New students to be welcomed at Lakehead’s “Thunderwolves Howl” Orientation

Students get set to cheer on the Thunderwolves during Lakehead’s 2014 Orientation activities. The Sunday pep rally and hockey match is a highlight of the annual Orientation event, which takes place September 10 – 13 this year.

New students to Lakehead will soon be exploring downtown Orillia. A “Looney Lunch” and scavenger hunt will take place on Friday, September 11 this year as part of the annual Orientation events.

August 25, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia will soon be opening its doors to the start of another academic year. Hundreds of new students will begin university classes for the first time, but not before they are welcomed at Lakehead’s annual Orientation event. From Thursday, September 10 to Sunday, September 13 Thunderwolves Howl 2015 will introduce new students to university life.

Over 250 new students will begin studies at Lakehead Orillia this fall. The first day of classes for most students is September 14, while professional education students begin September 8 at the University’s downtown site.  Many of the first-year students will be living in residence and will be moving into their University Avenue accommodations on September 9.

“Our annual Orientation sets the stage for the students’ experience at Lakehead,” said Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson. “Not only do they gain an understanding of the University environment and the support systems that are available to them, but they also begin to build friendships and feel comfortable with their new surroundings. The aim is to help students be prepared to start their academic year with confidence.” 

During the four-day Orientation, students will take part in a variety of social events, teambuilding activities, and many opportunities to connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty. Orientation activities are led by a team of upper-year students who have been trained in how to guide new students.

“Our leaders attend a series of training workshops where they participate in team-building exercises and leadership activities to learn how to minimize the anxiety and concerns that are common among first-year students,” said Jackie Bean, Acting Director of Orillia Student Affairs.

On the first day of Orientation, students will enjoy welcome and meet and greet activities including a barbeque with President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. On Friday, students will explore downtown Orillia during a "Looney-Lunch" and scavenger hunt, and on Saturday, the Lakehead University Student Union has planned a full day of fun with giant inflatables, vendor fair, and live music.

The event culminates on Sunday when students will experience the ultimate school spirit event. Following a corn roast and pep rally, students will head over to Rotary Place for the fourth annual Orientation Cup with the Lakehead Thunderwolves men’s hockey team facing off against their cross-town rivals, the Georgian Grizzlies.

“Our team has put together an exceptional event for this year,” said Bean. “And we couldn’t have done it without the ongoing support of the community – our local community has been there every step of the way and has helped make our Orientation events a big hit with students.”

For more information about Thunderwolves Howl: Orientation 2015, visit Lakehead University’s website at www.lakeheadu.ca.

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

Please see event highlights below.

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.

Thunderwolves Howl: 2015 Orientation • Lakehead Orillia  •  September 10 – 13, 2015

Media Photo/Interview Highlights 

Note: All activities take place at Lakehead Orillia, 500 University Avenue unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 9

Thursday, SEPTEMBER 10

Friday, SEPTEMBER 11

Saturday, SEPTEMBER 12

Sunday, SEPTEMBER 13