May 3, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s Dr. Pauline Sameshima has been renewed as a Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies.

“Research helps build the life we want now and for future societies,” said Dr. Sameshima, a professor in the Faculty of Education. “Imagination allows researchers to construct narratives, stories, and mythologies of the kind of world we wish to occupy. As we think and imagine, we construct a new society.

“The knowledge economy has been replaced by the creative economy, bringing to the forefront worldwide studies that link weak creativity development at work and school to unhealthy economic and societal well-being,” she said. “Advances in Canada’s creativity will depend on broader audiences being able to participate in active learning and making at all levels. Creativity is not relegated to artists.”

The Canada Research Chairs program, which attracts world-class researchers to universities, has positioned Canada as an international leader and destination of choice in research and development.

In total, the Government of Canada will provide $158.7 million in support to 186 newly awarded and renewed Canada Research Chairs. The research has potential benefits for Canadians and their families, businesses, practitioners and policy-makers. 

The Canada Research Chairs program invests approximately $265 million per year toward research in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Dr. John O’Meara, Dean of Lakehead’s Faculty of Education, said Dr. Sameshima will continue working with partners and faculty in Thunder Bay, other parts of Canada, and internationally to develop creative ways of exploring and expressing research.

“We are proud to have Dr. Sameshima renewed as a CRC and look forward to seeing her research reach broad audiences through the arts,” Dr. O’Meara said.

Dr. Sameshima curates Galleries@Lakeheadu and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies. Her latest award-winning book is a co-edited collection titled Poetic Inquiry: Enchantment of Place published by Vernon Press.

“During Pauline’s first term as a Canada Research Chair she has brought inspiring work in the creative arts and helped us appreciate innovative research through different lenses,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation.  “I look forward to her research contributions in the second term.”

Dr. Sameshima's research projects include the implementation of creativity propulsion theories, community-engaged research, prenatal education access, dementia studies, and designing teaching and learning models.

A 3-minute research video she created with her team on prenatal education demonstrates how the arts can facilitate research dissemination to the broader public. More on Dr. Sameshima's research can be found at solspire.com.

Dr. Sameshima’s Chair, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, has been renewed for five years.

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

From left, David Tamblyn, Lakehead's Chair of the Board of Governors; Elder Gerry Martin; University Librarian Karen Keiller; Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson; and Acting Provost Dr. David Barnett helped officially open the Teaching Commons.

April 26, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University officially opened its Teaching Commons by gathering with staff and faculty in the beautiful new location in the Chancellor Paterson Library on Thursday, April 26.

Located on the fifth floor of the Library, the Teaching Commons is a dedicated space for staff and faculty to come together to enhance teaching excellence across the University.

 It now includes private offices for the Coordinator of Instructional Development, Indigenous Curriculum Specialist, and the Coordinator of Learning Technologies and Innovation.

“This allows staff to offer private and extended consultations with instructors who require our assistance without disturbing those around them,” said Karen Keiller, Vice-Provost and University Librarian.

“It also increases the likelihood of instructors seeking our help on confidential matters.”

The new location also offers access to librarians for quick consultations on matters related to copyright, resources, and other topics.

“Whereas before we had to walk to another building or to another section of the building to connect instructors and librarians, now we can simply walk across the room and the necessary connections are made,” Keiller said.

The Teaching Commons now also includes communal open spaces for casual faculty interaction. Tools are also available for graduate students, such searchable pedagogical and professional resources including the 20-Minute Mentor – video-based programs designed to answer a specific question related to teaching and learning.

The Teaching and Learning in Higher Education certificate is also offered through the Teaching Commons to help graduate students develop professional, pedagogical knowledge and practices for those who choose to participate.

“Since the Teaching Commons opened in 2017, it has helped more than 100 faculty members and I’m thrilled that even more faculty will receive assistance in this exceptional space in the Chancellor Paterson Library,” said Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.

The Teaching Commons also engages with Lakehead Orillia to provide hands-on support, training, and workshops.   

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

From left, Mack Barber, Kevin Langdon, Matt Olinski, Yunseul Shin, and Ben Degroot are heading to the national steel bridge competition in late May.

April 23, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s Steel Bridge Team placed first overall in the regional competition held recently in Iowa City.  

Twelve regional universities from Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba, including Lakehead University, participated in the AISC/ASCE Steel Bridge Competition.

Matt Olinski, Yunseul Shin, Ben Degroot, Kevin Langdon, and Mack Barber were on Lakehead University’s Steel Bridge team, with faculty advisor Dr. Tony Gillies and support technologist Conrad Hagstrom.  Kailash Bhatia acted as machinist advisor to the team.

