Lakehead University will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary at a special 1960s-themed Dinner & Dance event. Early Bird ticket sales, with a chance to win Porter Airlines vouchers, ends on August 1, 2015.

July 22, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2015 and the community is invited to join in the festivities. An incentive has recently been announced for those who would like to plan ahead.

This fall, Lakehead Orillia’s 50^th Anniversary events will culminate with a Homecoming Dinner & Dance on Friday, November 13, 2015 at Casino Rama. This 1960s celebration will also kick off the upcoming 10^th anniversary of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus in 2016. The Homecoming Dinner & Dance event is sponsored by TD Insurance and will feature entertainment by Lance Anderson’s “Hitsville Revisited – The Music of Motown.” All proceeds from the event will go to financial aid for Lakehead University students. 

Those who purchase tickets by Saturday, August 1, 2015, will be entered into a draw to win two Porter Airlines round-trip vouchers, valid for travel to any Porter Airlines destination – a value of $2,500.

In addition to having a chance to win the prize draw, early bird ticket purchasers will ensure their place at what is certainly to be a sell-out event. This will be the first time that Lance Anderson’s “Hitsville Revisited” show has appeared in Orillia, and based on the response to his other extremely popular shows, tickets will be in demand. The all-star ensemble includes featured singers: John Finley (Checkmates), Chuck Jackson (Downchild Blues Band), Jay Jackson (The Majestics), Quisha Wint, Cheryl Lescom, and a 7-piece band featuring some of Canada’s top soul and blues musicians.

To purchase tickets and for more information about Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary events, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca, or call (705) 330-4008.

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 orkjhunt3@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 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.

Cheryl Lescom, one of Canada’s top rhythm and blues singers, will be one of the featured performers at Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary Dinner & Dance Party on November 13 at Casino Rama. Lescom is part of Hitsville Revisted: The Music of Motown, an all-star ensemble led by musician/producer Lance Anderson. Tickets for the event and information about other Anniversary events can be found online at 50.lakeheadu.ca. 

November 3, 2015 – Orillia, ON 

Lakehead University is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2015 and plenty of “Homecoming” activities are planned for the entire community next week in Orillia.

On Thursday evening, the fun will be 1960s style with a roller skating party at The Roller Skating Place at ODAS Park. The whole family is invited to join our students and alumni for a free evening of roller skating fun, complete with pizza and prizes. The party takes place from 6 – 9 pm.

For those who haven’t had a chance to see the Lakehead Orillia campus at 500 University Avenue yet, you’ll have your chance on Friday, November 13. The University is presenting an Open House from 1 – 4 pm, with campus tours taking place at 2 pm.  

The festivities wrap up on Friday evening with the much-anticipated Homecoming Dinner & Dance Party at Casino Rama. This 1960s celebration will feature entertainment by Lance Anderson’s “Hitsville Revisited – The Music of Motown.” Guests are welcome to wear casual attire or their favourite, fun 60s style. All proceeds from the event will go to financial aid for Lakehead University students.

“As we celebrate the exceptional history of Lakehead University, we also look forward to celebrating the upcoming 10^th anniversary of the Orillia campus in 2016,” said Lakehead Orillia Principal Kim Fedderson. “We encourage everyone in the community to join the celebrations – our accomplishments could not have taken place without our students, alumni, faculty and staff, and community supporters. We are especially looking forward to a spectacular evening of dinner, music and dancing on Friday evening.”

For further information and to register for Homecoming events, or to purchase tickets to the Dinner & Dance, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca or call 705-330-4008.

Coinciding with the Homecoming celebrations is next week’s In Conversation event at the Orillia Public Library. Dr. Doug West, a professor with the departments of Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, will lead a “Lakehead University at 50” discussion about how Lakehead has become a leader in Canada and around the world.  The event takes place at 6:15 pm. Registration is required and is accepted by email at info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; by phone at 705-325-2338; or in person at the Library.

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

See schedule of events below.

