January 28, 2014 – Orillia, ON

A new speaker series featuring Lakehead University professors will be launched at the Orillia Public Library on Tuesday, February 4, with a talk by Lakehead University Orillia faculty member Dr. Kevin Willison.

The new series, “In Conversation,” is based on the successful series of the same name offered by Lakehead University Thunder Bay in cooperation with local libraries. 

“In Conversation” brings the expertise and research from the University to the community,” says Dr. Doug West, Associate Professor with the Departments of Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, who has taken the lead on getting the Orillia series underway. “With the cooperation of the Orillia Public Library, we are able to bring University learning opportunities into the community.”

The first talk, hosted by Lakehead University Sociology professor, Dr. Willison, will focus on how and why a community’s members should be involved in their community’s development. Born and raised in Orillia, Dr. Willison has been a member of the Lakehead University Orillia faculty since 2007. The talk takes place from 2:30 to 4 pm.

The second talk will be held on Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8 pm and features Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Assistant Professor with the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies/Media Studies. Dr. Jeppesen will lead a discussion about “Profound new media opportunities for social change – beyond selfies, sexting and cyberbullying.”

The “In Conversation” talks are free, but require registration. Registration is accepted in person at the Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St. W.; by email info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; or by phone 705-325-2338.

For further information, contact dwest@lakeheadu.ca, or visit orilliapubliclibrary.ca.

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Dr. Kevin Willison, a Lakehead University faculty member, will present the first “In Conversation” series talk at the Orillia Public Library on February 4.

MEDIA:  For more information, please contact 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.

April 23, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Approximately 2,000 degrees will be conferred during Lakehead University’s 2014 Convocation ceremonies. Graduates will celebrate their achievements with family and friends over the course of four ceremonies at Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses, between May 30 and June 7. 

Lakehead University’s 2014 Orillia campus convocation ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 7, beginning at 10:00 am, at the West Orillia Sports Complex. 

In addition to commemorating Lakehead students on their graduation, five honorary degrees will be conferred – one in Orillia and four in Thunder Bay.

“Convocation is a celebration of the time and hard work our students have dedicated to their studies,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “This year, we are also proud to honour five exceptional people – this year’s honorary degree recipients – who will offer words of wisdom and inspiration to our new graduates as they move into the next phase of their lives.”  

Please see the convocation schedule, below. 

Saturday, June 7, 2014 – 10 am Rotary Place (West Orillia Sports Complex)

Mary Anne Chambers will address graduates and undergraduates in Master of Business Administration, Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education (Consecutive and Concurrent), Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and Bachelor of Arts and Science.  

Chambers was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 2003 and appointed to the Executive Council of Ontario where she served for four years, first as the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and subsequently as the Minister of Children and Youth Services. 

Chambers was a major supporter of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus during its initial stages. She has been recognized internationally as an active advocate for public education at all levels from pre-kindergarten to post-doctoral. 

Her contributions while in government included substantial improvements to the Ontario Student Assistance Program, non-repayable income-based tuition grants for college and university students and stronger legislation to better protect students through the Private Career Colleges Act. 

Chambers will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Friday, May 30, 2014 – 2 pm (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

Dr. Arnold Aberman will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. 

Dr. Aberman has contributed to the advancement of medicine for more than 30 years, including the creation of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), a joint initiative between Lakehead University and Laurentian University. 

He was instrumental in the planning and development of NOSM. He can take credit for many aspects of NOSM’s unique structure and governance. 

As a co-director of the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital, Dr. Aberman was instrumental in securing recognition for the field of critical care medicine as an independent discipline in Canada. 

Dr. Aberman will receive an honorary Doctor of Science.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – 9:30 am (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

Richard Wagamese will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Business Administration. 

Wagamese is an internationally renowned, award-winning author, newspaper columnist and reporter who has also done work in radio and television. 

He is known for his many books including Indian Horse, which describes the life of an Ojibway man who, as a child, was taken from his family and his Northern Ontario home and put in the residential school system. 

Wagamese’s writing has brought awareness to the horrors of the residential school system, to the discrimination that Native people have faced and the racism Native people have been subjected to. 

He is an Ojibway man from Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. 

Wagamese will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters.  

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – 2 pm (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

The Honourable Bob Rae and the Honourable Frank Iacobucci will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Natural Resources Management, the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. 

The Honourable Bob Rae is a senior partner at OKT - Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. He works with First Nations across Canada as legal counsel, advisor, negotiator, and arbitrator.

