County of Simcoe’s $2M gift to Lakehead celebrated with students
County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall (centre behind cheque) presents a $2M cheque to Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson (holding cheque left), as Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson (far right), Lakehead V.P. External Relations Deb Comuzzi, and members of County Council gather to celebrate.
County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson and members of County Council join Lakehead mascot “Wolfie” and new students to kick-off Orientation activities with the traditional “Thunderwolves Howl” cheer.
September 10, 2015 – Orillia, ON
Lakehead University was presented a $2 million cheque by County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall this morning during a special celebration event at the 500 University Avenue campus in Orillia. This brings the total amount of contributions to Lakehead by the County of Simcoe to $5.5 million since 2009.
“The County of Simcoe has been enormously supportive of our University and the Orillia campus since its inception,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “The impact of the County’s support can be seen by the growth of our teaching, community service and research activities at the campus, and especially through our students and their successes,” added Dr. Stevenson.
Dr. Stevenson, along with Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson reported to Simcoe County Warden Gerry Marshall, County Council members and guests about how the County’s investment has supported Lakehead’s growth. The positive impacts have included unprecedented student growth from just over 100 students in 2006 to almost 1,500 today; growth of academic programs including a partnership with Georgian College and the expansion of research activities through the Research Centre for Sustainable Communities. The presentation also included a look at the future growth of the campus, highlighting the potential for satellite classrooms using immersive telepresence technology.
Dave Venneri, a fourth year Lakehead student thanked the County for its support on behalf of the student body and presented Warden Marshall with a framed print of Simcoe Hall, the University’s academic building, which was named in honour of the County in 2014.
“The contributions made by the County of Simcoe, and the generosity and dedication of people such as yourselves, have helped Lakehead University become a bright and lively environment,” said Venneri. “At Lakehead, the values of learning and community come together to provide students with an exceptional experience – and this is made possible due to the generosity and commitment of community leaders such as yourselves.”
“County Council understands that our region’s post-secondary educational facilities will play a vital role for generations to come,” said Warden Marshall. He explained that the contributions stem from the County of Simcoe’s Strategic Plan that supports local post-secondary education opportunities for our residents.
Following the cheque presentation, County Councillors and guests were invited to take part in the Orientation opening event – where new students are led in a large group “Thunderwolves Howl” cheer – a tradition to kick-off the start to their Lakehead journey.
“It was inspiring to learn about the exciting growth of the Lakehead Orillia campus,” said Warden Marshall. “And to have the opportunity to meet such a large and enthusiastic group of new students embarking on their university experience right here in Simcoe County was very special.”
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MEDIA: For more information, please contact:
Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, Lakehead Orillia – 705-330-45008 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 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.