Lakehead researchers exploring new ways to diagnose cancer, understand animal habitats and optimize energy use

October 15, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University researchers are receiving more than $1.6 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in support of 14 faculty research projects and four graduate student awards.

Researchers will use this funding to explore new ways to diagnose breast cancer, to understand how habitat selection affects animals, and to create unique tools that companies will use to understand how people consume electricity.

Dr. Alla Reznik from the Department of Physics is receiving a two-year Idea to Innovation (I2I) grant of $320,000 to continue exploring Positron Emission Mammography technology, which will help identify cancer earlier.

Radialis Medical, a joint venture between Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, will help commercialize this innovative technology and assemble the first Canadian molecular breast imaging system in Thunder Bay.

Dr. Douglas Morris from the Department of Biology is receiving a five-year Discovery grant of $160,000 to learn more about animal habitats and the impact those habitats may have on biodiversity and the risk of extinction.

Dr. Morris and his team will examine how habitat and foraging behaviour can create new species and enable coexistence of competing species. They are also interested in how habitat can predict the consequences of climate change on biodiversity and reduce the risks of extinction.

Dr. Abdulsalam Yassine from the Department of Software Engineering is receiving a five-year Discovery grant of $90,000 to develop new tools that will allow utility companies to understand how people consume energy so they can offer optimized energy recommendations and programs.

This will help society by reducing green-house-gas emissions.

Dr. Andrew P. Dean said he is proud of the exceptional research and innovation happening at Lakehead University.

“Thank you to NSERC for recognizing the important research being conducted at Lakehead and thank you to all of our dedicated researchers for everything you do,” Dr. Dean said.

Funding from NSERC also generates support from the federal Research Support Fund to offset the indirect costs of research incurred by universities. In 2018/19, Lakehead University will receive nearly $2 million in assistance from the Research Support Fund to support the indirect costs of research, which includes costs for supporting the management of intellectual property, research and administration, ethics and regulatory compliance, research resources, and research facilities.

 

New NSERC Grants 2017-18

Total Amount Awarded:  $1,605,099

Faculty Member Grants – Total:  $1,535,099

Collaborative Research & Development Grant – 2-year grant

Dr. Michael Campbell, Department of Chemistry, Development and Optimization of Resin Based Radionuclidic Generators, $94,000.00.

Discovery Development Grants – 2-year grants

Dr. Brian McLaren, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Describing functional changes in large herbivore dominated ecosystems, $20,000.00.

Dr. Wely Floriano, Department of Chemistry, Integrating systems biology, population-based, and traditional computational biology approaches to describe the modulation of mutation effects by specific combinations of gene variants forming an interaction network, $20,000.00.

Discovery Grants – 5-year grants

Dr. Douglas Morris, Department of Biology, Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Habitat Selection, $160,000.00.

 Dr. Abdulsalam Yassine, Department of Software Engineering, Behavioral and Predictive Analytics for Efficient Energy Consumption Management in Smart Grids $90,000.00.

Dr. Yushi Zhou, Department of Electrical Engineering, Ultra-Low Power Wireless Front-End Integrated Circuits for the Internet of Things, $110,000.00.

Dr. Salimur Choudhury, Department of Computer Science, Optimizing the Internet of Things (IoT), $90,000.00.

Dr. Andrew Dean, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Classification of Real Structures and Actions on C*-algebras, $65,000.00.

Dr. Pedram Fatehi, Department of Chemical Engineering, Design of lignin based flocculants and dispersants for various aqueous systems, $160,000.00.

Dr. Philip Fralick, Department of Geology, Sedimentology of Precambrian Depositional Systems: Understanding the Earth's Surface in Deep Time, $180,000.00.

Dr. Xin Yang Lu, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Regularity of minimizers and pattern formation in geometric minimization problems, $75,000.00.

Discovery Grants - Northern Research Supplement – 5-year grant

Dr. Douglas Morris, Department of Biology, Dynamics of habitat and habitat selection by lemmings under climate change, $75,000.00.

Idea to Innovation – 2-year grant

Dr. Alla Reznik, Department of Physics, Advanced Technology for Positron Emission Mammography - market-ready prototype (Phase IIb), $320,000.00.

Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) Grant – 1-year grant

Dr. Baoqiang Liao, Department of Chemical Engineering, A Gel Permeation Chromatography System for Water Science and Technology Research, $76,099.00.

Co-applicant:  Dr. Michael Rennie, CRC in Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries, Department of Biology.

Funding Awarded to Graduate Students – Total:  $70,000

NSERC – Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program -1-year-grants

Kevin Barber – Civil Engineering, Fire Resistance Testing of Structural Elements, $17,500.

Chanelle Boucher – Geology, Geochemistry of Komatiites in the Lake of the Woods Greenstone Belt, $17,500.

Ashley Salamon – Biology, Preservation and Recovery of the Proteome: A Clue to Investigate Ancient and Archived Samples, $17,500

Kristy Vannieuwenhuizen – Natural Resource Management, The effects of soil compaction on the root and shoot growth of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and black spruce (Picea mariana) seedlings, $17,500.

 

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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 2017, Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the third consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s new President & Vice-Chancellor has been sworn in

Photo of Dr. Moira McPherson speaking at the lecturn.

Dr. Moira McPherson

September 22, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Chancellor Lyn McLeod officially bestowed the title and responsibilities of President & Vice-Chancellor on Dr. Moira McPherson at a special ceremony in the Hangar on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Photo of Chancellor Lyn McLeod performing Dr. Moira McPherson's installation

For McPherson, the installation was the result of years of dedication to Lakehead University.

“I have lived, loved and breathed Lakehead in my academic and leadership career here for all those years,” she said in her speech.

“I am passionate about the strengths that Lakehead offers as a comprehensive Canadian university, as well as a vital member of the economic, social and cultural communities that we support – and that support us.”

McPherson said the university’s mission is provide an education that is about how to think, not what to think, which is increasingly relevant in today’s society.

“An overarching theme of Lakehead’s Strategic Plan is to embrace our role in creating future leaders and continuing to engage with the communities that surround our campuses. We will achieve this by continuing to prioritize high-calibre research and learning, and by building strong local, global and Indigenous partnerships that champion equity and access.”

David Tamblyn, Chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, said Lakehead is entering an exciting new chapter.

“Dr. McPherson’s long standing commitment to Lakehead University and her understanding of the challenges postsecondary institutions are faced with will enable her to provide the type of visionary leadership we require,” Tamblyn said.

Also on Saturday, McLeod presented Canadian broadcaster Ron MacLean with an honorary degree for his work on the CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, the Olympics, and at other sports events.

 

 

 

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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.

Fall workshops explore the magic of mosses and lichen

October 9, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Open your eyes to the worlds of moss and lichen during Lakehead University’s next two fall Ontario Master Naturalist Program workshops, running October 20 and 21 at the Orillia campus.

These introductory workshops, conducted by Tristan Knight from Terrastory Environmental Consulting, and Bob Bowles, coordinator of the Ontario Master Naturalist Program, are open to everyone and are designed as special interest sessions for naturalists.

“Mosses and lichen are fascinating, and many people don’t know enough about them” said Bowles. “The combination of classroom discussion and fieldwork will really help naturalists understand how central these organisms are to our ecosystem.”

During Saturday’s “Magnificent Mosses” workshop, participants will learn about the life cycle of bryophytes in comparison to that of vascular plants, and discuss the ecological requirements of these understudied species. They’ll also touch on incorporating mosses into landscaping.  In Sunday’s session on “Lichens and the Land” participants will focus on the species of lichen that grow primarily on trees, rocks, and tombstones.

These workshops will open up a whole new world; afterwards you’ll be noticing and recording your encounters with these species in all types of habitat.

Pre-registration is required. The fee is $79 (plus HST) per workshop. For program details, and to register online go to: www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/omnp/Workshops

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Media: 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 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.

 

Lakehead’s CRC in Sustainable Food Systems releases articles addressing a national food policy for Canadians

Photo of hands holding seeds. Photo by Kath Clark, USC Canada

Seed diversity is the foundation of vibrant, healthy food systems. Every year nature brings new challenges to the people who grow food. USC Canada is part of a global movement fighting for justice, health and sustainability by shifting the way we grow our food. This starts with seeds.