“This competition gave us the opportunity to unveil the skills and knowledge we obtained from the Lakehead Engineering program,” said Olinski, team captain.

“Knowledge obtained from our Engineering Drawing, Structural Analysis, Steel Design and Civil Engineering Analysis courses provided the basis for designing, analyzing and optimizing the steel structure,” he said. Other skills such as time management, team collaboration and leadership, which the students indirectly learned from the Engineering program, were integral to the team’s overall result.

“The competition also allowed us to oversee a technical project from start to finish. From the first design drafts on paper to the final design, fabrication and testing of the bridge, it has been a long process,” Olinski said.

One important lesson the team learned was that a design is only as good as how constructible it is. “A good design meets your goal, but a great design achieves your goal in a cost and time efficient manner,” he said.

The Lakehead team’s bridge took first for construction speed, first for construction economy (based on construction time and bridge weight) first for structural efficiency (based on bridge weight to stiffness ratio), third for display, fourth for lightness - placing first overall.

Overall Ranking of the top five at Regional Competition

1)      Lakehead University

2)     University of Wisconsin-Platteville

3)     Iowa State University

4)     North Dakota State University

5)     University of North Dakota

“This is the 20^th year that a team of Lakehead University Civil Engineering students have participated in the Student Steel Bridge Competition,” said Dr. Gillies, faculty advisor to the team.

“The Lakehead team has maintained the University’s reputation for excellence and Lakehead Teams have now qualified for the National Competition for 18 out of the 20 competitions.

“They can now look forward to the 2018 National Competition where approximately 50 university teams from across North America will be competing in Illinois for the top honours,” Dr. Gillies said.

The regional competition challenges students to design a bridge made of steel, and to fabricate an 18-foot-long, 1:10 scale model of the proposed bridge that satisfies the 35-page specifications and site drawings provided to all teams last September.

The models are erected under simulated field conditions, and are then load-tested by the students at the host university.

The specifications for the bridge change from year to year. This year the teams had to find the optimum balance between bridge weight and deflection under load to maximise their performance.  The rules mirror what it would be like to build a full-sized version of the bridge, taking into account the materials cost (weight), labour cost (construction time), traffic load (simulated test load), and performance (measured deflection under load).  Not only does the competition test the students’ structural design capabilities, it also challenges them to fabricate and construct their design.    

Support Needed

The students appreciate the support from local companies, unions and associations to assist in meeting the costs to participate in the recent competition. The team would welcome additional sponsors for their upcoming competition in Illinois in May.  Anyone interested can contact the team’s faculty advisor Dr. Tony Gillies at 343-8684.

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

From left, Mark Tilbury, Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement Director; Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Michel Beaulieu, President of the Alumni Association, and Deb Comuzzi, Vice-President, External Relations, unveiled the Alumni Wall of Honour on Thursday at Lakehead University.

April 19, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

An event was held to celebrate the Alumni Association with the unveiling of the Alumni Commons at Lakehead Thunder Bay on Thursday, April 19.

Since 1965 the Alumni Association of Lakehead University has contributed over $2 million and counting, mainly toward student financial aid.

The Alumni Commons is a newly refurbished space between the Agora and the Faculty Lounge that overlooks Lake Tamblyn. The Alumni Wall of Honour proudly displays all award recipients, honorary members and past presidents of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University. Along the long hallway, 30 years of student art can now be admired.

“We’re extremely proud of the Alumni Commons,” said Dr. Michel Beaulieu, President of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University. “I’m thrilled that the students of today and tomorrow have a welcoming area to study, rest, and recharge.”

The University identified this space to recognize the Alumni Association’s tremendous ongoing contributions to the alumni, students, faculty, and staff of Lakehead University.

With the help of the Alumni Association, over the past few months the Agora has seen a refresh of the space, including the installation of new flags of every country represented by Lakehead’s international student population, a refurbished Wall of Honour, and a few coats of new paint.

Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead University’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, said she is pleased with the exceptional updated space.

“It is the result of the strong and collaborative relationship with the Alumni Association and Lakehead University that moves our University community forward,” she added. “We are so grateful to the Alumni Association for their 53 years of dedication and support.”

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

 Robert Jackson heads to Toronto this week to compete in the provincial Three-Minute Thesis competition.

April 16, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Meet Robert Jackson, winner of Lakehead University’s Three-Minute Thesis competition.

Jackson is working toward a PhD in Biotechnology. He is studying human papillomaviruses at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute with supervisor, Dr. Ingeborg Zehbe.

“I find viruses absolutely fascinating and they are everywhere,” he said, adding that he was excited to study in Dr. Zehbe's lab, which focuses on HPV-related cancers.

