Students at Lakehead Orillia's 2013 orientation head to the O-Cup hockey game against Georgian College Orillia. 

As the summer comes to a close, students across Ontario are getting ready to head back to school. Attending post-secondary school is a big change for most young adults, as they move away from home and start a new chapter of their lives. It can be a very scary experience and one of the best ways to help calm those fears is to attend Orientation. At Lakehead Orillia, students can be guaranteed a great first impression of university life, as the campus began planning their Thunderwolves Howl: Orientation 2014 all the way back in April.

Over 300 new students will be coming to Lakehead’s Orillia campus on September 5 as the Orientation activities begin. Current students were chosen in April to act as Orientation Leaders, and will be welcoming students from all over Ontario and the world — some from as far as Nigeria and China. The event will be taking place over the course of the weekend and will have students exploring both the campus and the city of Orillia.

Attending Orientation can, at first, seem like an intimidating endeavour. I know that when I began my studies at Lakehead Orillia as a mature student, I was nervous to attend and even considered not going. Three years later, I am now an Orientation Leader and excited to welcome new students and help them transition smoothly into university life. Looking back at my experience, here are my top three reasons why I think attending Orientation is an important part for any incoming Lakehead students.

1. Meeting new people.

Nervous about starting your first year of university? Guess what: so is everyone else! One of the most beneficial things you learn within the first five minutes of getting to Orientation is that everyone is feeling the same emotions you are. Finding this out can be incredibly comforting and can help allow you to open up and begin talking to other students. Once you get talking, try to find some people who are in the same program as you, as this will establish familiar faces in your lectures and might even land you a study buddy or two.

2. Finding out what Lakehead has to offer.

Though you most likely have done your fair share of research before getting on campus, there are many things that Lakehead has to offer that you may not have realized, yet, including the Student Union, various clubs and organizations, on-campus jobs, and athletics. Orientation provides students the chance to explore current interests and even create a few new ones, all while having fun!

3. Getting to know Orillia.

Almost an entire day is dedicated to exploring the city because Orillia has so many different things to offer! You will get the chance to see the sights and sounds of your new home and learn the best places for eating, shopping, exercising, and entertainment! Loonie Lunch is a fun Orientation event in which new students can explore downtown and can grab lunch for only $1 at some popular restaurants including Mariposa Market and Think-Tank.

"We want to expose our first year students to the diverse opportunities available within the Orillia community, so having groups involved in the program is ideal.  Through the Loonie Lunch, the downtown scavenger hunt, and EXPO, students will become more familiar with the city and what it can offer them,” says Anna Lisa Martin, current student and Orientation Assistant.

Even though Orientation may seem like an intimidating experience at first, choosing to attend is beneficial for any student. The Orientation Leaders at Lakehead Orillia cannot wait to welcome all the new students and introduce them to our great campus and city.   

September 26, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Today, Lakehead University, in partnership with Georgian University Partnership Centre, submitted its proposal for major capacity expansion to the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

The joint proposal was developed in response to a call from the Province of Ontario to institutions to increase degree capacity in areas of the province with growing demand for post-secondary education.

As part of the Lakehead-Georgian plan for major capacity expansion, Lakehead University and Georgian College – already the two largest post-secondary institutions in Simcoe County – will deliver more than 50 degree programs to as many as 6,000 students by 2030.

“Our plan combines the best of college and university education,” says Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “We are confident our proposal will rise to the top among the many submissions from throughout the province. We are offering innovative solutions for meeting the needs of students, while being fiscally responsible and student centred.”

The Lakehead-Georgian proposal will leverage existing infrastructure and resources, including established campus facilities, services, faculty and staff. The initial phase of the plan would maximize the use of existing space to add 2,000 new degree students – 1,200 at Georgian’s Barrie Campus and 800 at Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus.

Subsequent phases of the plan would create two new specialized facilities – a Centre for Advanced Technology at Georgian’s Barrie Campus and a Design and Visual Arts facility with Entrepreneurship Hub in downtown Barrie. The plan also includes a collaborative online student services portal.

“Our plan has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs because this is a critical gap in our region and essential to sustain a competitive edge in our local economy,” says Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes. “The combination of applied and theoretical skills we will offer through many integrated degree-diplomas in STEM and other programs will develop an educated and skilled workforce capable of driving innovation. This is key to the economic vitality, development and growth of the central Ontario region.”