October 4, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Charles Levkoe, the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems from Lakehead University, and other experts have released a special issue of the Canadian Food Studies/La Revue canadienne des études sur l’alimentation journal addressing the Federal Government’s soon to be released Food Policy for Canada.

Dr. Levkoe is an assistant professor in Health Sciences at Lakehead University and a member of the Canadian Association of Food Studies, which released an open letter to the Canadian food policy community along with 16 research articles that add to the conversation surrounding the creation of a national food policy in Canada.

“A national food policy is not a new concept,” wrote co-editors Levkoe, Dr. Peter Andrée from Carleton University and Dr. Amanda Wilson from Saint Paul University in the introductory article.

“Work towards a Food Policy for Canada emerged from decades of work by civil society actors, social movements, governments and businesses. While there has not been agreement on all aspects of what a national food policy should look like, there is consensus that the dominant food system is not working for many Canadians,” the co-editors wrote.

“Our interests in the development of Canada’s national food policy . . . come from a recognition of the need for better coordination of existing food-related policies and programs distributed among different federal departments and agencies, as well as other jurisdictions. Existing policies tend to work in isolation from one another and some in contradiction, leading to even more complex challenges.

“We are very happy to see the Government of Canada’s commitment to develop a Food Policy that ‘will set a long-term vision for the health, environmental, social, and economic goals related to food, while identifying actions we can take in the short-term.’”

The 16 articles reflect on earlier food policy efforts as far back as 1977; highlight the shifts and challenges facing food provisioning in Northwestern Ontario to emphasize the importance of contextual, place-based food policy; and argue that food sovereignty must be a prerequisite to the promotion of food security, health and wellbeing and safe food for all Canadians, and discuss other important issues and concerns that the Federal Government should consider surrounding food.

You can view the open access special issue here.

 

 

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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.

Lakehead’s Board of Governors names Ross Murray, Q.C. as incoming Chair

Photo of Ross Murray

October 2, 2018 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

Lakehead University’s Board of Governors has appointed its current Vice-Chair, Ross Murray, as its next Chair. The decision was made during the Board’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27.

Murray, a retired lawyer in Thunder Bay who has served on Lakehead’s Board of Governors since 2014, as its Vice-Chair since 2016, and as Chair of its Finance & Operations Committee since 2015, said he was honoured by the decision.

“As Board Chair, I am committed to working with my fellow Board members to provide leadership at the University and to implementing Lakehead’s new Strategic Plan,” said Murray. “I also look forward to continuing to support our new president, Dr. Moira McPherson, who shares my passion for Lakehead University.”

David Tamblyn, the Board’s outgoing Chair, said he is confident Murray will help further the Board’s strategic goals.

“I am very pleased that Ross has accepted to take on this role,” Tamblyn said. “His leadership experience in the legal community, as well as his familiarity and devotion to Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, will be an asset to our university and our students.”

Succeeding Murray’s role as Vice-Chair of Lakehead’s Board is Angela Maltese, a chartered accountant, certified financial planner, and partner with Grant Thornton LLP in Thunder Bay. Maltese has served as one of the Board of Governors’ Lieutenant Governors in Council since February 2014.

Ross W. Murray, Q.C.

Born in Dryden, Ontario, Ross Murray graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce and from York University with an MBA.

Murray spent four years in the money market and venture capital sectors before beginning his studies at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto. When he was called to the bar, he and his family moved back to Thunder Bay, where he practiced law.

Murray was actively involved in initiating and developing the original Lakehead’s Faculty of Law proposal, and served as the University’s primary liaison with the Law Society of Upper Canada. 

Since 1991, Murray has served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario. He is Past Chair of the Law Society Finance Committee and Past Chair of the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company. He is currently a Life Bencher.

Murray is a past president of the Thunder Bay Law Association and is currently an ex-officio director. He is also Past Chair of McKellar General Hospital where he served as Chair of Finance. 

