Members of the Faculty of Education, (l-r): Dr. Katherine Becker; Terri-Lyn Clark, Master of Education student; and Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, have planned a conference on early learning and development, which will take place at Lakehead Orillia May 1 and 2.

April 21, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Two members of Lakehead Orillia’s Faculty of Education launched a new International Journal of Holistic Early Learning and Development this past year and are now presenting an international conference on the topic. 

The “First Global Conference on Holistic Early Learning and Development” takes place at Lakehead Orillia on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, and will feature two days of workshops led by education and childhood development experts.

The conference will open on Friday with a keynote by Dr. Charles E. Pascal, an internationally recognized educator, and coordinator of the PhD Program in Early Learning at the University of Toronto. He is the author of the 2009 seminal report to the Premier of Ontario, With Our Best Future in Mind. The opening keynote speaker on Saturday will be Connie P. Gale, child education expert and author of the book, Games to Grab, who will speak about “Sensory Learning Through Games and Play.” 

“This conference will be of interest to anyone who works in the field of early learning (ages 0 to 8),” said Dr. Katherine Becker, one of the conference organizers. Dr. Becker, along with Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, who launched the International Journal, led the conference planning team. “The conference, with over 30 sessions to choose from, is designed to suit a wide range of interests,” explained Mastrangelo. “In addition to researchers, we expect participation from teachers, therapists, policy makers, parents, and others with an interest in early child development.”

The detailed conference program, along with registration information, can be found online at https://conferences.lakeheadu.ca/isceld/home or by contacting Dr. Becker at klbecker@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 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.

Anna Lisa Martin and Liz Breton represent the “Voice of Convocation” as they speak to fellow graduates at Lakehead Orillia’s 2015 Convocation ceremony.

Orillia born, and internationally renowned recording artist, Gordon Lightfoot celebrates his Honorary Doctor of Music degree at Lakehead University Orillia’s 2015 Convocation ceremony at Rotary Place in Orillia on Saturday, June 6.

Lakehead University graduates celebrate following the 2015 Convocation today in Orillia.

June 6, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Over 300 students walked across the stage and claimed their hard-earned degrees, today, as Lakehead University’s Orillia campus hosted its 2015 Convocation Ceremonies at Rotary Place.

In addition to lauding its graduating students, Lakehead’s Orillia Convocation is the annual occasion to confer honorary degrees and special awards to those who have contributed significantly to the University and our community.

“While today celebrates our graduates’ academic achievement, as they embark on the pursuit of their individual successes, my main message to them is to never stop learning,” said Chancellor Derek Burney. “By remaining curious and driven, our graduates will have the freedom and opportunity to turn what they have learned at Lakehead University into any number of careers and successes.”

A highlight for graduates, and for the entire standing room only audience, was the presentation of an honorary degree to Gordon Lightfoot, regarded as the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriter of all time. Following his acceptance of a Doctor of Music degree, graduates were treated to a special musical performance by the Orillia born, and internationally renowned, recording artist.

Honorary degrees symbolize the highest honour that can be conferred upon an individual by the University and are awarded in recognition of scholarly or creative achievements or distinguished public service to the country or region.

The Civitas Award, conferred annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University, was awarded to Robert Lamb, who, as manager of Economic Development for the City of Orillia from 2002 to 2009, played a key role in the establishment of the Lakehead campus. He continues to be a passionate supporter and volunteer with the University.

Past Civitas Award winners include: Bob Bowles (2014); Will McGarvey (2013); Anderson Charters (2012); Paul Weber (2011); former mayor of Orillia, Ron Stevens (2010); Lloyd Dennis (2009); and Sue Mulcahy (2008).

Angelo Orsi was recognized by being named a Fellow of the University for his contribution to the growth and development of the University. Orsi was one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University’s campus expansion to 500 University Avenue. His dedication to the success of the campus has helped assure the longevity and prosperity of the University.

Among the graduates receiving their degrees this year, was the first cohort of students to receive their Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science – Criminology degrees.

Another “first” this year was the addition of a “Voice of Convocation,” to the ceremony. Two students, Liz Breton(HBASc/BEd) and Anna Lisa Martin (HBASc/BEd) shared their exceptional experiences at Lakehead, concluding with reference to the spirited Thunderwolf cheer.

Breton was also the recipient of the President’s Award and Lloyd Dennis Award, both recognizing contributions of outstanding citizenship and leadership with the University.