Media are invited to promote this in advance and to attend the lunch for interviews and to attend events for interviews and photo/video coverage. 

In 2015, Lakehead University celebrates 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. 

Orillia Homecoming Celebrations 2015 - Schedule of Events

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
6:15 – 8 pm: In Conversation – Dr. West will lead a conversation among a distinguished panel of academics, students and community members in a discussion about how Lakehead University has become a leader in Canada and around the world. (Orillia Public Library)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
 6 - 9 pm: Students, Alumni and Community Night - Calling all students, Alumni, community members, and families….Come celebrate Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary and enjoy a FREE evening of roller skating at The Roller Skating Place!  Free pizza and beverages will be served at 7:00 pm. . Sponsored by: Heritage Place Apartments (The Roller Skating Place - ODAS Park)
 
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
12 - 1:30 pm: Registration - Stop by the registration desk and pick up your complimentary 50^th anniversary swag bag! (Lakehead University Campus - Cafeteria)
1 - 4 pm: Open House and Campus Tours. Sign up at the registration table for a guided tour at 2 pm (Cafeteria)
 
6 pm – 12 am:  50^th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner & Dance Party – a ‘60s Celebration! Sponsored by TD Insurance (Casino Rama)
6 pm – 7 pm: - Cocktail Reception (Casino Rama)
7 pm – 12 am: '60s Dinner and Dance - Entertainment by Lance Anderson’s Hitsville Revisited: The Music of Motown, featuring Canada’s top rhythm and blues performers. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards student financial aid (Casino Rama) 

For details, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead Orillia's Report to the Community

November 12, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University’s Report to the Community luncheon recognized the influential people and events from the last year and celebrated the University’s 50^th anniversary.

People from across Simcoe County gathered at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club on November 12 to celebrate the release of the University’s special commemorative 2014-15 Annual Report.

Tony Gulmen was among the group of community members, students, faculty and staff who were interviewed by Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson in a talk-show format during the luncheon. 

Tony’s wife Yuksel, who passed away in 2013, helped launch Lakehead’s Humanities 101 program in 2012 by serving on the community advisory board.

Other participants included Humanities 101 graduate Annie Nakashuk, who described how the program opens doors for people who face barriers to post-secondary education and how it changed her life. 

Recent graduates Laura East and Quentin Evans outlined how the Audacity Movement – which they started as an anti-bullying campaign – has continued to promote a culture of kindness at the Orillia campus.

Dr. Doug West, Interdisciplinary Studies professor, discussed the new Ontario Master Naturalist program, the Orillia community gardens, and other community partnerships.

And, Lakehead Associate Vice-President Frank Cappadocia and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia Executive Director James Maxwell talked about the mutual benefits of partnering with Lakehead, which resulted in a national award in 2014.

Dr. Stevenson shared highlights from the annual report, and shared his vision for the future of the Orillia campus. “As we approach our Orillia campus’s tenth anniversary, next year, I am increasingly focussed and encouraged by what the future holds, including an expanding partnership with Georgian College, increased and rewarding community outreach, and the drive to bring even more international students to our classrooms and this community,” he said.

The Annual Report also stated that Lakehead Orillia’s operating expenditures had an economic impact of $44 million on the City of Orillia and the surrounding area in 2014.

Also highlighted in the Report, Lakehead received $22 million in external research funding in 2014, and Re$earch Infosource ranked the University second in Ontario and third in Canada in the undergraduate category.

The Report to the Community luncheon was the start of Homecoming events celebrating the University’s 50^th anniversary.

There will be a free, community roller skating party on Thursday (tonight) from 6 to 9 pm at the Roller Skating Place in ODAS Park, and a 50^th Anniversary Dinner and Dance Party at Casino Rama on Friday evening (Nov. 13). All proceeds from ticket sales for the Dinner and Dance will go toward student financial aid.

