November 25, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead University will be participating in Giving Tuesday for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 29. 

Giving Tuesday is a new Canadian movement for giving.  Seen as the “opening day of the giving season,” it is a day where charities, companies, and individuals join together to share their commitment, rally for their favourite causes, and think about others. 

On Lakehead’s first Giving Tuesday, the Alumni Association has agreed to match the first $20,000 in gifts. This is an exceptional opportunity to double the impact of everyone's gift.   

By donating to Lakehead on Giving Tuesday, you support the University's hard-working students. Your donation will help fund scholarships and bursaries, enhance the student experience and support student athletes.  These are the four pillars of the Lakehead Annual Fund.

 
Everyone is encouraged to: 

• Make a gift early – the Giving Tuesday portal (donate.lakeheadu.ca) will be open on Friday, Nov. 25.
• Take a selfie or pose for a photo and post it to your social media page using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #lakeheadu.  The Alumni and Community Relations office will be sure to share your posts on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. 
• Come see staff at the Giving Tuesday booth in the Agora on Tuesday, Nov. 29 in Thunder Bay and show your support.  

Thank you in advance for helping to make Lakehead University’s first ever Giving Tuesday event a success and thanks to the Alumni Association for its continued generosity.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first 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 alumnus Matt Pearson discussed the challenges and successes in being a part owner of the Sleeping Giant Brewing Company.

November 23, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead University’s Report to the Community luncheon celebrated the innovative changemakers and events from the last year with a roomful of important stakeholders. 

The gathering was held on Wednesday, November 23 in the Embassy Room at the Victoria Inn to celebrate the 2015-16 Annual Report, hosted by CBC Thunder Bay’s Lisa Laco.

One of the luncheon speakers was alumnus Jeff Burke (HBESc’07), who launched Brule Creek Farms with his wife Andrea in 2008 after being involved in a research project with Lakehead University’s Food Security Research Network (FSRN). Dr. Mirella Stroink, a member of the FSRN, described the important work that the group does to improve access to food.  

One of the owners of the Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Lakehead alumnus Matt Pearson (Bed’14), discussed the brewery’s challenges and successes. 

Laco also interviewed Sasha Bubon, a PhD student studying chemistry at Lakehead and a research physicist with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. Bubon talked about the positron emission tomography scanner he is developing to detect breast cancer. 

At the luncheon, Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson described the excellent work being done by the University’s researchers and alumni.

“This year’s Annual Report shows the exceptional impact our students, faculty, and alumni are having on the economy and society – and that’s why we are calling them changemakers,” Dr. Stevenson said. 

In addition to the academic, research, and community accomplishments, Lakehead’s operating expenditures had an economic impact of $319 million on the City of Thunder Bay in 2015-16.

Other Report highlights included being named Canada’s #1 research university in its category by Re$earch Infosource and first in total research dollars in Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings. 

In November 2015 Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which involved a rigorous five-year process. 

Established in 1916, AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and less than five per cent of the world’s business schools have earned it. 

Read more about the exceptional work being done by Lakehead’s researchers, students, and alumni by clicking here.

November 18, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Due to current weather conditions, all scheduled university classes at Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus are cancelled.  

Only those employees who have been identified by their supervisors as essential workers are requested to report to work.

Buildings remain open for anyone who needs to come in.  The library is closed.  

Please exercise caution while driving.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first 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.

November 17, 2016 – Orillia, ON    

Lakehead University’s Report to the Community luncheon recognized the innovative people, programs and projects that are making a difference at the University and in its communities.

People from across Simcoe County gathered at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club on November 17 to celebrate the release of the University’s 2015-16 Annual Report, which describes the accomplishments of the University and the 10^th Anniversary of the Orillia campus.

Guests were welcomed by Bruce Waite from Lakehead’s Board of Governors, who shared highlights from Lakehead Orillia’s 10^th Anniversary year. “Thanks to the support of the City of Orillia, the County of Simcoe, and many community partners, our 10^th Anniversary celebrations exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Waite said.

Those in attendance enjoyed a talk show-style presentation hosted by author and playwright Dan Needles. 

The talk show portion of the luncheon opened with interviews with Grace Runciman, a third-year student who volunteers with the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. and Brandon Pitawanakwat, a student who transferred from Georgian College and is opening a business in Simcoe County, and with Dr. Herman van den berg from the Faculty of Business

Alum Jenny Thomas captivated the audience by sharing her Lakehead story with all its ups and downs – from personal challenges to winning top awards at graduation, all while maintaining a successful retail business and looking after four children. Thomas explained how Lakehead not only helped prepare her to reach her goals, but also made her a more effective entrepreneur.