Prior to that, he served as director and treasurer of both the Thunder Bay Historical Museum and the art gallery, the National Exhibition Center. He was responsible for corporate fundraising for Thunder Bay’s then-new art gallery building on the Confederation College campus.

Murray had a general practice in Northwestern Ontario that involved litigation and solicitor’s work. It included serving small and medium sized businesses, prosecuting drug cases, and litigating family law, personal injury, and employment law cases.

Murray and his wife Elizabeth raised three children in Thunder Bay, and now enjoy five grandchildren.

 

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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.

 

New Scientist Joins Health Research Institute and Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, ON – September 28, 2018

Photo of Dr. Jinqiang HouThe research community in Thunder Bay is growing with the arrival of a new scientist.

Dr. Jinqiang Hou will be joining the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute on Monday, October 1st, 2018, as a Lakehead University-Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute Research Chair. Dr. Hou will also be an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Lakehead University.

The role of the Research Chair is to promote research, teaching, training, commercialization, and knowledge transfer in the area of novel molecular imaging-based diagnostic technologies for disease prevention, early detection and image-guided treatment. Specifically, Dr. Hou will be responsible for conducting a research program related to radiochemistry.

“Dr. Hou’s expertise will support a growing clinical research cluster that is exploring solutions to regional health care challenges – solutions that often have global applications,” said Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of the Health Research Institute. 

“We're also proud to collaborate with Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to recruit bright scientific talent, foster a collaborative research environment, and strengthen our patient-centred research program.”

Dr. Hou joins the Health Research Institute and Lakehead University from the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, where he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow.  He completed his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, at the Sun Yat-sen University in China.

Dr. Hou’s research has centered on the discovery of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agents for targeted cancer diagnostics, with a particular focus on the development of Fluorine-18 labeled chemical entities for potential use in the imaging of various diseases using PET. Dr. Hou plans to develop his research further by focusing on radio-tracer/drug discovery for targeted cancer diagnostics using PET, with the goal of contributing to the integration of PET imaging into drug discovery.

“The Lakehead University-Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute Research Chairs program is an excellent example of collaboration that provides the best research environment for emerging scholars. Dr. Hou will be joining a vibrant community of researchers who are engaged in the discovery of new methods and technologies for medical imaging,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Lakehead University. 

“This has been a priority for the Health Research Institute and Lakehead University, and the Thunder Bay region. Dr. Hou will help to further improve health outcomes for people in Northwestern Ontario through fundamental and applied research. Dr. Hou will also provide expertise for training of the next generation of scientists in this area.”

The arrival of Dr. Hou is part of the Health Research Institute’s plan to recruit three new scientists in radiochemistry, biophysics, and smart health technology. The positions, which involve joint appointments at Lakehead University, will build on the Health Research Institute’s strengths and prepare for a new era of health care, particularly in relation to health technology in remote regions and addressing the Indigenous population’s health disparities.

Lakehead University’s In Conversation talks returning to the Thunder Bay Public Library

September 27, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s In Conversation talks are returning to the Thunder Bay Public Library with three exciting presentations planned for this semester.

Making Love: Changing the World

On Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 pm at the Mary J.L. Black Library Community Program Room, join Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Lakehead’s Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies, for this exciting talk. Using research projects as examples, this talk looks at how creative making develops understanding and a better world. When we imagine, make, and gift, we construct a future and a past of love.

Going from Chicago to Duluth of the North: Thunder Bay’s Economy in the Past, Present, and Future

On Saturday, Oct. 20 at 2 pm in the Brodie Resource Library Fireside Reading Room, join Dr. Livio Di Matteo of Lakehead University’s Economics Department for an exciting journey that explores the foundations of Thunder Bay’s economy, its current performance and anticipated challenges for the future.