Rae was elected eleven times to the House of Commons and the Ontario Legislature between 1978 and 2013. He served as Ontario's 21st Premier from 1990 to 1995. 

During his time in government, Rae completed a review of Ontario’s postsecondary school education for the Ontario Provincial Government that resulted in the 2005 report entitled Ontario: A Leader in Learning. This report led to significant policy and budgetary changes, including substantial increases to the base budgets of Ontario’s universities. 

Rae acts as Advisor to the Matawa Chiefs Tribal Council respecting the potential development of the area in Northwestern Ontario known as The Ring of Fire.  

The Honourable Frank Iacobucci is representing the Province of Ontario in its negotiations with the Chiefs of the Matawa Council on the Ring of Fire. 

He is also doing an independent review of various matters for Chief Bill Blair of the Toronto Police Service relating to police encounters with mentally or emotionally disturbed persons.

Iacobucci retired from the Supreme Court of Canada in June 2004 and served as interim President of the University of Toronto from September 2004 until June 2005.  

He was the Federal Government’s Representative in the negotiations leading to the settlement agreement in 2005 relating to Indian Residential Schools, which is the largest financial settlement in Canada.  In February, 2013 he submitted his Report as an Independent Reviewer for the Ontario Government on First Nations Representation on Ontario juries.

Rae and Iacobucci will each receive an honorary Doctor of Laws. 

Lakehead’s Orillia campus convocation ceremonies will take place at the West Orillia Sports Complex on Saturday, June 7, at 10:00 am. For a complete schedule of Lakehead University’s 2014 Orillia campus convocation ceremony, visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/graduation/orillia-ceremony/convocation_schedule. 

Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies will take place at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, May 30-31. For a complete schedule of Lakehead University’s 2014 Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies, visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/graduation/thunder-bay-campus-ceremony/schedule. 

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Media: 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.

January 23, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University co-presents first 2014 Couchiching Conversation event

Lakehead University and the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs are launching their Simcoe County Couchiching Conversation Series in Barrie next Tuesday evening, January 28, at 7 pm.

The first event in the Series will take place at The Creative Space, 12 Dunlop Street East, and is co-presented by the Resilience Collaborative of Simcoe County. The discussion topic is Gender, Identity, Accessibility and Sports. All discussion topics for the 2014 Series will focus on the theme of the 2014 Couchiching Summer Conference – More than a Game: The Politics and Potential of Sport – taking place at Geneva Park in August.

All discussions are free and open to the public. For further information, contact mailto:dwest@lakeheadu.ca.

EVENT DETAILS: 2014 Simcoe County Couchiching Conversations

Date:            Tuesday, January 28

Time:            7:00 – 9:00 pm

Location:     The Creative Space, 12 Dunlop Street. E., Barrie

Admission:  Free

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact 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.

March 6, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia will host its annual March Break Open House next week, opening up the campus to hundreds of prospective students and their families and friends.

The Open House takes place from Tuesday, March 11 to Thursday, March 13 and gives prospective students a chance to be a Lakehead student for the day. They can sit in on classes, meet professors and students, and enjoy guided tours of the campus facilities.

“For those in the process of choosing a university, or thinking about applying within the

next couple of years, this is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the campus and the programs we offer,” said Betsy Maus, Regional Recruitment Officer at the Orillia campus.

Prospective students will be able to learn more about Lakehead Orillia’s unique Interdisciplinary Studies program, with its various majors and specializations, including programs in Media Studies, Environmental Sustainability and Criminology. The Orillia campus also offers business, education, social work and graduate programs. 

In addition to campus and classroom activities, this year’s March Break event offers bus tours of the City of Orillia with stops downtown and at the YMCA, where students have memberships as part of their athletic fees. Students and their families will also be provided with a free lunch in the campus cafeteria. 

Detailed daily schedules of events, along with registration forms, are posted online at mylakehead.ca. Further information is also available by calling 705-330-4008 ext. 2160 or by emailing orillia.lakeheadu.ca.

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Click here to see March Break Schedule of Events

Lakehead Orillia Regional Recruitment Officer Betsy Maus looks forward to welcoming prospective students during the upcoming March Break Open House, March 11 – 13.

Lakehead student, Sami Pritchard, conducts a campus tour for prospective students and their families during March Break Open House 2013. This year’s Open House takes place March 11 – 13.