For ticket inquiries, please contact Jacquie Kent at 705-330-4008 ext. 2080 or email jkent@lakeheadu.ca. For more information, please visit 50.lakeheadu.ca.

All of these celebrations will lead to Lakehead Orillia’s 10^th anniversary happening next year.

Click here to read more about the exceptional work by Lakehead’s researchers, students, and alumni.

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Lakehead University launched its 2014-15 Report to Community at a luncheon on November 12 in Orillia. The event featured a talk-show type format with Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson as host. Guests interviewed included (back l-r): Orillia Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director James Maxwell; Lakehead Assoc. V.P. Frank Cappadocia; Lakehead Associate Professor Dr. Doug West; Dr. Stevenson; Tony Gulmen, Lakehead donor/supporter; Lakehead Orillia Principal Dr. Kim Fedderson; Lakehead graduate Quentin Evans; and seated (l to r): Humanities 101 graduate Annie Nakashuk; and Lakehead graduate Laura East.

Lakehead RepToComm-Hum101: Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson (l) welcomes guests Annie Nakashuk, Humanities 101 graduate, and Tony Gulmen, Lakehead supporter, as guests during the University’s talk-show format Report to Community luncheon, held today at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club.

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

In 2015, Lakehead University celebrate s50 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 place 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 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 Lakehead Orillia’s Media Action Research Group (MARG), along with the student union, is presenting a film screening on Tuesday, November 10 to celebrate Media Democracy Day. MARG members include (l to r): Lakehead Media Studies student Cassidy Croft; Lakehead Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies/Media Studies Dr. Sandra Jeppesen; and Sharmeen Khan and Dr. Kamilla Petrick (shown via computer), MARG researchers.

November 5, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead Orillia’s Media Action Research Group (MARG) and the Lakehead University Student Union are joining forces to bring Media Democracy Day to Orillia, with a free screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (part 1) on Tuesday, November 10 at 7 pm.

The event is free of charge and is open to students, staff, faculty and the community.  The screening will be followed by a discussion about media manipulation, gender, politics, and other themes related to media democracy.

MARG is a feminist research collective, based out of the Orillia campus, which studies radical, activist media around the world.  The group is currently involved in a research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) that is investigating radical grassroots media practices and building networks among media-maker communities from local to global.

“Media Democracy Day (MDD) has become the signature event for democratic media in Canada,” explains Sandra Jeppesen, Associate Professor with Lakehead’s department of Interdisciplinary Studies/Media Studies. 

MDD brings diverse communities together with leading media makers, activists, and scholars to discuss the relationship between media and democracy, and engages the public in critical debates on issues relating to art, media, politics and culture.

“This is the first year MDD will take place at Lakehead University Orillia,” adds Jeppesen.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (part 1) is a Hollywood blockbuster that touches on a number of themes related to the objectives of MARG and MDD.  The film offers a critique of power structures within media and society, providing interesting examples of movements organizing resistance to power abuses. Equally important is the film’s representation of the lead character, Katniss Everdeen, as a powerful and complex heroine – a role that continues to be uncommon in mainstream Hollywood films today.

The screening takes place at Lakehead University Orillia, 500 University Avenue, at 7 pm in room OA 1033, Simcoe Hall. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to attend. Popcorn will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring their own water.

For more information, please visit the group’s website at mediaactionresearch.org or contact Sandra Jeppesen at sjeppese@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.

In 2015, Lakehead University celebrates 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.

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

Getting out into the field will be part of the fall workshops offered by the Ontario Master Naturalist Program (OMNP) at Lakehead University this fall. All workshops are open to the public and are separate from the OMNP certificate program. Photo by Noah Cole, courtesy of Ontario Nature.

August 12, 2015 – Orillia, ON

The inaugural Ontario Master Naturalist Program (OMNP), which was launched by Lakehead University and Ontario Nature earlier this year, will be offering a series of workshops this fall based on topics of special interest to naturalists.

The workshops are open to the general public and are designed as general interest sessions and are not part of the OMNP certificate program. The topics range from Invasive Species and Mushroom Identification to Species at Risk and Field Sketching. 