In all, the Lakehead-Georgian proposal would add 25 new degree offerings, including integrated degree-diplomas, Lakehead bachelor degrees and Georgian bachelor degrees with an applied focus.

“The benefits are clear,” adds Stevenson. “Our plan means improved access to postsecondary education, close to home, for more students throughout Simcoe County and Central Ontario.”

The proposal would generate an ongoing economic impact of up to $232 million for Central Ontario and create more than 234 faculty and staff jobs in Barrie and Orillia.

Further information can be found at lakeheadgeorgian.ca.

The decision on major capacity expansion submissions from MTCU is expected sometime in 2015.

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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.

or Georgian’s Associate Director, Communications, Sharon Burkhart at 705-728-1968 ext. 1043 or sharon.burkhart@georgiancollege.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.

Georgian’s leadership in co-op, student work experience and entrepreneurship education delivers powerful ways to accelerate your learning, your career and your future. With more than 125 career-focused programs across seven locations in Central Ontario – Barrie, Midland, Muskoka (Bracebridge), Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) – Georgian has 11,000 full-time students and 28,000 Continuing Education registrations annually and is home to the one-of-a-kind University Partnership Centre. Georgian has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers seven times and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers five years in a row. Visit GeorgianCollege.ca.

Hammond Transportation makes a trial run to the Lakehead Orillia campus at 500 University Avenue as (l to r) Lakehead University Orillia Campus Dean & Vice-Provost Dr. Kim Fedderson and Hammond Transportation President Greg Hammond confirm the new partnership.

September 4, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Beginning September 8, Lakehead University students, faculty and staff will have the option to enjoy a new bus service between Lakehead Orillia’s 500 University Avenue site and the City of Barrie. The new transit link, established by Lakehead University and Hammond Transportation, will provide service between the Lakehead Orillia campus and the Barrie Bus Terminal four times a day (Monday to Friday), as well as on weekends.

“As a leading provider of public transit in Central Ontario, Hammond Transportation is always looking for ways to improve regional public transportation services,” said Greg Hammond, president of Hammond Transportation. “We are proud to play a role in providing Lakehead Orillia’s students, staff and faculty with reliable and regular transportation service.”

“This new service will be tremendously beneficial to students, staff and faculty – who will now have another way of accessing the University,” said Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost of the Orillia campus. “Bringing regional transit into the Orillia campus has always been a priority for us.  It is great to see this new service now in place, helping to facilitate the continued growth of Lakehead in Simcoe County.” 

Both Fedderson and Hammond are looking forward to having the Lakehead community use the new bus service as a way of lowering their transit costs, improving the environment and contributing towards a more sustainable future.

The Hammond service, which offers a special discounted rate plan (including single ride, return and multiple ride options), is available to Lakehead University students, faculty and staff, effective Monday, September 8, 2014 – the first official day of classes at the University.

Students living in the Muskoka region will also be able to take advantage of discounted fares, as a Lakehead University stop has been added to Hammond’s Hwy 11 service from Muskoka Monday to Friday.

Lakehead’s discounted rates will also be extended to any Georgian College student who wishes to use the service.  The route to Lakehead includes stops at Georgian College’s Barrie and Orillia campuses.

“Georgian College and Lakehead University have a close working relationship and this agreement is something we hope will be of benefit to both Georgian and Lakehead students alike,” said Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-Provost of the Lakehead Orillia campus, who worked with Hammond to set up the discounted rates.

Lakehead students, staff and faculty will have an opportunity to try out the new service for free next week. During the first week of service, from September 8 to 13, Hammond will offer rides at no charge to those who present a valid Lakehead ID card.

Further details, including rates and schedules, can be found at the Lakehead University Orillia website. 

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Media: For more information, please contact:

Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014, or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca

Scott Hammond, Director of Operations, Hammond Transportation at 705-645-5431 or by email at: shammond@hammondtransporation.com 

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.

