Matt Olinski, middle, a Lakehead University Civil Engineering graduate, discusses the Steel Bridge Team's success in 2018 with teammate Mack Barber, left, and master of ceremonies Jocelyn Bel.

November 28, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

The theme of Lakehead University’s 2017/2018 Report to the Community was Engage. Explore. Excel.

Lakehead University PhD student Jocelyn Bel was the master of ceremonies for the annual luncheon at the Valhalla Inn on November 28, which featured interviews with some of the exceptional people who have made a major impact on the university.

Guests included Matt Olinski and Mack Barber, two recent graduates of Lakehead’s Civil Engineering program who were on the University’s award-winning Steel Bridge Team this year, and Lakehead’s Dr. Matt Tocheri, Canada Research Chair in Human Origins and associate professor in Anthropology at Lakehead University.  

Olinski and Barber described how exciting it was for the team to place first in the AISC/ASCE regional competition in Iowa City in April and 10^th in the AISC/ASCE national competition in Illinois in May.

They spent 2,000 hours over eight months to meticulously design, optimize, manufacture and practice assembling the 18-foot-long model bridge, which could hold more than 2,500 lbs.

Dr. Tocheri talked about the extinct ‘hobbits’ of human evolution (Homo floresiensis) from the Indonesian island of Flores.

Using a complete replica of the skeleton of Homo floresiensis, created by a 3D printer located in his new Human Origins Laboratory in Lakehead University’s CASES building, he demonstrated the similarities and differences with the skeleton of modern humans (Homo sapiens).

Audience members were able to touch and examine the 3D-printed replica ‘hobbit’ bones while Dr. Tocheri was speaking.

The Report to the Community was a chance to celebrate the University’s many successes, including the incredible financial impact that Lakehead has on the province.  

Lakehead University adds approximately $1.4 billion per year to Ontario’s gross domestic product. The annual economic impact of the University’s Thunder Bay campus on the province was $1.3 billion, while its Orillia campus contributed $122.7 million. Lakehead University is responsible for 6,277 full-time equivalent jobs.

“The Report to the Community is a chance to celebrate the year’s successes and connect with the communities within Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County,” said Ross Murray, Q.C., Chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors.

Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the new strategic plan and the University’s exceptional faculty, staff and students, and thanked everyone who has helped the University achieve greatness. She also acknowledged how Lakehead is helping students succeed in a fast-paced, competitive world.

“These last 12 months have been punctuated with many successes and celebrations,” Dr. McPherson said. “Today was an opportunity to meet some of the people who learn, teach, and advance research, scholarly and creative work at Lakehead—each empowering themselves and our learners to become the next generation of leaders by sharing their passion for discovery and learning.”

Visit openyourworld.ca to view Lakehead University’s Report to the Community website.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca

November 20, 2018 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

Lakehead University will participate in Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 27 – and it could be even bigger than last year.

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

Lakehead University’s Alumni Association has once again agreed to match donations up to the first $25,000 in new gifts received towards student financial aid. This is an exceptional opportunity to double the impact of everyone's gift. Since 2016, $99,214 has been raised through Lakehead’s Giving Tuesday efforts.
 
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. 

Everyone is encouraged to:

• Make a gift – the Giving Tuesday portal (found at donate.lakeheadu.ca) will open on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 12:01 am and close at midnight.
• Take a selfie or pose for a photo and post it to your social media page using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #lakeheadu.  The Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement office will be sure to share your posts on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Thank you in advance for helping to make Giving Tuesday at Lakehead another great success and thanks to the Alumni Association for its continued generosity.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

November 23, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

High school students and those interested in learning more about postsecondary education should attend Lakehead University’s open house on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

You and your family and friends are invited to Lakehead University's Fall Preview Day from 9 am to 2 pm. Attend for a chance to win a Freshman Prize Pack valued at $2,000, which includes everything you'll need to make your first year of university epic!

Visit Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus for an exciting day of exploration and discovery, open to all future students who want to learn more about the Lakehead experience while meeting with your future professors and current students.

Tour campus, discover the wide range of programs through interactive presentations, and explore all that you can do at Lakehead University. Through specialized program tours, you'll experience Lakehead’s facilities and see the environment where you will live and learn.

You will also have the opportunity to tour Lakehead’s exceptional Residence facilities, meet with Resident Assistants and learn all the reasons why living in residence is the place to be.

To register for Preview Day, visit lakeheadu.ca/previewday.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

September 5, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University Board of Governors Chair David Tamblyn was pleased to announce that following a 15-month search and consultation process, its Presidential Search Committee unanimously recommended that current Interim President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Moira McPherson, be appointed the University’s next President & Vice-Chancellor. 

Mr. Tamblyn said that Lakehead’s Board of Governors voted in support of the Search Committee’s recommendation.