Jackson is trying to understand how small changes in the genetic code of viruses, specifically HPVs, can lead to a higher risk of cells becoming cancerous. “I use a variety of biotechnology tools to accomplish this, including lab-grown human skin.”

Even with a thorough knowledge of his research material, Jackson was nervous before presenting his three-minute thesis in front of a crowd of people during Research and Innovation Week.

One thing that helped Jackson become comfortable was when Lakehead University’s Graduate Studies office invited David Goldsworthy, a Toastmasters member, to present a workshop offering public speaking tips.

“That was essential in providing the polish. I loved hearing David's perspective and advice, and sponged it up,” he said. Jackson stepped on stage and was nervous at first, “but it goes away after a few seconds and then it goes by in a blur.”

He didn’t believe he would win. “I consciously knew the chance of winning was greater than zero, but no, I didn’t think I would win . . . especially after listening to the other presenters, who were amazing.”

Jackson offered advice to anyone considering studying at Lakehead University.

“It depends on what they are passionate about and their educational goals, but overall one advantage at Lakehead University is research opportunities, even at the undergraduate level.

“It's never really too early to get involved in research, so I would recommend that if students are passionate about research, they should engage with faculty and other students that are doing the kind of work they would like to do,” he said.

He also recommended participating in three-minute thesis competitions.

“These kinds of events are a marvellous opportunity to hone our communication skills and to engage with people. I feel that as researchers we have an obligation to the public to be able to communicate our work, clearly and honestly, to solidify the role that research – especially basic research – has in strengthening our society,” he said.

Jackson will participate in the provincial Three-Minute Thesis competition on Thursday, April 19 in Toronto.

“I’m nervously excited and most of all very grateful for the opportunity,” he said, thanking Dr. Zehbe and his research colleagues for their support.

“I’d also like to thank the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, NSERC, which funds my research, Lakehead University and the Faculty of Graduate Studies for supporting the competition, Lakehead’s Three-Minute Thesis judges and David Goldsworthy from Toastmasters, as well as the Graduate Student Association for helping with travel costs.”

Update: Robert didn't finish in the top five at the three-minute thesis provincial competition, but he received compliments on his exceptional presentation on Human papillomavirus and he met lots of great people. Congratulations, Robert!

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

Pictured (from left) Lakehead Orillia student Cody Avery, Lakehead Orillia Principal Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans, Lakehead University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Moira McPherson, County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall, Mayor Basil Clarke from the Township of Ramara, and Mayor Mike Burkett from the Township of Severn.

April 11, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University was presented with a $1-million cheque by County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall on April 11 during a special celebration event at Lakehead’s Orillia campus.

Students, staff and faculty gathered in the Orsi Family Learning Commons to celebrate the County of Simcoe’s most recent gift to Lakehead: bringing the total amount of their contributions to approximately $8.5 million since 2009.

“The County of Simcoe has been extremely supportive of our Lakehead Orillia campus since its inception in 2006,” said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Moira McPherson. “These contributions have supported the growth of teaching, community service and research activities on campus, which can be seen through the successes of our students.”

“Our Council continues to step up and invest in expanding our local post-secondary education capacity,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “This investment supports our economy, fuels our labour market and provides our students with a more affordable local opportunity to obtain a world-class education.”

Fourth-year criminology student Cody Avery also thanked the County for its support on behalf of the student body.

“Lakehead University has allowed me to learn beyond the conventional classroom setting, that is not just academic centered, but goes beyond into community building and experiential learning,” said Avery. “Here, I have found my community and my chosen family.”

During the morning of celebration, Lakehead Orillia Principal Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans discussed the future growth of the Orillia campus.  “Student engagement plays an integral role in the future of this campus and ensuring that they have an exceptional experience at Lakehead is our motivation,” Jobin-Bevans said during the event.

“Investing in our campus to better meet needs of our current and prospective students will reap positive benefits as it impacts future enrollment and further economic development for the region.”

Following the cheque presentation, councillors and students had the opportunity to interact and speak about their university experience in Simcoe County.

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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 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. 

April 19, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Do you love to learn? Lakehead University Orillia has just the ticket for you.  

Open U is a day of dynamic and inspiring lectures for those who love to learn minus the homework or tests. It’s an opportunity to relive your university or college experience – no matter your interest!  

“We’re very excited to bring these scholars together for our first Open U,” said Lakehead University Orillia Principal Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans. “It’s an attempt to peel back the layers of diverse and rich topics that not only impact our daily lives but offer a level understanding that will challenge and invigorate your mind.”