“These are topics that we found were of special interest to our first class of Master Naturalists,” said OMNP coordinator Bob Bowles. “By dedicating an entire workshop to these specialized topics, we hope to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants through classroom discussion and fieldwork.”

The workshops take place at Lakehead University Orillia, 500 University Avenue, on four Saturday mornings beginning with Invasive Species on Saturday, August 29. The cost is $65 per workshop or $220 for the series (plus HST). For program details and to register online, visit: lakeheadu.ca/masternaturalist. 

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact:

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

Communications Manager, Ontario Nature – John Hassell, at 416-444-8419 ext. 269 (work) or 416-786-2171 (mobile) or johnh@ontarionature.org. 

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. 

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters and 150 member groups across Ontario (charitable registration # 10737 8952 RR0001). For more information, visit ontarionature.org.

Lakehead University Orillia was awarded the Scholastic Partnership Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada for their exceptional partnership with the Orillia branch, which involved Lakehead student volunteers in the agency’s school-based programs.

The award was accepted last month in Toronto by Lakehead’s Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost, Student Affairs, and Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-President, Lakehead Orillia. Also celebrating the award are Karen Shaver, Interim CEO, BBBS Canada (l), James Maxwell, Executive Director, BBBS Orillia; and Marilyn Watson, Chair, BBBS Orillia Board of Directors.

July 27, 2015 – Orillia, ON 

A partnership between Lakehead Orillia and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Orillia and District has resulted in the University receiving a national award – the Scholastic Partnership Award – from the BBBS national organization. The Award is a distinction presented annually to one school, school board and one university or college that has made it possible for BBBS agencies to serve increased numbers of children.

Initiated by James Maxwell, Executive Director with the Orillia organization, along with Frank Cappadocia, Associate Vice-President, Lakehead Orillia, the partnership helped to fill a gap in community services, while providing students with professional development opportunities. 

“Through our partnership with Lakehead, our agency has been able to double the number of children served through our school-based programs to a total of almost 200 children served during the past year,” explained Maxwell.

A volunteer engagement program was initiated by the two organizations that resulted in over 100 students expressing an interest in opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters, with 40% of those becoming actively involved in direct services of the agency.

Student volunteers assisted with the agency’s school-based programs, including In-School and After School Mentoring, Go Girls and Game On group programs. Co-op students from the University’s Social Work program were involved in the development and delivery of the agency’s After-School Mentoring program.

“This support helped us to meet our mandate of providing any child in Orillia who needs a mentor – with one,” said Maxwell. “This is truly making a difference in our community.”

The partnership is also making a difference to Lakehead students.

“Our students get as much, or more, from their experience as the children served,” says Cappadocia. “They are able to see the world from a different perspective and have the opportunity to see a compelling connection between their studies and real life experiences.”

The Scholastic Partnership Award was presented last month at a Celebration of Mentoring Banquet in Toronto.  The success of the program has gained the attention of other BBBS agencies and post-secondary schools across the country, which expressed interest in how to develop a partnership to achieve such positive results.

Lakehead and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia plan to continue to build on their combined efforts to support the delivery of quality programming to the children who need it. 

“We believe that the benefits to the school children served this year was enhanced by the caring and constructive efforts of some amazing post-secondary students,” said Maxwell.  “We should all be so proud that we are making a difference in the lives of so many in our community and equally to those young men and women that call Orillia home during their studies.” 

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact: 

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

In 2015, Lakehead University celebrates 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.

Dr. Alice den Otter, one of the founding faculty members of Lakehead’s Orillia campus, counts gardening as one of her interests, along with being a Romantic literature specialist.

As part of our celebrations of Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary, I spoke to some of our faculty and staff to learn more about their experiences at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. My conversation with Dr. Alice den Otter, associate professor with the Interdisciplinary Studies and English departments, is the second of a six-part series.