Legal History and the Search for Entrenched Protections for Canada’s Rule of Law

On Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 pm in the Brodie Resource Library Fireside Reading Room, join Dr. Ryan Alford, from Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, for this exciting talk.
It was recently revealed that Canada participated in the targeted killing of Canadian citizens in Syria during the military mission that ended in 2015. Leading legal scholars have argued that the only applicable source of rights is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Dr. Alford will argue that the Preamble of the British North America Act embedded seven absolute rights into the Constitution of Canada at Confederation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Lakehead University’s Achievement Program will now help Nipigon students realize their full potential

Photo of the signing.From left to right, Nicole Morden-Cormier, Interim Director of Education at Superior-Greenstone District School Board, Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson, and Maria Vasanelli, Interim Director of Superior North Catholic District School Board, signed the memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

September 25, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Nipigon students will have a greater chance of attending university thanks to a memorandum of understanding signed with Lakehead University on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Current and future Grade 4 students from George O’Neill Public School and St. Edward Catholic School who are eligible will now have the opportunity to enroll in the Achievement program. Students who are eligible to participate, attend special on campus programming at the University and meet certain criteria to earn financial support toward their first year of tuition at Lakehead University. 

Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson signed the memorandum of understanding with Nicole Morden-Cormier, Interim Director of Education at Superior-Greenstone District School Board, and Maria Vasanelli, Interim Director for Superior North Catholic District School Board.

“The Achievement Program is Lakehead University’s commitment to supporting access to postsecondary education by providing opportunities for students who experience socioeconomic barriers,” Dr. McPherson said.

“This program is about hope and opportunity, and encouraging students to see themselves as Lakehead University graduates at an early age. It’s about changing attitudes and expectations,” she added.

Lakehead introduced the Program in 2011 to help students obtain a postsecondary education at the University. Eligible participants enrol in grade 4 and continue with the Program until grade 12, with annual opportunities to earn financial assistance by completing specific requirements at their school, community and at Lakehead University.

At the end of those nine years, the accrued value of each student’s financial support will help fund their first year at Lakehead University. Lakehead provides additional spots each year, based on available funding, for eligible students to enrol.

Morden-Cormier said the Superior-Greenstone District School Board is pleased to partner with Lakehead University to bring the Achievement Program to students at George O’Neill Public School. 

“We know that students who feel a strong sense of belonging are more likely to succeed. Lakehead University’s Achievement Program has been designed to do just that – to ensure that students become familiar with and feel welcome at the University beginning in grade 4,” she said.

“This program reflects our strong belief in providing equity of access to education as it offers children who might otherwise not have been able to attend University the opportunity to experience it. We believe that this program will have a significant impact on our students.”

Vasanelli said: “Superior North Catholic District School Board is pleased to partner with Lakehead University in providing a progressive opportunity to our students. It is partnerships such as these that strengthen the community in supporting students to reach their potential through relevant education.”

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Lakehead University invites alumni to come home for Homecoming

Photo of people in the stands of a basketball game, throwing confetti.

Lakehead University's Homecoming will feature an exciting mix of social and sports events.

September 17, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University will host its biggest event of the year from Thursday, Sept. 20 to Saturday, Sept. 22.

Homecoming will allow alumni and friends to engage with each other and reconnect with Lakehead University. Participants and family members will truly enjoy the exciting sports and social events held over three days. 

“Lakehead has 63,029 alum around the globe,” said Michel S. Beaulieu, President of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University. “During Homecoming we look forward to seeing alumni and celebrating everything they have accomplished since graduating from Lakehead.”

Guests may RSVP to attend a special ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11 am in the Hangar where Chancellor Lyn McLeod will install Lakehead’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Moira McPherson, and confer an honorary degree to Ron MacLean. This will also include the presentation of the All-Canadian Athletic Awards. Only those registered may attend.

Tom Warden, Lakehead’s Director of Athletics, is looking forward to having MacLean on campus.

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” Warden said, adding that he hopes to see lots of fans cheering on the Thunderwolves in hockey and basketball games being played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday at 7 pm, MacLean will drop the puck to open the Thunderwolves men’s hockey game against Lethbridge. Fans who purchase a ticket to the hockey game can visit Fort William Gardens at 4:30 pm that day to watch MacLean play in a scrimmage game and have a chance to get his autograph afterward.

Even if you can’t make it to Thunder Bay for Homecoming, you can still join in the celebration by requesting a Lakehead-in-a-box kit.

“Lakehead-in-a-box is free and allows alumni to hold give-aways, hang up decorations, play games and more,” Beaulieu said.