Participants will enjoy lectures on the challenges of health services delivery in rural and northern communities, a biographical look at an iconic First Nations artist and learn how to begin the conversation about death and dying with family members and loved ones.

Retired Lakehead University professor Dr. Pam Wakewich is the recipient of the University’s prestigious Distinguished Researcher Award in 2017.  In association with the Centre of Rural and Northern Health her current work focuses on the challenges of equity and access to maternity care in the north as seen through the eyes of birthing moms as well as care providers and stakeholders. Her work also addresses regional engagement on addictions and mental health service, training and educational needs.

Queen’s University associate professor Armand Garnet Ruffo will provide an illustrated lecture based on his biography Norval Morrisseau: From Man to Thunderbird, of the iconic and troubled First Nations artist Norval Morrisseau published earlier this year by Douglas & McIntyre. Ruffo goes beyond the known historical benchmarks of the artist’s troubled and tangled life as he explores the mysticism of his friend and mentor. Ruffo is a member of the Ojibwe nation with familial roots to the Sagamok Ojibwe First Nation and the Fox Lake Chapleau Cree First Nation. He is a scholar, filmmaker, writer and poet.

Lakehead University professor Dr. Katherine Kortes-Miller will present based on her new book Talking About Death Won't Kill You: The Essential Guide to End of Life Conversations published in early 2018 by ECW Press.  She is the Palliative Care Division Lead at the University’s Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health. Dr. Kortes-Miller is widely known as an unconventional death educator and researcher with a passion for palliative care and improving end of life care for all.

Open U runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 and is open to everyone. There is a registration fee of $59 per person which also includes a coffee and refreshment break. Each lecture is scheduled for one hour including a question and answer period.

Copies of Kortes-Miller and Ruffo’s books will be available for purchase at Lakehead Orillia Book Store.  The authors will also be available for signing.

Lakehead University’s Open U is generously sponsored by Mayo & Associates - BMO Nesbitt-Burns. 

Register today at https://ec.lakeheadu.ca/events/open-u. Registration closes Sunday, May 6 at 11:59 p.m.

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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 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. Visitwww.lakeheadu.ca.

(Above) 2017-18 athletes of the year Andrew Dobson (left) and Chauntelle Palmer (right) are pictured with Elana Weber (centre), Student Athletics and Wellness Coordinator.

(Above) Athletes awarded most valuable player and rookie of the year in each of Lakehead Orillia's sports teams: equestrian, men’s and women’s hockey, dance, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s basketball.

April 6, 2018 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University Orillia capped off a successful 2017-18 athletics season on Friday, April 6 with a celebration of its student athletes during the annual Athletic Awards Banquet at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club.

“This is a night to highlight our Thunderwolves athletes,” said Elana Weber, Student Athletics and Wellness Coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for all our athletes and coaches to receive well-deserved recognition surrounded by their coaches and teammates.”

To cap off the celebration, Andrew Dobson was named Male Athlete of the Year, while Chauntelle Palmer was recognized as Female Athlete of the Year. Palmer was also recognized as most valuable player for women’s varsity indoor soccer.

Other major award winners included Brennan Kaffer and Lukas Katinas who were named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) All-Academic Award recipients. The OCAA All-Academic Award is presented to full-time student athletes who also meet honours academic standards at Lakehead University.

Awards were also presented to top student athletes in each of the University’s sports teams: equestrian, men’s and women’s hockey, dance, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s basketball. Most valuable player and rookie of the year were announced and presented by the team coaches, who were also recognized and thanked by the University.

“Being an athlete is a lot of work on top of being a full-time student, and in some cases, juggling a part-time job,” said Chris Glover, Director of Student Affairs, who addressed the student athletes at Friday night’s banquet. “Although today you are being recognized as athletes, together you represent so much more. You are leaders, passionate members and ambassadors of Lakehead University, and proud Thunderwolves who make this university a special place for so many.”

Since Lakehead Orillia began offering athletic programs back in 2010, the menu of sports offered through the Orillia campus has grown to a multi-level, multi-sport program with almost 100 athletes.

“If it wasn’t for the perseverance and hard work of our athletes and volunteer coaches, we simply wouldn’t have the athletic program we do here at Lakehead Orillia,” said Glover. “We know how important it is to our students to be able to offer these types of programs and we’re hoping to continue to see growth and diversity in what we offer.”

A complete list of award winners from the evening can be found below.