Hammond Transportation is one of Ontario’s premier family-owned school bus, charter bus and motor coach operators. We’ve specialized in serving the unique transportation needs of Muskoka, Parry Sound, Simcoe, Haliburton and Algonquin since 1944! No matter how large or small your transportation needs, our expert team can solve your challenge quickly, efficiently and affordably through our full range of professional transportation services.  Our mission is to provide safe, friendly service as we connect our communities with the world through excellence in passenger transportation, travel and tourism. Hop aboard one our clean, eco-friendly vehicles and discover today the fun filled, relaxing family tradition that is Hammond Transportation.

August 5, 2014

Georgian University Partnership Centre and Lakehead University have an innovative plan to offer students a different kind of education – the best of college and the best of university, combined.   

A website has been created to provide information about the new Georgian-Lakehead Plan. Launched this week, georgianlakehead.ca is the one-stop shop to learn about the plan, stay up to date on its progress, and find out how it will benefit students and our communities for years to come. The website also offers visitors the opportunity to share their thoughts and comments.

The new plan was developed in response to a call for proposals from the Province of Ontario to meet growing demand for postsecondary education in the province. As outlined in the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) Major Capacity Expansion program, the province’s goal is to increase undergraduate degree opportunities that are accessible and affordable.

Lakehead University and Georgian College, already the two largest postsecondary institutions in Simcoe County, plan to grow together to offer more than 50 degree programs to 6,000 students.

The joint proposal, which will be submitted to the MTCU by the province’s Sept. 26 deadline, outlines inventive solutions for meeting the needs of students throughout Simcoe County. Many program offerings will be integrated diploma-degrees, allowing students to graduate in four years, better prepared for their chosen careers.

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Media contacts:

Mark Hall, Georgian Senior Communications Specialist, 705.728.1968, ext. 1008 or mark.hall@georgiancollege.ca

Kathy Hunt, Lakehead Orillia Communications Officer, 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 also 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 125 career-focused programs across seven locations in Central Ontario – Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) – Georgian has 11,000 full-time students and 28,000 Continuing Education registrations annually. Advanced study options, including the only four-year automotive management and golf management degrees in Canada, are offered through the one-of-a-kind Georgian University Partnership Centre. Georgian has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers seven times and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers five years in a row.

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.

June 26, 2014

In real estate circles, experts often sing the praises of a property with three key words: location, location, location.

For Ryan Provost, that same principle applied to post-secondary education. The graduate of Eastview Secondary School in Barrie who dreamed of a career in business, but was keenly aware of the bottom line, wanted to limit costs by attending university close to home.

So, after taking a year off to work and save some money, he was thrilled when he was accepted into Lakehead University’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce program.

“To be honest, the main reason I came was the location,” said Provost, who graduates this year. “I really liked the idea of being able to live at home and I was amazed at the small class sizes.”

He was also amazed when he won Lakehead Orillia’s President’s Golf Tournament Business Award – a $5,000 award funded through the University’s highly successful annual golf tournament.

“When I found out I won the scholarship, I couldn’t believe it,” said Provost, who estimates he has accumulated about $20,000 in debt over his four years at Lakehead. “I’ve worked every summer to sustain myself but haven’t been able to pay down the debt, so this will really help.” Provost also managed to maintain his presence on the Dean’s list (over 80% average) each year.

And that’s the idea behind the prestigious scholarship open to fourth-year students from Simcoe County enrolled in Lakehead’s business program.

“Our 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.

Provost volunteered at last summer’s tournament at the Barrie Country Club and met David French, the inaugural winner of the scholarship, prompting him to apply for the annual award.

While grateful for the scholarship, he is also thankful for the breadth of experience he had at Lakehead.

“I loved the small classrooms; it’s not like other big schools where 100 people swarm the professor after the class. Here, they know your name and it’s a much more personal experience,” said Provost, who was chosen as a research assistant by professor Kunle Akingbola. and helped conduct an employee engagement survey for non-profits in Canada.

“It was a great learning experience,” said Provost, who also enjoyed his time as a teaching assistant for a business mathematics course. “It felt really good to help students … to maybe provide a different pathway than a professor. It was rewarding.”

The strong academic student who was encouraged by his parents – neither of whom attended post-secondary education – to go to university, said he found his stride at Lakehead.