Other student award winners included:

•       The Chancellor’s Medal – awarded to the highest-ranking part-time student in an undergraduate degree program: Karin Wargel (HBSW)

•       Orillia Campus Dean’s Medal – highest-ranking student in Arts & Science degree programs: Leah Catton (HBASc) andJenny Thomas (BASc).

•       Dean’s Medal for highest standing in Sustainability Sciences: Carly Chantler (HBASc)

•       Dean’s Medal for highest standing in Interdisciplinary Studies: Leah Catton (HBASc)

•       The William A. West Medal for highest standing in Education: Rebecca Hamilton-Bachiu

“Our University has only succeeded as an institution for 50 years in Northwestern Ontario and nine years in Orillia because graduates, like these crossing the stage today, have chosen to make Lakehead their University,” said President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Just as Lakehead has grown, changed, and influenced the world, it is now our graduates’ turn to continue to grow, to change, and to influence our world.”

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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.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead University, will be one of the panel members at the inaugural event of The Lakehead Challenge – a new conversation series presented by the Midland Cultural Centre and Lakehead University Orillia. 

March 12, 2015 – Orillia, ON 

Lakehead University has partnered with the Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) to offer a new conversation series, The Lakehead Challenge, which will feature experts and community leaders in discussions about current issues.

“We’re excited to work with Lakehead University to offer this new public forum where the audience will have the opportunity to discuss critical and controversial issues,” said Fred Hacker, Chair of the MCC Board of Directors, who initiated the series along with Lakehead Orillia’s Dean & Vice-Provost, Dr. Kim Fedderson, as well as Lakehead faculty members. 

“The idea is to encourage creative thinking and questioning through a panel presentation followed by discussion,” explained Fedderson. “The MCC is such a wonderful centre – it gives us a chance to bring together some of our exceptional teachers and researchers with members of the community in settings beyond our campus.”

The series kicks off on Wednesday, March 25 at the MCC with a talk focusing on Indigenous-Canadian Relations: Governance, Economic Development and Cultural Boundaries.  Featured panel members include Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead University, Ogimaa Duke Peltier of Wiikwemkoong Anishinabek, and Joseph Tokwiro Norton, retired Grand Chief, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Douglas West, Associate Professor of Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakehead University Orillia.

Tickets for The Lakehead Challenge are $10/person and can be purchased at the MCC box office (333 King Street, Midland); online at midlandculturalcentre.com; or by calling 705-527-4420. The event begins at 7:30 pm on March 25; doors open at 7 pm. 

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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.

Shelby Mulligan, Marketing Manager, Midland Cultural Centre – 705-527-4420 ext.3403 or shelby@midlandculturalcentre.com.

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.

Midland Cultural Centre combines art, music, theatre, events and a café, all in one outstanding building in downtown Midland, Ontario. Come and attend a performance, a workshop, a concert, an art show or stop by our licensed café for lunch. Tours of the building are available. There’s something for everyone at the MCC. For information about events and to purchase tickets, visit www.midlandculturalcentre.com

Lakehead University is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary and will be at Couchiching Beach Park on Canada Day for its Charter Day (July 1, 1965) birthday party. 

June 26, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead Orillia is celebrating the University’s Charter Day – July 1, 1965 – at Canada Day celebrations in Orillia’s Couchiching Beach Park on Wednesday, July 1.

Come for the party!   The community is invited to join in the celebrations – a giant 50th Anniversary cake will be cut and served, along with the traditional Canada Day cake, and a Lakehead booth will be onsite with lots of fun prizes, popcorn and more.

To commemorate Lakehead’s Charter Day, the University’s 50^th Anniversary flag will fly downtown at the Orillia Opera House during the week of June 29 to July 6.

The Canada Day celebration is one of a number of 50^th Anniversary activities taking place this year with the highlight being the “Homecoming Dinner & Dance Party – a 60s Celebration” on November 13 featuring Lance Anderson’s Hitsville Revisted – the Music of Motown show.  Tickets will be available at Lakehead’s booth on Canada Day or can be purchased online at 50.lakeheadu.ca.

To learn more about Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca. For a schedule of Canada Day activities in Orillia, visitcanadadayorillia.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 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.

Lakehead University hosts its annual March Break Open House next week. All prospective students and members of the public are welcome to attend – March 17 – 19.

March 10, 2015 – 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 17 to Thursday, March 19 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 Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice Provost 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.

New this year will be special sessions on Wednesday, March 18 for college transfer students. This is an opportunity for students and graduates to find out how to turn their diplomas into degrees. Lakehead has agreements with Georgian College, and other colleges, that allow students to fast-track a degree program based on their previous college credits. 