Two Young Alumni Award recipients were also honoured: Josh Briand, who graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from the Orillia campus in 2014; and Ofelia Jianu, who attained her Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science degrees at Lakehead University and is now a member of the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science at the Ontario of University Institute of Technology (UOIT).  

Ofelia Jianu accepted her award and explained how Lakehead changed her life by inspiring her to become a professor of Engineering.

Lakehead graduate Ofelia Jianu (centre) is presented Lakehead’s Young Alumni Award from Mark Tilbury, Alumni and Community Relations Director (left) and Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

Josh Briand, a Canadian Forces veteran, overcame a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis to return to school, complete his degree, and go on to pursue his goal in the field of social work.  Briand is currently working as a social worker in British Columbia. Mark Tilbury, Alumni and Community Relations Director, accepted the award on his behalf.

With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the luncheon included an update on the University’s Business programs by Dr. Bahram Dadgostar, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. Dr. Dadgostar discussed the recent accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACB), new programs in Entrepreneurship and Accounting for business students, and a new Entrepreneurship Certificate Program that is open to all non-business students.

“This year’s Annual Report shows the exceptional impact our students, faculty, and alumni are having on the economy and society,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor.

“We feel extremely fortunate to have such dedicated community partners who have helped us achieve dramatic growth over the past 10 years. We look forward to many more years of success with you,” Dr. Stevenson added.

In addition to the academic, research, and community accomplishments, Lakehead Orillia’s operating expenditures had an economic impact of $47 million on the City of Orillia and the surrounding region in 2015.

Also included in the Report, Lakehead was named Canada’s #1 research university in its category by Re$earch Infosource and first in total research dollars by Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings.

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

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

Participants of Lakehead’s Report to Community, held on November 17 at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club, gather for a photo: (l-r) Lakehead student Brandon Pitawanakwat, Lakehead Alum Ofelia Jianu, guest host Dan Needles, Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead student and alum Jenny Thomas, Lakehead student Grace Runciman, and Lakehead Orillia Principal Dr. Kim Fedderson.

Author/playwright Dan Needles acted as guest host at Lakehead University’s Report to Community event, where he interviewed students Grace Runciman and Brandon Pitawanakwat, along with professor of Business Dr. Herman van den Berg.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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. In 2016, for the second consecutive year, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities. Visit www.lakeheadu.

$9.5-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation

From left to right, Don Rusnak, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River; the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women; Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; Dr. Amanda Diochon, Director of Lakehead’s Water Resource Science Program; Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

November 10, 2016 – Thunder Bay, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s $9.5-million investment in Lakehead University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

Lakehead University will receive $9.5 million to modernize and expand an existing building to create a new state-of-the-art research complex to be known as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. The new centre will enable Lakehead University to offer advanced training courses and will help local businesses and start-ups commercialize their products and services and help grow the region’s economy.

Federal-provincial investments in this project include:

• $7.96 million from the Government of Canada; and
• $1.54 million from the Province of Ontario.

Lakehead University will provide an additional $9.07 million, for a total project investment of $18.57 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history—about $160 billion over 12 years—which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quotes

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Our government is committed to supporting innovation and economic development, which will help grow the economy across Northern Ontario. This investment will allow Lakehead University to modernize its facilities so that students, local businesses and innovators can create and innovate in state-of-the-art environments.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women

“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to making Canada a leader in science, technology and innovation. This facility will create growth in northwestern Ontario and contribute to a diverse and skilled work force. I look forward to seeing the progression across all industries in the region and to creating more opportunities for our young Canadians.”

– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River

“Today’s investment in Lakehead University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences will give students in Northern Ontario access to state-of-the-art laboratories and provide space for them to advance their research and develop new technologies. By supporting this important project, our government is helping to grow the local economy and create jobs for Thunder Bay residents today while providing students access to high-quality education and training facilities to support the jobs of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines

“Lakehead University has positioned itself as a leader in the area of research and innovation, both provincially and nationally, and at the same time, has helped to drive economic growth in Thunder Bay and the region. I am pleased that the province is investing in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. This investment will allow Lakehead to further enhance its tremendous work in supporting the development and enhancement of the knowledge economy in Thunder Bay and the region.”