When did you start working at Lakehead?

1995

Can you describe your first impression of Lakehead in three words?

Fun, friendly, and sincere.

Are there any exceptional or meaningful moments that standout in your memory from your time in Thunder Bay?

There have been many exceptional moments for me: fish jumping in Lake Tamblyn; a fox sleeping on the hood of a car in the parking lot; the campus closure of 1995 for two days due to a blizzard; a session with Lauri Gilchrist, the Vice-Provost of Aboriginal Affairs, on systemic racism; an Orientation ceremony one September, which took place in the gym with the faculty in full academic regalia and which began with Aboriginal drumming.

What is one thing you want people to know about Lakehead, or an interesting fact that not many people know about?

Most faculty members have a wide range of knowledge and interests. For example, a faculty member in Sustainability Sciences writes poetry and one from the English department plays the saxophone. My own interests/experience include vegetable and flower gardening, and although I no longer sew, knit, or crochet much, my mother taught me how to look at a dress or other item of clothing and use it as a model for creating a new one without a pattern.

I think diversity is what makes a university rich. We’re a team of individuals who bring many more skills and knowledge to the table than just our disciplinary specializations. In fact, faculty members are great models for students, showing them that these skills extend beyond academia to everyday life. We don’t spend all of our time in the office or lab. We apply our problem-solving, questioning, and research skills in whatever we do.

What personal success are you most proud of accomplishing during your time in Thunder Bay?

I organized a literary conference at Lakehead called “The Literary Modalities of Praise” and published the ensuing papers in a collection called Relocating Praise: Literary Modalities and Rhetorical Contexts. In 1997, a group of graduate reviewers suggested the English Department present a conference to help bring other scholars to campus. I asked why not now? Everyone thought it was a great idea. I thought it would be fun, so we applied for, and received, a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant to help fund it. We sent out a call for papers and received several excellent proposals. One of the highlights was having well-known literary researchers come to Thunder Bay.

What is a Lakehead-wide achievement that you think the entire Lakehead community should be proud of?

The growth of Aboriginal presence and support programs.

How did you first hear about Orillia/the development of the Orillia campus?

I heard about it at a Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty Council meeting where Kim Fedderson and Lesley Lovett Doust talked about the possibility of a new campus with a joint Arts and Science program.

What was the biggest reason behind your motivation to cross the province and come to Orillia?

I’m from Southern Ontario and wanted to be closer to my mother. When my father died in 2001, I hadn’t seen him for half a year. I wanted to see my mother more often than that. I was also quite excited by the prospect of being part of a new adventure and a small campus that had the potential to grow. I attended an alternative parent-directed high school that was just starting up in the late 1970s. It was exciting to be part of a growing learning environment, where everyone was like family.

What is one similarity between the two campuses and one difference?

Both campuses foster warm collegiality among students, faculty, and staff. One difference is that Thunder Bay has more established traditions and relationships, whereas Orillia still is quite new.

What do you hope Lakehead can achieve in its next 50 years?

A mentoring system where first-year students are paired with upper level students who can guide them through the rough patches and encourage excellence. This would be especially important for first-generation learners and international students. It would help new students to have a go-to person of their own age level who could help them find answers to questions about registration, transportation, the library, etc. Sometimes new students are quite shy and don’t know who to ask. Orientation does a great job dealing with a lot of those things, but it would be helpful to have one person who remains a contact throughout the school year.

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Stephanie Edwards is a fourth year Lakehead University student who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office.

Celebrate with Us!

• Lakehead University's 50th Anniversary • 1965-2015

• Lakehead Orillia Homecoming: November 12 & 13, 2015

• Don't miss our 50th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner & Dance Party – a '60s Celebration! Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing at Casino Rama – November 13, with entertainment by Lance Anderson's Hitsville Revisited – The Music of Motown
• To purchase tickets, or to learn more about Lakehead’s 50^th Anniversary events, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca

November 19, 2015

by Stephanie Edwards, a fourth year Lakehead University student who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office

As part of our celebrations of Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary, I spoke to some of our faculty and staff to learn more about their experiences at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. My conversation with Dr. Doug West, associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Political Science, is the final article in our anniversary series.