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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March Break Schedule of Events 

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by 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.

March 5, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia is a regional host for the Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest for the first time this year, making Orillia one of 30 Canadian host cities. Lakehead University in Thunder Bay is also a regional host, for the third year in a row.

In Orillia, the contest will be held in on Sunday, March 29 in Lakehead’s Simcoe Hall at 500 University Avenue from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

“This competition is held annually to inspire interest in mathematics among students from grades 1 to 12. By offering math challenges in a fun and enjoyable way, students are encouraged to continue and advance their studies in mathematics,” said Dr. Maria Grazia Viola, Assistant Professor, Mathematical Sciences and organizer of the Orillia contest.

The International Mathematical Kangaroo Contest is an international mathematical competition that takes place in more than 50 countries around the world. In 2014 more than six million students participated, including 3, 332 from Canada.

Top-achieving students will receive medals and certificates. For more information, visit kangaroo.math.ca or contact Dr. Viola at mailto:mviola@lakeheadu.ca. Registration ends Sunday, March 15.

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by 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.

Graduates of Lakehead’s Humanities 101 program gathered at Era 67 restaurant last night to celebrate their successful completion of the program, directed by Lakehead’s Dr. Linda Rodenburg, along with student assistant Jeff Black (far left).

Humanities 101 students were congratulated by Program Director Dr. Linda Rodenburg and received certificates from Lakehead Orillia Dean & Vice-Provost Dr. Kim Fedderson at last night’s graduation celebration at Era 67 Restaurant.  Pictured here is graduate Jamie Hutchings, one of the evening’s valedictorians.

April 8, 2015 – Orillia, ON 

A group of 15 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 who may never have believed that they could participate in post-secondary education, with access to a university experience despite financial and other barriers.

“This is the fourth 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 Tony Gulmen, Trevor Walker, representing the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area, and Steve Clarke and Chris Marsh of Brewery Bay, who were all instrumental in raising funds.  She also introduced and thanked the faculty members who volunteered to lead the weekly lectures. “Humanities 101 has been a great success since its launch, which is thanks to many individuals, community organizations and businesses.” 

Each evening session of the 12-week program included a meal, thanks to community sponsors including Brewery Bay, Madison County, Patilero, Theo’s Eatery, Topps in Pizza, and West Ridge Subway.  Doug and Catherine West also donated food, and Era 67 sponsored the graduation dinner. 

Students will be able to continue to connect with their academic community through attending special events associated with Humanities 201, a new program sponsored by the Smart and Caring Communities Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area. 

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by 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.

James Newlands, Lakehead University’s 2015 President’s Golf Tournament Business Award recipient.

April 28, 2015 – Orillia, ON

James Newlands of Ramara is about to graduate from Lakehead University’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce program and just received a huge boost to support his further education and career goals. 

Newlands, a graduate of Patrick Fogarty Secondary School, is the recipient of Lakehead University’s President’s Golf Tournament Business Award – a $6,900 award that is presented annually to a fourth year student from Simcoe County enrolled in Lakehead Orillia’s business program. 

“I really appreciated finding out about this scholarship and was thrilled to receive it,” said Newlands. “I am going on to graduate studies and this represents a year’s tuition paid, and a financial burden I won’t have to worry about.” Newlands was recently accepted into the Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development program at the University of Guelph.

The Business Award was funded through the University’s highly successful annual President’s Golf Tournament, which ran from 2009 to 2013.

“The Award represents a commitment from the local business community to support the business program at Lakehead Orillia and encourages students to pursue their education and career goals,” said Orillia Campus Dean & Vice-Provost Dr. Kim Fedderson.

Newlands received the award based on his student leadership within the campus; he was recently elected vice-president of the school’s Business Orillia Student Society (BOSS), as well as in the community, where he has acted as head referee for the Ramara Soccer Club.

“Marks don’t play a direct role,” explains Newlands, but without the marks, you can’t participate or perform well and won’t get a faculty recommendation for the Award.”

Newlands credits his success to the school’s small class sizes and extraordinary professors. “The profs know exactly who I am; you can’t get that at a big institution. “I especially enjoyed Dr. Herman van den Berg’s classes; which made me realize that I was interested in pursuing the area of finance.”

“James is an intelligent student with an engaging personality,” said Dr. van den Berg, Associate Professor with the Faculty of Business. “I’m sure he will do well as he pursues his graduate studies. We are proud to have such accomplished students representing Lakehead.