For information about Homecoming, how to register and travel discounts for out-of-town guests, visit this web page.

 

Schedule

Social Events

Thursday, Sept. 20

  • 10 am to 2 pm – Archives open house

Friday, Sept. 21

  • 10 am to 2 pm – Archives open house
  • 4:30 to 7:30 pm – Faculty of Education Social
  • 5:30 pm – Alumni Awards Dinner with special guest Ron MacLean
  • 7 pm – Department of Languages Foreign Film Night

Saturday, Sept. 22

  • 11 am – Installation ceremony of Lakehead University’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor, honorary degree ceremony for Ron MacLean and All-Canadian Athletic Awards
  • 1 to 3 pm – Nanabijou Childcare Centre 30th reunion
  • 2 to 4 pm Archives open house
  • TBA – Nursing Class of 1973 45th Reunion

Sports

Thursday, Sept. 20

  • 6 pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Algoma
  • 8 pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Regina

Friday, Sept. 21

  • 6 pm – Women’s Basketball vs. Algoma
  • 8 pm – Men’s Basketball vs. Regina
  • 7 pm – Men’s Hockey vs. Lethbridge

Saturday, Sept. 22

  • 4:30 pm – Hockey scrimmage game with Ron MacLean
  • 7 pm – Men’s Hockey vs. Lethbridge

 

Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of the following exceptional alumni at the annual Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 pm.

  • Karl Subban (BA '83, BEd '84) Retired Educator, Author, Speaker, Hockey Dad - Alumni Honour Award
  • Sue Craig (MSc '91) Nationally recognized and pioneering geoscientist  - Alumni Honour Award
  • Shandor Alphonso, HMComm '09 MBA '10 NHL Official  - Outstanding Young Alumni Award
  • Crystal Davey, BScN '05, MPH '10 Nurse, Primary Care Practitioner, Lecturer  - Outstanding Young Alumni Award 
  • Rob Jamieson, BA, HBOR '94, Past President, Alumni Association of Lakehead University, Current President OPP Association  - Alumni Legacy Award
  • David Hare, Director of Residence, Conference & Food Services (Retired)  -  Honorary Membership

 

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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.

 

Lakehead University student’s art featured on new coin

Photo of a coin featuring Tecumseh, designed by a Lakehead student.

Photo by The Royal Canadian Mint

September 10, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

A fourth-year visual arts student at Lakehead University says it feels incredible to have designed one side of a new coin for the Royal Canadian Mint.

The Royal Canadian Mint asked Mary McPherson to participate in the design process for the new coin.                                                             

She was thrilled when the Mint chose her image of Tecumseh, a legendary Shawnee war leader who allied himself with the British and heroically led hundreds of First Nations warriors into battle at such places as Fort Meigs and most famously, Detroit.

Released on Tuesday, Sept. 4, the new coin recognizes the 250th anniversary of Tecumseh’s birth.

“It feels incredibly different than the work that I usually produce,” said McPherson, who is Ojibway and a member of Couchiching First Nation.

“I’ve never had an artistic experience quite like this one. I feel extremely grateful to have had the honour of drawing Tecumseh and having the design immortalized on a coin.”

McPherson said she learned a lot during the process.

“What I particularly realized throughout the duration of this project was how Tecumseh had, according to Dickason and Newbigging, ‘sided with the British, not because he liked them particularly but because he saw them as the lesser of two evils,’” she said.

“Tecumseh fought for the wellbeing and independence of his people. He had also united Indigenous nations, in resistance to a divide-and-conquer mentality, while maintaining the essential notion that the land was to be shared among all peoples and was not something to be owned.”

The MM on the right side of the coin represents McPherson’s initials. McPherson said her Lakehead University education helped her immensely with this process.

“Through Visual Arts and Indigenous Learning, I was able to improve my drawing skills, research skills, and time management skills, which aided me in completing this project.”

For more information about the coin, visit the Royal Canadian Mint website.

Photo of Mary McPherson with Scene of my Elders Emerging from an Inauthentic Past, a drawing she did last year.

Mary McPherson pictured with Scene of my Elders Emerging from an Inauthentic Past, a drawing she did last year.

 

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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.

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