“I loved the academic environment. It’s nice to always be learning, to be constructive and progressive,” said Provost, who is contemplating pursuing a securities certificate so he can work in the banking industry and is pondering becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

“[Associate professor of business] Herman van den Berg really sparked a lot of interest in me on the money side of things,” said Provost, who added he wants to do everything he can to build his resume and to separate himself from other potential rivals when it comes to landing a job.

“Anything you can do to get a leg up makes sense,” said Provost. “I don’t want to stop progressing. I could see myself maybe doing an MBA program some day.” 

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Ryan Provost; winner of Lakehead Orillia’s President’s Golf Tournament Business Award

July 21, 2014

A new joint partnership between Lakehead University and the Georgian University Partnership Centre will expand postsecondary opportunities to better serve the students of Orillia, Barrie, Simcoe County, and beyond.  The partnership details were shared at a City of Orillia Special Council meeting on Monday, July 21.

City Council voted unanimously to support the proposed plan. The joint proposal is in response to a call from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to postsecondary institutions to increase degree capacity in areas with growing demand for postsecondary education.

“City Council’s support for this excellent proposal reinforces our commitment to the outstanding postsecondary institutions we have in Simcoe County.  Their joint plan represents a smart approach to enhancing educational opportunities, which will benefit students, local industry and the region as a whole,” says City of Orillia Mayor, Angelo Orsi.

 “We are extremely encouraged by the amount of community support we have received for our plan to work together with Georgian to enhance postsecondary opportunities in the region,” says Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “The benefits are clear – our plan means improved access to postsecondary education, close to home, for more students throughout Simcoe County.”

Earlier this month, the Georgian/Lakehead proposal received the support of the County of Simcoe Council, and the City of Barrie Council also supports degree expansion plans set out in the proposal.

In the Lakehead/Georgian proposal, more than 50 degree programs will be delivered to as many as 6,000 students by 2030. The two institutions have the capacity to add up to an additional 2,000 students immediately, without building new infrastructure – 1,200 students at Georgian’s Barrie Campus, and 800 at Lakehead University’s campus in Orillia.

“By working together, we have developed a plan to grow the number of degrees available in Simcoe County. Our plan is exciting and innovative, while being completely realistic and responsible,” says Georgian President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes. “We have exceptional facilities already in place on our campuses. We believe this is the kind of collaborative and achievable proposal the Ministry is seeking. We will combine the best of college and university for the benefit of students and the economic future of our region.”

The plan outlines inventive solutions for meeting the needs of students throughout Simcoe County. Many program offerings will be integrated diploma-degrees, allowing students to graduate in four years, better prepared for their chosen careers.

Under the plan to be submitted to MTCU, when existing capacity is filled, the project would include the creation of two new buildings to create specialized program space to expand Engineering programs, bring Design and Visual Arts students to downtown Barrie, and support an entrepreneurship hub and business incubator.

A Georgian/Lakehead "Notice of Intent" was submitted to MTCU in June and will be followed by the submission of the detailed joint proposal by the province’s September 26 deadline. 

—30—

Media contacts:

Sharon Burkhart, Associate Director, Communications, 705.728.1968, ext. 1043 or sharon.burkhart@georgiancollege.ca

Kathy Hunt, Lakehead Orillia Communications Officer, 705.330.4008, ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca

In partnership – and by leveraging existing capacity – Georgian and Lakehead University can expand degree delivery by combining the best of college and university to meet the evolving needs of our region and economy.

June, 26, 2014

The innovative plan by the Georgian University Partnership Centre and Lakehead University to create expanded university studies in Central Ontario will be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) this week.

Unveiled publicly June 17, the Georgian-Lakehead strategy has support from the County of Simcoe and from Barrie council’s general committee.

It was developed in response to a call from the MTCU to increase degree capacity in parts of Ontario with growing demand for postsecondary education.

Under the Georgian-Lakehead plan, by 2030 more than 50 degree programs will be delivered to as many as 6,000 students. Many offerings will be integrated diploma-degrees, allowing students to graduate in four years and enter the workforce sooner, better prepared for their chosen careers.

“This is postsecondary education for the twenty-first century,” says Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes. “Employers today are asking for more from our graduates – they need people to think and do and lead. Our vision combines the best of college and university education. We will ensure we have productive graduates who join the workforce ready to fully contribute and strengthen the economy.”