“Dr. McPherson’s experience and impact in various roles at Lakehead, her deep knowledge and understanding of our University and its students, and her passion for our new Strategic Plan are just a few of the reasons why we have asked her to lead Lakehead in the coming years.”

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank Dr. McPherson for all that she has achieved as Interim President & Vice-Chancellor,” added Mr. Tamblyn. “During her distinguished career, her dedication to Lakehead University has been unremitting as she has moved from our classrooms through to our Senior Executive Team.”

Dr. McPherson, who has been Interim President & Vice-Chancellor since January 2018, said “It is an absolute honour to be given this opportunity to lead Lakehead University.”

“With the encouragement of the Board, colleagues, and community partners, we will continue to build on the strengths Lakehead offers as a well-regarded university, as well as a vital member of the economic, social and cultural communities that we support – and that support us.”

During her time as Interim President & Vice-Chancellor, since January 2018, Dr. McPherson has worked with the University’s Board of Governors to oversee Lakehead’s various initiatives and operations through the presidential transition period. Highlights include a pledge from the Province of $10 million for the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre, development of the CASES building, and the opening of the University Teaching Commons.

Dr. McPherson officially became the seventh, and first woman President & Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University, effective September 1, 2018.

Dr. Moira McPherson

Dr. Moira McPherson became Lakehead University’s Interim President & Vice-Chancellor in January 2018. Prior to that, she served as the institution’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic) since 2012, where she provided strategic leadership for institutional visioning for academic and community connections, international recruitment and partnerships, as well as program development, accreditations, and resource allocations.

Dr. McPherson began her progressive career at Lakehead University in 1987 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Athletics. After seven successful years as Director of the School of Kinesiology where she established a strong reputation as a dynamic applied scientist and coach facilitator, Dr. McPherson’s effective collaborative leadership approach led her to being named Associate Vice-President (Academic), a position that saw her design and implement some pivotal new academic processes to achieve the University’s academic goals. After stepping in to serve as Acting Vice-President (Academic) in 2010, she was appointed Deputy Provost in 2011, and subsequently appointed as Provost & Vice-President (Academic) in 2014. 

Dr. McPherson’s understanding of, and commitment to, Lakehead University continues to be demonstrated through her capacity for strategic leadership, a purposeful dedication to students, and her influence on several high impact projects. These projects include the Lakehead University-Georgian College Partnership, a collaboration that is designed to meet the needs of students and employers in Simcoe County; The Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre, a capital project to support a vibrant Indigenous student, faculty and staff presence and foster greater connections with community; and Lakehead’sTelepresenceinitiative, an immersive classroom experience that provides course opportunities to distant learners in rural and remote communities.

Dr. McPherson led the development and implementation of Lakehead University’s 2012-2017 Academic Plan, the University’s transition to the Institutional Quality Assurance process, and to a Strategic Enrolment Management Framework.  She has led the development of the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreements, and established and continues to guide the implementation of the Integrated Planning and Budgeting Process.

Dr. McPherson served two terms on the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance, was a member of the Executive Committee for the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents, and is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Dr. McPherson holds a PhD specializing in Applied Biomechanics from the University of Alberta, and has been regularly sought out for her scholarly and professional expertise in applied kinematic and biomechanical skill analyses by both national and international organizations.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2018 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, as well as first in Total Research Dollars, second for Citations, and third for Scholarships and Bursaries. In 2017, Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the third consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

November 16, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Parents and guardians of future Lakehead University students are invited to meet staff and advisors at the Parent Information Night at the Orillia campus on Tuesday, November 20.

While the event is geared towards parents and guardians, high school students and their families interested in learning more about Lakehead University are welcome to attend.

“Having a child go to university can come with a lot of questions,” says Chad O’Halloran, Manager of Undergraduate Recruitment at Lakehead University. “This is an opportunity for families to have questions answered and meet the individuals who will support their children as future students at Lakehead.”

Lakehead University staff and advisors will be on hand to answer questions and lead sessions on how to choose a program, an overview of the admissions process, and financial aid, scholarships and bursary offerings. The evening will also include information regarding on-campus services and supports. Campus and residence tours will also be available.

The information night takes place at Simcoe Hall at the Orillia campus, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Attendees can choose to attend sessions and campus and residence tours at select times throughout the evening. 

Register today at www.lakeheadu.ca/future-students/events/details?eventid=335.

Presentations

Choosing a Program and How to Apply includes an overview of Lakehead University faculties and programs. It will also describe the process of applying to Lakehead. 

• Presentation will be held at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries will take a look at the various funding opportunities available to students. It will go over the $11 million in funding available each year to new and returning students.