– The Honourable Bill Mauro, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs

“This funding will make it possible for our talented researchers and students to do their work to the fullest of their abilities in new labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Thank you to the federal and provincial governments for this support.”

– Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University

“Thanks to the federal and provincial governments, Lakehead University will create a new space on campus that will allow our researchers to answer important questions and create exceptional innovations that will impact this region and the world. This investment will significantly increase research and entrepreneurial opportunities at Lakehead University.”

– Dr. Brian Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario.
• Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure our country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
• Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
• Innovation Agenda backgrounder
• BuildON

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Status of Women

613-291-5561

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777

ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Backgrounder

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund

The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund is a $2-billion initiative designed to modernize research and commercialization facilities at Canadian universities, colleges and polytechnics.

Through the program, the Government of Canada is partnering with the provinces and territories to fund projects that:

• improve the scale or quality of facilities for research and innovation, including spaces for the commercialization of research;
• improve the scale or quality of facilities for specialized training at colleges focused on industry needs; and/or
• improve the environmental sustainability of research and innovation-related facilities at universities and colleges.

Research and teaching hospitals, research parks, and business incubators and accelerators are also eligible for funding through their affiliated university or college.

The Fund will support up to 50 percent of a project’s eligible costs. The remaining funding will come from other partners, such as provincial and territorial governments, and the institutions themselves.

These once-in-a-generation investments will promote economic activity across Canada. They will result in state-of-the-art facilities to not only train the next generation of highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs but also serve as hubs of discovery and collaboration. They will nurture the development of innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.

The Fund will also support the Government of Canada’s climate-change objectives by investing in the design and upgrade of energy-efficient buildings.

November 10, 2016 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead Orillia’s popular speaker series, “In Conversation,” continues with an afternoon presentation with Dr. Thamara Laredo, known for making the topic of chemistry fun and intriguing.

Her presentation, Dissecting a Cookie: the Chemistry of Cooking, takes place at the Orillia Public Library on Tuesday, November 15 at 2:00 pm.

If you have ever made cookies and wondered why we use certain ingredients and what really happens when the cookie dough is baked, then you will enjoy this talk! Dr. Laredo will use chemistry to answer these questions and more. After this interactive lecture, you will understand the chemistry of cooking, and you will never be able to look at a cookie in quite the same way!

Thamara Laredo teaches Chemistry and Environmental Sciences courses at Lakehead University. She is a physical chemist with interests in environmental research and food science, including a particular emphasis on the development of solid unsaturated fats and heat resistant chocolate. She enjoys making science fun and accessible for everyone.

All In Conversation events are free, but registration is required. Register by email to info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca or by phone at 705-325-2338.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer
705-330-4008 ext. 2014

kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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. In 2016, for the second consecutive year, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

November 4, 2016 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Acting Chair and Professor of History, Dr. Ron Harpelle, will visit the Orillia campus on Wednesday, November 9 to present a public lecture about the role of oral traditions in the exploitation of natural resources in Canada’s north.

The challenges of development are evident whenever natural resources are being exploited and the Canadian North is a prime example.

“Northern Canada is one of the most important front lines for natural resource exploitation and the people who have lived in these regions for centuries want to ensure that the exploitation of their resources is sustainable and beneficial to their communities,” explains Harpelle. “In dealing with governments and corporations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people often rely on oral tradition to establish their rights and to understand the environmental, economic, social and cultural impact of the changes taking place around them.”

In this presentation, “Mobilizing Traditional Knowledge: Pushing the limits of Oral Tradition in Canada’s North,” Harpelle looks at two projects that explore some of the limits of traditional knowledge and how those limits can be pushed to mobilize knowledge to benefit individuals, communities and humanity as a whole. The first project involves the repatriation of knowledge through the writings of Sheila Burnford and the art of Susan Ross. The second is a glimpse at the challenge of conveying knowledge to future generations about the Giant Mine, which is one of the most toxic industrial waste sites in Canada.

Dr. Ron Harpelle teaches history at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus and his research focuses on issues of immigration, integration, racism, labour and the post-colonial world. He is particularly interested in natural resource development and is a researcher with the Resources, Economy and Society Research Group (RESRG), which is presenting this lecture, with funding by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). 

The lecture takes place at 6 pm at Lakehead Orillia’s downtown campus, Heritage Place, 1 Colborne Street W. in room OH 4. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

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

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, renowned former Minister of Foreign Affairs and past President of the University of Winnipeg, will give a talk called Canadian Lessons from International Judicial Forums: Reflections on the International Criminal Court, Responsibility to Protect, and the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The talk will be held on Monday, Nov. 7 from 7 to 8:30 pm in the John N. Paterson Auditorium, located on the third floor of PACI, 401 Red River Rd.