Georgian University Partnership Centre and Lakehead University have the capacity to add up to an additional 2,000 students without building new infrastructure – 1,200 students at Georgian’s Barrie Campus, many in the state-of-the-art Sadlon Centre for Health and Wellness, and 800 at Lakehead University’s campus in Orillia.

“Our partnership builds on the strengths of each institution by leveraging available resources, infrastructure and advanced, high-tech facilities to ensure effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” says Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “It is realistic, achievable and responsible.”

Under the plan to be submitted to MTCU, when existing capacity is filled, the project would include the creation of two new buildings over the next three to 10 years. One thousand Design and Visual Arts students in degree and diploma programs would eventually be located in downtown Barrie, connecting them to the city’s vibrant business and cultural scene. The move downtown would also include an entrepreneurship hub and business incubator. Another building would be constructed on Georgian’s current Barrie Campus to accommodate up to 600 new engineering, technology, environmental and science degree students.

“We know the new provincial government has a huge challenge ahead balancing the need for growth with fiscal realities,” says West-Moynes. “In the meantime, our region has fallen behind on needed undergraduate degree education. We believe our plan resolves that dilemma immediately. Given approval, we could start tomorrow.”

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June 11, 2014 – Orillia, ON 

What started out as a project focusing on the issue of bullying within post-secondary settings has turned into an inspiring new movement embraced by the entire Lakehead Orillia community, which is having a remarkable effect on the campus culture.

The “Audacity Movement” (AM) is an initiative born of two Lakehead Orillia social work students who are completing their work placements with the University’s department of Student Affairs. 

The students, Quentin Evans and Laura East, who are enrolled in the University’s one-year post-graduate Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) program, began working with the Student Affairs team in the fall of 2013. This week the pair will discuss their project as part of a workshop session at the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS) conferencein Halifax.

This is the first time that social work students have been assigned placements within the University.

The idea for the students’ placements came about when Lakehead University’s Associate Vice-Provost, Frank Cappadocia, was sharing with colleagues the challenges he faced with student code of conduct cases, often involving incidents of bullying or cyberbullying. The Social Work department was in a position to offer help. It turned out to be a win-win situation – two students gained placements, while Student Affairs was able to benefit from the training and skill of advanced Social Work students.

Quentin and Evan set out, along with support and guidance from Cappadocia, to tackle the issues, as presented.

“Once we began researching the situation, we quickly realized that the answer was not to say “no” to bullying, but to say “yes” to positive interaction,” explained Evans. “Our research into the campus culture led us to the need for action related to the root causes of bullying, instead of action against the symptoms,” added East. 

The AM movement is based on the definition of ‘audacity’ – the courage to do or say something – and focuses on acts of kindness that are rewarded with an ‘AM’ token. The small wooden tokens, distributed in creative ways throughout the campus community, can be traded in for coffee or tea in the cafeteria and then recycled and shared continuously.

“Quentin and Laura have done something remarkable for the campus with the AM project,” said Cappadocia. “They have managed to involve the entire campus community in its creation; it is owned collectively.”

Cappadocia adds that the impact is evident from the comments received:

“It’s amazing to see that the Audacity Movement has become so successful in such a short period of time. We forget to incorporate kindness into our busy lives. AM is the seed planted here that reminds us that when we embrace the culture of charity, life gets less stressful and more enjoyable.” — Cody Carvalho, Lakehead student

“I love the concept… it promotes conversation and makes people feel as though they are part of the community, which is especially important for new, young students who may feel intimidated. — Matt Keating, Manager, Lakehead Orillia Food Services 

“The Audacity Movement is fabulous because it enables people to be who they really do want to be, in an environment we all want to be part of… In recent times, it seems we’ve lost the ability to make natural connections with the people we share our world with… we’re so busy ‘liking’ things on Facebook, that we miss opportunities to like things in real life.” — Dr. Linda Rodenburg, Lakehead Orillia faculty member

Evans and East have been invited to attend the Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS) conference, taking place this week in Halifax, to share the Audacity Movement with delegates. This year's conference is hosted by St. Mary's University and takes place at the World Trade Convention Centre in downtown Halifax.

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Students at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus share “Audacity Movement” (AM) tokens as a gesture of kindness, all part of a new strategy to target bullying on campus. (photo by Mark Wanzel)

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 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.

