicle-Journal last October, both for her courage and the resulting encouragement to take a close look at our policies and practices and improve upon them,” said Dr. Stevenson.  “I am also very grateful for everything Dr. Chambers and her fellow task force members have worked so diligently to achieve for our University community. We have already taken steps to implement some of the report’s recommendations.”  

Recommendation #1     POLICY

- Approval of a new policy, entitled Sexual Misconduct Policy and Protocol: A Policy Dealing with Sexual Harassment, Sexual Stalking and Sexual Assault.

Action: Lakehead’s Board of Governors formally approved the task force’s groundbreaking policy at their June 6, 2014 meeting.

The policy is available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/general/sexual-misconduct-policy-and-protocol. 

Recommendation #2     EDUCATION

- Including a campaign to enhance a culture of respect and inclusion, and to prevent sexual misconduct.

Action:  During the 2014-2015 academic year, Lakehead University will establish education initiatives for students, faculty, and staff.

Recommendation #3     STRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS

- Including the establishment of a Human Rights, or Social Justice, office at Lakehead.

Action: During the 2014-2015 academic year, a new Human Rights Officer position will be created at Lakehead University with a mandate to pursue the feasibility and implementation of the report’s recommendations. 

President Stevenson announced he will reconvene the task force in approximately six months in order to summarize, discuss, and assess the University's progress in implementing the recommendations arising from the report.

Please see this PDF of the complete report from the Task Force on Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support.
 
Members of the Task Force on Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support included Lakehead students, faculty, and staff, as well as experts in sexual assault from the community:

•    Chair:  Dr. Lori Chambers – Chair, Department of Women's Studies
•    Bott, Alexander – Student Representative, Orillia
•    Boucher, Doreen – Executive Director, Thunder Bay Sexual Assault/Abuse Counselling and Crisis Centre
•    Cappadocia, Frank – Associate Vice-Provost, Orillia
•    Chan, Karen – Manager, Student Health and Counselling Services
•    Chung, Jayal –Gender Issues Centre Coordinator
•    Eccles, Barb – Senior Advisor to the President and Legal Counsel
•    Fogel, Curtis – Faculty Member, Orillia
•    Gerrard, Diedra – House President (Residence) and Student Representative, Thunder Bay
•    Hare, David – Director of Residence and Conference Services, Thunder Bay
•    Herchak, Sherry –Harassment and Discrimination Coordinator, Thunder Bay
•    Jeppesen, Sandra – Faculty Member, Orillia
•    Kaucharik, Susan – Detective Sergeant Criminal Investigations Branch, Thunder Bay
•    Kaufman, Ian – President, Lakehead University Student Union, Thunder Bay
•    Kearney, Jessica – Student Representative, Orillia
•    MacDonald, Dawn – Manager, Ambulatory Services, SADVTC, Pre-Admission Clinic and Rehabilitation Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
•    McRae, Ian – Lakehead University Student Union, Orillia
•    Moffatt, Linda – Acting Manager (Security Services) Thunder Bay
•    Prisciak, Theresa – Security Services Coordinator, Orillia
•    Quinlan, Andrea – Faculty Member, Orillia
•    Ryks-Szelekovszky, Marian, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), Thunder Bay
•    Stuesser, Lee – Founding Dean, Faculty of Law
•    Warden, Tom – Director of Athletics, Thunder Bay
•    Wesley-Esquimaux, Cynthia –Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives), Thunder Bay

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.