This event is made possible by the Harold G. Fox Education Fund.

Free admission. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 4 by visiting lakeheadu.ca/axworthy or calling 343-8747.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first 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.

Nov. 2, 2016

Georgian, Lakehead unveil two new degree-diploma programs for 2017

Open Houses on Nov. 5 offer more information 

Two new degree-diploma programs, offered jointly by Lakehead University and Georgian College, will bring rewarding opportunities for students across central Ontario, beginning in September 2017.

The first program is a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree with Electrical Engineering Technology advanced diploma. The program is offered at the Barrie Campus of Georgian College. 

The second is an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science – Environmental Sustainability (Specialization in Ecosystem Management) degree with Environmental Technician diploma. Students will spend the first two years of the program at Georgian’s Barrie Campus and complete their studies at Lakehead’s Orillia Campus.

Open houses at both Lakehead University and Georgian College on Saturday, Nov. 5 offer an excellent way for potential students to learn more about these and other programs. Both events will include information booths specific to the two new degrees.

Preview Day at Lakehead’s Orillia Campus at 500 University Ave., runs from noon to 4 p.m. 

Fall Open House at all seven Georgian College campuses runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Under this innovative institutional partnership, students will experience the best of university and college education, earning both a university degree and a college diploma in four years. This provides a combination of academic and practical hands-on learning that will be valued strongly by employers in the field. Graduates will be job ready and equipped with creative skills and mindsets so they can hit the ground running.  The engineering degree will be the first to be offered in central Ontario.

“Georgian College and Lakehead University share a commitment to addressing the postsecondary aspirations of people in Simcoe County and Central Ontario,” said Georgian College President and CEO, MaryLynn West-Moynes. “For the first time, residents will have an opportunity to earn an engineering degree without having to leave the region. Employers throughout our area will benefit from access to a larger pool of engineering professionals who can help their businesses move forward to meet the demands of today’s global economy.”

"Drawing on the strengths of both Lakehead and Georgian, our degree-diploma programs will bridge the gap for students who are looking for the best of college and university,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Graduates of our new Environmental Sustainability/Ecosystem Management program will graduate with the theoretical and practical skills they will need to succeed in the workforce, and support the sustainability of our communities.”

For more information about the two new programs, visit GeorgianCollege.ca/engdegreediploma or GeorgianCollege.ca/envirodegreediploma.

To apply, visit the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre at www.ouac.ca.

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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Mark Hall, Senior Communications Specialist, Georgian College, mark.hall@georgiancollege.ca or 705.728.1968, ext. 1008.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead 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.

In 2016, for the second consecutive year, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Georgian College’s leadership in co-op, student work experience and entrepreneurship education delivers powerful ways to accelerate your learning, your career and your future. With more than 125 career-focused programs across seven locations in Central Ontario – Barrie, Midland, Muskoka (Bracebridge), Orangeville, Orillia, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) – Georgian has 11,000 full-time students and is home to the one-of-a-kind University Partnership Centre. Georgian has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers seven times and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers five times.

October 27, 2016 – Orillia, ON

A day of exploration and discovery is about to take place at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus, as the University opens its doors for its annual Fall Preview Day. On Saturday, November 5, hundreds of prospective students and their families are expected to attend the open house to learn about all that Lakehead has to offer.

“This annual event showcases all of the unique programs and activities that Lakehead University Orillia has to offer,” says Lakehead Orillia’s Principal, Dr. Kim Fedderson. “We know that choosing a university is one of life’s most important decisions, and attending this open house event is the perfect opportunity for students to see, first-hand, all of the exceptional options and opportunities that are available for them at Lakehead.”

New this year will be information about the first new degree-diploma programs being offered as part of the Lakehead University - Georgian College partnership. Representatives from both schools will be on hand to explain the new Electrical Engineering and Environmental Sustainability/Ecosystem Management options, which will be offered in the upcoming 2017-18 school year.

A highlight of the event will be the draw for a Freshman Prize Pack valued at $2,500 that contains “everything you’ll need to make first-year epic!”

Everyone is welcome to visit the campus for Preview Day, which takes place on Saturday, November 5 from 12 noon to 4 pm. For more information about Preview Day and to register to attend (although not required), visit: www.mylakehead.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.