Major Award Winners

Female Athlete of the Year
Chauntelle Palmer – Women’s Varsity Indoor Soccer

Male Athlete of the Year
Andrew Dobson – Men’s Hockey

OCAA All-Academic Awards
Brennan Kaffer – Men’s Varsity Indoor Soccer
Lukas Katinas – Men’s Varsity Indoor Soccer

Team Awards

Equestrian
MVP: Bradi Moore
Rookie of the Year: Sierra Tregear-Paton

Men’s Hockey
MVP: Evan Alexiou
Rookie of the Year: Dexter Bridge

Women’s Hockey
MVP: Clara Hall
Rookie of the Year: Tiffany White

Dance
MVP: Ella Baker
Rookie of the Year: Elizabeth Reynolds

Men’s Varsity Indoor Soccer
MVP: Mozeed Labinjo
Rookie of the Year: Cody Hewett

Women’s Varsity Indoor Soccer
MVP: Chauntelle Palmer
Rookie of the Year: Breann Sharma 

Men’s Basketball
MVP: Cesar DeGuzman
Rookie of the Year: Breanna Shaw

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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 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. Visitwww.lakeheadu.ca.

Denise Baxter, Lakehead University’s Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives, spoke during the opening ceremonies of the 100 Years of Loss: The Residential School System in Canada Mobile Exhibition.

April 10, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead’s Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales are hosting 100 Years of Loss: The Residential School System in Canada Mobile Exhibition at Lakehead University in the Agora from April 10-12.

The 100 Years of Loss mobile exhibition explores the history of the Residential School System and traces its legacy to the present.

The exhibition uses archival and contemporary photographs, works of art, primary documents, and recent research to reveal the histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were forcibly removed from their families and institutionalized in residential schools.

 The distinct features of 100 Years of Loss are the depth of the historical perspective and the breadth of the information presented. The story begins in the early days of European expansion into North America, and continues up to and including the decades of advocacy and healing efforts by Aboriginal peoples, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the 2008 federal apology to Survivors and their families, and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2009.

One of the greatest strengths of this exhibition is its focus on the legacy of the IRS System, and in particular, its enduring impacts on Survivors and their descendants, on communities, and on Canada as a nation. The exhibition clearly shows the direct links between the Residential School System and the contemporary social crises afflicting Aboriginal communities across the country.

Schedule

Tuesday, April 10

• Opening Ceremony, 12 pm, Agora
• Public Viewing, 1 – 5 pm, Agora
• Student Panel - Learning from the Experiences of Indigenous Students, 1 – 2 pm, UC 1017
• Special Invite Exhibit, Keynote Speaker - Bob Baxter, Marten Falls First Nation, 6  - 9 pm, Agora

Wednesday, April 11

• Public Viewing, 9 am - 9 pm, Agora
• Ojibwe 101 Joanne Mendowegan, 2:30 - 3:30pm, UC 0050 - Open to the Public
• Cree 101 Susan Sandau, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, UC 0050 - Open to the Public

Thursday, April 12

• Public Viewing, 9 am - 3:30 pm, Agora
• Closing Ceremony, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Agora

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Media: For more information or to arrange 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.

April 6, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead’s Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales are hosting 100 Years of Loss: The Residential School System in Canada Mobile Exhibition at Lakehead University in the Agora from April 10-12.

The 100 Years of Loss mobile exhibition explores the history of the Residential School System and traces its legacy to the present.

The exhibition uses archival and contemporary photographs, works of art, primary documents, and recent research to reveal the histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were forcibly removed from their families and institutionalized in residential schools.

The distinct features of 100 Years of Loss are the depth of the historical perspective and the breadth of the information presented. The story begins in the early days of European expansion into North America, and continues up to and including the decades of advocacy and healing efforts by Aboriginal peoples, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the 2008 federal apology to Survivors and their families, and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2009.

One of the greatest strengths of this exhibition is its focus on the legacy of the IRS System, and in particular, its enduring impacts on Survivors and their descendants, on communities, and on Canada as a nation. The exhibition clearly shows the direct links between the Residential School System and the contemporary social crises afflicting Aboriginal communities across the country.

Schedule

Tuesday, April 10

• Opening Ceremony, 12 pm, Agora
• Public Viewing, 1 – 5 pm, Agora
• Student Panel - Learning from the Experiences of Indigenous Students, 1 – 2 pm, UC 1017
• Special Invite Exhibit, Keynote Speaker - Bob Baxter, Marten Falls First Nation, 6  - 9 pm, Agora

Wednesday, April 11

• Public Viewing, 9 am - 9 pm, Agora
• Ojibwe 101 Joanne Mendowegan, 2:30 - 3:30pm, UC 0050 - Open to the Public
• Cree 101 Susan Sandau, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, UC 0050 - Open to the Public

Thursday, April 12

• Public Viewing, 9 am - 3:30 pm, Agora
• Closing Ceremony, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Agora

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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.