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.

March 7, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University will have one of the largest delegations of students in attendance at this year’s Canadian Conference on Student Leadership, taking place March 6 to 8 at McMaster University in Hamilton.

A group of 16 Lakehead University students are attending the three-day Conference, along with Lakehead Orillia staff members, Kelli Gray, Acting Director Student Services, and Neil Quinn, Athletics & Recreation Facilitator. The student delegation includes 14 students from the Orillia campus and two from the Thunder Bay campus.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for our student leaders,” said Frank Cappadocia, Lakehead Orillia’s Associate Vice-Provost. “The student delegates come from a wide range of backgrounds, year levels and programs. They all have leadership experience on campus through athletics and recreation, the student union, residence life, or as participants of our extracurricular leadership program.”

Two of the Lakehead Orillia delegates, Sami Pritchard and Anna Lisa Martin, will be attending the Conference for the second time, but this year will also represent Lakehead as presenters. The two students will present a workshop called "Six Hats of Inclusivity," to help fellow delegates understand the role of inclusive leadership in creating a cohesive campus network.

The three-day Conference, consisting of presentations, panel discussions, and activities, is designed for students by students. Keynote speakers include Dr. Roberta Bondar (Canadian astronaut) and Kristine Stewart, Managing Director, Twitter Canada, and former CBC executive.

“We look forward to hearing about the students’ Conference experiences,” said Cappadocia. “They will be bringing back a wealth of new ideas about leadership and are bound to make a positive impact on our campuses.”

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Lakehead Orillia students Sami Pritchard and Anna Lisa Martin were chosen as conference presenters at this year’s Canadian Conference on Student Leadership.

 A delegation of 16 students from Lakehead University are attending the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership this weekend (March 6 – 8) at McMaster University in Hamilton.

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.

(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 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.

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.”

April 8, 2014 – Orillia, ON

A group of 18 Lakehead University students gathered with family and friends last night for a special convocation dinner and ceremony at Orillia restaurant, Era 67.

The event celebrated the students’ successful completion of Lakehead’s Humanities 101 program, an outreach initiative providing adult learners with access to a university experience despite financial and other barriers, and who may never have believed that they could participate in post-secondary education.

“This is the third year we have offered the 12-week program,” explained program director, Dr. Linda Rodenburg, a faculty member at the Orillia campus.  “I see this as one of Lakehead’s gifts to the community.”

Rodenburg expressed her appreciation to those responsible for helping to bring the program to the community, including volunteers who organize the University’s President’s Scholarship Golf Tournament, which raised funds for the program.  She also introduced and thanked the faculty members who volunteered to lead the weekly lectures. “Humanities 101 has been a great success since it launched three years ago, thanks to many individuals, community organizations and businesses.”

Each evening session of the 12-week program included a meal, thanks to community sponsors: Brewery Bay, Connexus Youth, Era 67, Gung Ho, Patilero, Portage Italian Bistro, Theo’s Eatery, Tops in Pizza, Tre Sorelle, West Ridge Subway, and Zats.

Class valedictorians Nicole Cascagnette and Brant Mawdsley spoke on behalf of their classmates and expressed their appreciation for the unique opportunity provided by the program.

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

A highlight of Lakehead University’s Humanities 101 convocation, held last night at Era 67 Restaurant in Orillia, was hearing from class valedictorians Nicole Cascagnette (centre) and Brant Mawdsley, shown here with program director, Dr. Linda Rodenburg.

Humanities 101 graduate, Tammy Brookes, receives her program certificate from Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus.

Graduates of Lakehead University’s Humanities 101 program gathered for a convocation dinner and celebration last night at Orillia’s Era 67 Restaurant.

For more information, please contact Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008

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.

March 24, 2014 – Orillia, ON

At Lakehead University’s next ‘In Conversation’ event at the Orillia Public Library, parents of school-age children will have an opportunity to learn insider tips and strategies to support their children’s education.

Members of the Faculty of Education – Daniel Becker, Sarah Cashmore, and Katherine Becker — will share findings from research they are conducting with educators who are also parents. Participants will learn how these teachers help navigate their children’s education, from Kindergarten through to high school graduation.

Insights from the Insiders: Navigating Your Children’s Education takes place on Tuesday, April 1, from 6:30 to 8 pm.

The final event in the 2014 series will feature Lakehead’s Dr. Les Fleischer, Assistant Professor with the School of Social Work, who will discuss Body Image and Time: Reality and Fantasy. This talk will take place on Tuesday, May 6, from 6:30 – 8 pm.

