Lakehead/YMCA agreement supports community leadership development
(l – r): Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-Provost, Lakehead Orillia; Rob Armstrong, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Brian Shelley, Vice President, Youth Engagement, Leadership Development and Camping Programs, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka; and Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost, Lakehead Orillia.
March 21, 2014 – Orillia, ON
Community leaders in Simcoe County can look forward to new leadership training opportunities in the coming months thanks to a new partnership between Lakehead University and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed by the two organizations that will support the development of a specialized Leadership Training Program, which will provide quality, cost-effective professional development opportunities for leaders in Simcoe County.
“We have many outstanding leaders working in Simcoe County,” said Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean and Vice-Provost of Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus. “Our aim with this new MOU is to provide training that is distinctly suited to the needs of leaders in the public and not-for-profit sectors.”
While business and community leaders may have access to skills-based leadership training, the YMCA/Lakehead program will focus on the leadership capacity of the individual. The program will explore what it takes to be an effective leader using academically sound and research supported content.
“The YMCA’s history and reputation for expertise in leadership development combined with the University’s resources and research capabilities make this an ideal partnership,” said Dr. Rod Hanley, Lakehead University Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “We are both dedicated to the ongoing development of our community leaders.”
“With over 100 years of experience in leadership development, our YMCA is very excited about this unique opportunity,” explained Rob Armstrong, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Working with an institution like Lakehead will continue this tradition and provide our region with the needed educational experiences that will help strengthen the leadership base in the not-for-profit sector. We know that through this type of strategic partnership, together, we will build healthy communities.”
The plan is to offer the new leadership programs at the YMCA’s Geneva Park Conference Centre and at the Lakehead University Orillia campus. The first set of programs is expected to launch this May. A working group has been formed and the program’s first sessions have already been developed.
For further information, please contact Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-Provost, Lakehead University Orillia, fcapp@lakeheadu.ca; or Brian Shelley, Vice President, Youth Engagement, Leadership Development and Camping Programs, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, brian_shelley@ymca.ca.
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Media: For more information, 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 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 1st in Ontario and 2nd 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.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka serves over 120,000 families, adults, youth and children throughout Simcoe County and Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound. Comprised of an array of program offerings, including, eight membership centres in Barrie, Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Innisfil, Midland, Orillia, Parry Sound, and Wasaga Beach; Child Care Centres across a number of communities; operating day camps through the regions in addition to residence camp at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island; leadership development, outdoor education and family programs at YMCA Geneva Park; and counsels to over 20,000 people in several employment centres, including Huntsville and Parry Sound.
As our Mission Statement affirms, “My Y is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and to their sense of belonging to each other and the global community.” Our Vision for the future is “My Y inspires people to reach their full potential.”