To learn more about Newlands and his experience at Lakehead, view the “Meet James Newlands” video interview online at Lakehead’s YouTube channel (LakeheadOrillia).

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by 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.

Lakehead student Laura Bondi, one of Lakehead Orillia’s official tour guides, who will be welcoming visitors to this year’s March Break Open House, March 17 – 19.

For three days in March, Lakehead University’s Orillia campus will be opening its doors to prospective students and giving them a chance to feel what it’s like to be a Lakehead student for a day. These types of events take place at different schools all over the province to help students make their important decision about postsecondary education.

I interviewed Laura Bondi of Aurora, a second-year Education student who attended March Break Open House as a prospective student, and now one of Lakehead Orillia’s official student tour guides, to find out how the Open House helped her decide on a university.

What made you want to come to March Break Open House?

Initially, I received an email from the Lakehead recruitment team that was sent out to all students who had applied to the University. Once I heard that they were having this event, I definitely wanted to come. I had already visited the campus once, but the March Break event offered so many more activities and opportunities that you don’t normally get on a basic campus tour and I really wanted to find out more about the school.

Did you have any expectations going into the event?

I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was looking forward to being able to sit in on a real university lecture, but at the same time I was very nervous. The anxiety didn’t last long, though, as I felt comfortable very quickly at the campus, and everyone I met made me feel welcome.

Did you have a good experience?

It was a ton of fun! Being able to just walk around the Learning Commons, tour residence, try the food in the cafeteria and ultimately getting to see and feel what it was like to be a university student at Lakehead Orillia helped me picture myself there. I also really enjoyed the City of Orillia bus tour, which let me and others on the tour see what is close by and what Orillia has to offer.

What was most memorable about your experience at the Open House?

The opportunity to sit in on a lecture was the main highlight of my experience. I decided to attend a third-year Education class where the professor and students were extremely welcoming. The professor tailored the lecture for us, working in a discussion on what it was like to be a university student and what we could expect. He also was going over an assignment with his class that day, so that was beneficial as well.

Did the event have any impact on your decision to choose Lakehead?

Yes it had a big impact. When I came to the event, I was still undecided about where I wanted to go to university. Lakehead Orillia impressed me so much, mainly because everyone I met was so welcoming and they all worked together with us to make the day very eventful. I could really see myself spending the next five years of my life there and that is what really convinced me to make my choice.

Would you recommend the Open House event to prospective students?

Absolutely! There is nothing more important than visiting the schools you are interested in and getting a good feel for the environment. March Break Open House is the perfect day to do this, because not only do you get to tour the campus, but you have the chance to meet professors, academic advisors, and fellow students, who can really help you with any questions or insecurities you have about attending university. I’m looking forward to acting as a tour guide at this year’s Open House event, and can’t wait to meet new students and show them around our amazing campus.

March Break Open House will take place daily from March 17-19 at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus at 500 University Avenue, and is free to attend. For more information, and to register, visit mylakehead.ca.

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Stephanie Edwards is a third year Lakehead University student (HBASc/Anthropology) who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office.

This event has been cancelled. 

Dr. Sree Kurissery, chair of Lakehead’s Department of Sustainability Studies, will discuss her microbiology research at the next In Conversation event at the Library – Tuesday, March 17 at 2 pm.

March 10, 2015 – Orillia, ON

The next In Conversation event at the Orillia Public Library features Dr. Sree Kurissery, Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of Lakehead’s Department of Sustainability Sciences, who will present her interesting research examining material-microbe interactions.

Dr. Kurissery is a biologist whose research area is environmental microbiology with a focus on bacterial attachment, biocorrosion and its prevention.

“Most people have experienced the detrimental effects of biofilms,” explains Dr. Kurissery. “It causes the plaque on our teeth and we have heard about some of the more dangerous effects of biofilms in food processing equipment, which can cause food contamination.”

In her talk, Dr. Kurissery will discuss how her research is helping to mitigate unwanted bacterial attachment and also how biofilms can be beneficial, such as in bio-remediation and clean-up of contaminated sites.

The talk and discussion takes place on Tuesday, March 17 from 2 – 3:30 pm at the Orillia Public Library. Admission is free, but registration is required and is accepted by email at info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca; by phone at 705-325-2338; or in person at the Library (36 Mississaga St. West).

For a full schedule of In Conversation topics and dates, visit the Lakehead University website at lakeheadu.ca and check the calendar of events.

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In Conversation series website link: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/public-lectures. 

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

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by 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.