Lakehead University’s ‘In Conversation’ talks are free, but require registration. Registration is accepted in person at the Orillia Public Library (36 Mississauga St. W.); by email info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; or by phone at (705) 325-2338.

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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 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.

February 24, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Smart phones and the Internet are a powerful combination of technologies that offer exceptional opportunities for social change. The challenge of how to use these new technologies in a positive way is the focus of the second In Conversation series event presented by Lakehead University and the Orillia Public Library.

The talk takes place on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm and will be led by Lakehead’s Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakehead Orillia, and coordinator of the Media Studies for Social Change program.

“New technologies offer profound opportunities for media-driven social change,” says Dr. Jeppesen. Jeppesen will discuss the idea of moving beyond selfies, sexting and cyberbullying to using new technology for positive social change.

The topic relates to Jeppesen’s current five-year research project, Indymedia 2.0: New Media Activism in the Digital Economy. The project, support by Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) involves the study of global media activist networks, politics and strategies in the digital media landscape.

The “In Conversation” talks are free, but require registration. Registration is accepted in person at the Orillia Public Library (36 Mississauga St. W.); by email info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; or by phone at (705) 325-2338.

Event:  In Conversation Series: "Transforming New Media" 

When:  Tuesday, March 4, 2014. 6:30 - 8 pm.  

Where:  Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St. W. Orillia, Ontario

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 Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakehead Orillia and coordinator of the Media Studies for Social Change program will be “In Conversation” at the Orillia Public Library on March 4.

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.

March 14, 2014 – Orillia, ON

Public speaking, for many, is a terrifying prospect.

“When I had to make a presentation, I would get so nervous … I wanted to cry,” concedes Judy Zhong, a first-year Environmental Sustainability student at Orillia’s Lakehead University campus. “It’s so intimidating to stand in front of a class and give a speech.”

Eager to overcome those fears, Zhong was one of ten students who participated in the University’s inaugural seven-week Speechcraft course – a hands-on program offered to students through a unique partnership with Toastmasters International’s Orillia group, Sunshine Speakers.

The course was delivered by local Toastmaster Carolyn Jones, who developed the weekly sessions with post-secondary students in mind. Each week, Jones, along with fellow Toastmasters, including Darlene Elder and Fluerette Knaggs, witnessed first-hand the growth and development of students who started tentatively and blossomed into confident public speakers.

“We have watched you rise to the challenges… face your fears, encourage and contribute to your peers, persevere and go the extra mile – even when exams and life could have tugged you away from the course,” Jones told the students before presenting them with much-deserved certificates.

Jones said she believes the students will be able to use the skills they learned during the program not only during their academic lives, but also in the “real” world – in job interviews, in making presentations and in many other ways thanks to their improved self-confidence and enhanced communication skills.

Mason Ainsworth agrees. The third-year Bachelor of Commerce student and president of the Business Orillia Student Society (BOSS) at Lakehead said he appreciated the program.

“It’s really given me a lot more confidence and they provided a safe place where we could share ourselves in our speeches,” said Ainsworth.

 “To see how far these students have come is incredible,” said Fleurette Knaggs, president of Toastmasters Orillia. “This is the first time we’ve done a Speechcraft course like this… taking it on the road. It’s been fantastic.”

That’s a sentiment echoed by Brenda Melick, who spearheads Lakehead’s leadership program.

“I think it’s been extremely successful,” she said. “The students, who are from various disciplines and range from first-year to fourth-year, have each shown tremendous growth.”

She said joining forces with Toastmasters is “an example of a great community partnership. They have been fantastic to work with and have gone out of their way to contribute to the exceptional student experience at Lakehead.”

That experience will be reflected in each participant’s co-curricular record. Thanks to an innovative new venture launched by Lakehead in February, students are able to develop a personal record of their activities outside the classroom.

“Students now have the ability to upload their extra-curricular activities – whether it’s participating in an on-campus club or in sports or other volunteer roles – and have it validated by staff.  It becomes a record of their activities that they can bring to job interviews… it’s a very valuable resource,” said Melick.

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Ten Lakehead University students recently graduated from the school’s inaugural seven-week Speechcraft course that was offered through a community partnership with Toastmasters International’s Sunshine Speakers. In addition to the students are Toastmasters volunteers and Lakehead officials.