When did you start working at Lakehead?

July 1, 1991

Can you describe your first impression of Lakehead in three words?

Far, far away.

Are there any exceptional or meaningful moments that standout in your memory from your time in Thunder Bay?

The day I got tenure was a really amazing day for me because it seemed like the end of a long process. I had the pleasure of meeting interesting people along the way, including many from a variety of community organizations. The highlight at Lakehead would be receiving a grant from the McCall Family Foundation in 2006. My colleague Connie Nelson and I received $985,000 to start the Food Security Research Network.

What is one thing you want people to know about Lakehead, or an interesting fact that not many people know?

I think a lot of people don’t realize that Lakehead is a comprehensive university. It’s small, but it covers a lot of ground. I’m very proud of Lakehead’s ability to be a significant university and it reflects in our research capacity. The Lakehead way is to always embed itself in the community, to serve the needs of the community, and to keep growing as a comprehensive university.

What personal success are you most proud of accomplishing during your time in Thunder Bay?

Raising my son. He is a product of Thunder Bay and I couldn’t imagine a better place to raise kids. He is a political science graduate of Lakehead University and I’m really proud that he attended Lakehead and also proud that Lakehead took care of him the same way that I did. I’m also very proud of the Aboriginals Peoples Conference that I ran, which was a wonderful experience, including the opportunity to meet David Suzuki.

What is a Lakehead-wide achievement that you think the entire Lakehead community should be proud of?

The Law School, the Medical School, remaining steadfastly in Northwestern Ontario, and the Orillia campus.

How did you first hear about Orillia/the development of the Orillia campus?

I was invited as the Chair of Political Science to participate in the discussions around Orillia. We heard various pitches about what it might look like and it was a privilege to be part of that conversation, but now it is a more of a privilege to be here. I would invite more of my Thunder Bay colleagues to come and live the Orillia experience.

What was the biggest reason behind your motivation to cross the province and come to Orillia?

A number of personal reasons, but also academically, what really attracted me to coming here were three things: one was Kim Fedderson, whom I’ve known for 25 years. His approach to academia is one that I like to follow. Also, getting closer to home. I grew up in Montreal. I love Thunder Bay but I wanted the challenge of a new place.  My third reason was the Interdisciplinary Studies program here. Most of the work I’ve done has always been interdisciplinary, so the challenge of actually making it official was very attractive, and also helping Lakehead embed itself in the communities of Simcoe County. 

What is one similarity between the two campuses and one difference?

A similarity is the commitment to students and a student-centered experience.  I see this as mirroring Thunder Bay – that spirit. We strive to have small classes; we strive to have quality instruction. Differences: the communities are completely different, but still have similar challenges. It is different here because there are more communities like Orillia in the vicinity, whereas Thunder Bay is on its own. Orillia is part of a unique region within Simcoe County that is growing in ways no one ever predicted. Thunder Bay and Orillia aren’t the same kind of towns, but they are both multicultural and there is a significant indigenous presence, which I find very refreshing. That was a surprise when I came here.

What do you hope Lakehead can achieve in its next 50 years?

Depth. Depth of programing, responding to changing demographics, responding to the community’s needs. Making sure that the programs we offer are in step with the economic, social, environmental, and political cultures of where we are. We’re also connected to the university community in Canada and around the world. I hope that that kind of connectivity can continue.

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Dr. Doug West, Associate Professor, Lakehead University Orillia. He is also featured in Lakehead’s 2015 Streets Alive! door, as shown in this photo.

Dr. Linda Rodenburg

November 5, 2015 

By Stephanie Edwards, a fourth year Lakehead University student who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office

As part of our celebrations of Lakehead University’s 50^thAnniversary, I spoke to some of our faculty and staff to learn more about their experiences at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. My conversation with Dr. Linda Rodenburg, a faculty member with the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies who teaches English, is the fourth of a six-part series.