June 10, 2014 - Orillia, ON

A group of education students at Lakehead Orillia are taking advantage of a unique opportunity to hone their teaching skills by working as camp counsellors this summer at the University’s Camp U day camp.

Heading into its third year, the popular camp is offered for four weeks in July at the Orillia campus, and gives the students a chance to work hands-on with children ages 6-13.

Camp U Coordinator, Sami Pritchard, who will be entering her fourth year of Lakehead’s Education program in the fall, is looking forward to her third summer with Camp U.

“What better way to prepare for a career in teaching than to work for a summer camp,” said Pritchard.  “Having the opportunity to come up with new and innovative ways to capture children’s attention will be so valuable and Camp U has helped me to develop these skills in an unconventional way.”

When asked what she looks forward to the most, Pritchard said it is the return of past campers.

“There is no better feeling than seeing a camper excited for another year of camp, and knowing the Camp U staff team had something to do with that, is extremely rewarding.”

Lakehead student Emily MacLennan is entering her first year as a camp counsellor at Camp U and cannot wait to increase a skill set that will help her in her future career.  “I will be able to develop and strengthen my leadership skills and this experience will provide greater insight into what it will be like to be a teacher.”

MacLennan said she is looking forward to being able to practice some of the critical and quick thinking skills that have been emphasized throughout her Lakehead studies. “My education at Lakehead has prepared me to be a camp counsellor, because I feel that I now have the ability to approach and assess different situations through multiple perspectives.”

Students are not the only ones involved in the Camp U program. Professors also offer their expertise to the campers. Dr. Chris Murray, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, is one of the participating professors, and appreciates the value of the Camp U to Lakehead students.

“Programs like this enable students of all ages to become part of life at Lakehead – first as campers, then as elementary and secondary school students visiting our campus through outreach programs, and then as Lakehead students, volunteers and employees – like this year's counsellors.”

Dr. Murray takes part in the popular Super Science camp week, where he introduces campers to astronomy and leads fun activities that test the campers’ engineering and physics skills.

Camp U runs from July 7 to August 1 and offers four different themed weeks: Camp U 101, Arts U, Super Science and Nuts for Nature. In addition to the hands-on learning activities at Camp U, campers also enjoy sports activities, a weekly trip to the beach, and for older campers (8 – 13 years), an overnight stay in the University residence.

On Tuesday, June 10, the University is hosting a Camp U Open House. This is an opportunity for campers and their parents to meet the staff and find out more about the various camp weeks. The Open House takes place from 6 to 8 pm at the Orillia campus, 500 University Avenue. Further details, including registration, can also be found online at lakeheadu.ca, or by contacting Sami Pritchard at orcampu@lakeheadu.ca.

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Lakehead Orillia’s Camp U coordinator, Sami Pritchard (l) along with Dr. Chris Murray, Assistant Professor, Sustainability Sciences, and Camp U volunteer; and fellow student and Camp U counsellor, Emily MacLennan.

Representatives from the County of Simcoe and Lakehead University gather to celebrate the official naming of Simcoe Hall.

Thursday, April 24, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University’s Orillia campus was the site of a special announcement today, marking the invaluable relationship between Lakehead University and the County of Simcoe.                      

In recognition of the County’s ongoing, tremendous support, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, proudly announced that the University’s academic building would be named ‘Simcoe Hall’. The official unveiling saw the building’s new name mounted onto its façade.

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

The County of Simcoe presented Lakehead University Orillia with a $1 million cheque during County Council on November 26, 2013. Since 2009, the total amount of contributions by the County to the University is approximately $3.5 million.

County of Simcoe Warden, Cal Patterson, explained that County Council understands the significant role our region’s post-secondary educational facilities have in our communities.

“On behalf of the County of Simcoe, I want to thank Lakehead University for this tremendous honour and express our pride in knowing that students will study in the newly named Simcoe Hall for generations to come,” said Warden Patterson. “County Council’s commitment to both Lakehead University and Georgian College stems from our Ten-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan, which identifies partnership opportunities that strengthen human services and education to support improved health and well-being of our residents.”

Dr. Stevenson reaffirmed that the County’s generous gifts continue to go directly into the funding of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus and to making its students’ academic experience an exceptional one.

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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 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.