• Presentation will be held at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Campus and residence tours

• Will be offered at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

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Media: For more information or to request an interview, contact Jaclyn Bucik, Marketing & Communications Associate, 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or jaclyn.bucik@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Quick facts

• The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

• By combining educational, entrepreneurial and research elements in a shared on-campus environment, CASES will support applied research and development leading to commercialization and create opportunities for industry and business, as well as complement other resources in the region.

November 5, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia is offering an opportunity for the campus and community to talk about suicide through safeTALK.

The safeTALK workshop aims to reduce the stigma that prevents society from talking about suicide. safeTALK teaches participants to identify people at risk of suicide, start a conversation without fear, and direct them to the appropriate resources. Learning how to TALK – tell, ask, listen, and keep safe – is one of the key takeaways of the workshop.

“Encouraging conversation and knowledge on mental health helps build a stronger community and reduces the taboo and stigma that surrounds the subject of suicide,” said Dr. Linda Rodenburg, coordinator of community engagement and lifelong learning at Lakehead University Orillia. “Our hope is that the interest in learning more about mental health and suicide prevention extends past our campus and into the community.”

The safeTALK workshop will be held on Monday, November 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Orillia campus. Participants will receive a certificate. For more information, or to register, go to www.lakeheadu.ca/cell.

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Media contact:  Jaclyn Bucik, Marketing & Communications Associate, 705-330-4008 ext. 2014, or jbucik@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University has approximately 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, 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

October 31, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Future students, their parents, and friends will have the chance to experience Lakehead University first-hand at Preview Day Open House on Saturday, November 3. See for yourself why Lakehead is among Canada's top 10 undergraduate universities according to Maclean's 2019 Universities Rankings, and Research Infosource’s undergraduate research university of the year for the fourth consecutive year.

Drop by the Orillia campus between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Saturday to discover our wide range of programs, experiential learning opportunities, and what it’s like to be a Lakehead student. Register today at mylakehead.ca/openhouse.

Why come to Preview Day? Here are the things that you’ll be able to do:

• Take a student-led tour of campus, including classrooms, labs and residence
• Meet future professors, staff and current students
• Participate in interactive presentations
• Learn about financial aid, scholarships and awards
• Discover the amenities Lakehead has to offer – on campus and within the community

Attend for your chance to win a Freshman Prize Pack valued at $2,000 containing everything a student needs to make their first-year epic!

Can’t make it to Preview Day? Book a campus tour at a time that works for you at www.lakeheadu.ca/future-students/campus-tours/orillia

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Media contact:  Jaclyn Bucik, Marketing & Communications Associate, 705-330-4008 ext. 2014, or jbucik@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University has approximately 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, 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

October 25, 2018 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

For the fourth consecutive year, Research Infosource has named Lakehead Canada’s Research University of the Year in the undergraduate university category.

Lakehead’s placement at the top of the country’s undergraduate universities category is based on the university standing out on a balanced scorecard of research inputs and outputs, according to the annual ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities by Research Infosource, Canada’s source of research and development intelligence.

This is the first time that a university in Research Infosource’s undergraduate category has been ranked Research University of the Year four times in a row.

Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s President & Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the news, saying the announcement recognizes the value of the University's contributions to research.

"Research at Lakehead University goes well beyond our on-campus labs and facilities," she explained. "Our researchers are active in communities around the world to help ensure the continued vibrancy of our economies, societies, and cultures."

Dr. McPherson added that, “Our ranking is also due to the collaborations we share with various industry, government, and community partners. Because of those partnerships, Lakehead is able to offer more research opportunities to our researchers and students.” 

Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead University’s Vice-President, Research & Innovation, said earning Research University of the Year, again, was the result of the exceptional success and dedication of Lakehead’s researchers, and its Research Services and Economic Development and Innovation teams.

“Being designated as Canada's Research University of the year for four years in a row is a strong testimony to the quality and diversity of research that is being conducted at Lakehead University,” Dr. Dean said.

“We continue to have excellent research that is well cited and has an impact from fundamental research to applied research. I am particularly proud of the opportunities that our faculty provide to our students for exciting research projects. Our faculty continue to make significant contributions at a local, national and international level,” he said.

Research Infosource’s calculation of its Research Universities of the Year involves examining several factors, including the total amount of sponsored research funding received by Lakehead University, research intensity per faculty (total research income per faculty member), research intensity per graduate student (total research income per graduate student), total number of publications, publication intensity, and publication impact.

“Lakehead's success is no one-off result,” said Ron Freedman, CEO of Research Infosource Inc.

“Lakehead has achieved Research University of the Year status among Canada's undergraduate universities for four years in a row.  That seems to put them in a unique category of achievement.  It's a reflection of high quality scholarship and leadership at the university,” he said.

Click here to visit the Research Infosource website for more information. 

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 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 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.