When did you attend Lakehead as a student? 

I studied at Lakehead from 1995-1999.  I started teaching at the Orillia campus when it opened.

What year did you graduate, and from which program?

I graduated in 1999 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and a Concurrent BA/BEd (English and History majors).

Can you describe your first impression of Lakehead in three words?

Really. Far. Away.   

I applied to Lakehead when it was marked as “university #13” on the map in the guidance counsellor’s office and I had no idea how far it was from my hometown in Woodstock, Ontario.  My parents drove me up to drop me off with my three younger siblings in tow, and we had quite the road trip.  For a small town farm girl, it was far away in many ways.  My first impression of my roommate (and we did share a room then!), was interesting; she was not in the room when I arrived, but had posted a bodybuilding calendar and left a giant bottle of body building supplements on her shelf.  I was a bit worried that she might be somewhat intimidating!  In reality, Lakehead became a second home and my roommate became like family in a matter of weeks.  My Lakehead experience in Ear Falls House was amazing!

Are there any exceptional or meaningful moments that stand out in your memory from your time in Thunder Bay?

Being in residence in that first year was an extraordinary experience.  Because many of us did not go home often, the people in Ear Falls House were like a family.  We went to Thanksgiving dinner together and celebrated birthdays with enthusiasm.  We were really there for one another, in good times and bad.

What is one thing you want people to know about Lakehead, or an interesting fact that not many people know?

Lakehead always achieves top marks for being a “value-added” institution – and people often don’t know what that means.  Students improve while they are here and tend to achieve higher academic standing as they move through their degree programs.  This results from students having the attention of their professors within a supportive academic community from day one.

What personal success are you most proud of accomplishing during your time in Thunder Bay?

I earned a Commonwealth Scholarship at the close of my studies at Lakehead University with some incredible support from three of my professors at the time:  Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dr. Gillian Siddall, and Dr. Judith Leggatt.  This scholarship enabled me to go on to earn my PhD at the University of Otago in New Zealand.  (After conquering my fear of “far away” universities, I figured, why not?  Otago is literally the furthest university in the world from Woodstock, Ontario!).  In a fun twist of fate, I would return to work at Lakehead University, and Kim would be my Dean in Orillia, Jill my Dean in Thunder Bay, and Judith my Head of Department!

What is a Lakehead-wide achievement that you think the entire Lakehead community should be proud of?

The Orillia campus!  It really has been a Lakehead-wide achievement, as we’ve had to work together across great distances to make the “two campuses, one vision” a reality.

How did you first hear about Orillia and the development of the Orillia campus?

I got an email asking me to apply to teach at it!

What was the biggest reason behind your motivation to teach in Orillia?

I was excited to return to Lakehead in its newest form.  I loved the idea of building something from the ground up, but on the solid foundation of the school I’d attended. 

What is one similarity between the two campuses and one difference?

A similarity exists in the nature of the academic community.  People care about each other and students feel enabled to exceed their own expectations due to the support of faculty and their peers.  Everyone also embraces the snow – if not, we’d all be trapped indoors for far too long!

The two campuses are different in that the Orillia campus is still establishing its identity.  As a student in Thunder Bay I served on the Lakehead University Student Union Board of Directors and oversaw a huge number of student clubs and services, which allowed for many students to participate in their university life in a huge variety of ways.  In Orillia, students are still setting up these systems, which involves a lot of freedom to establish academic culture in new ways, but also challenges as well.

What do you hope Lakehead can achieve in its next 50 years?

I hope Lakehead thrives in the next 50 years, and that the Orillia campus continues to grow to meet the needs of a growing number of students in our area.  I hope to be at the 100^th anniversary here in Orillia, although perhaps I’ll be retired by then! 

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Stephanie Edwards is a fourth year Lakehead University student who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office.