Lakehead Thunder Bay’s 2021 convocation ceremony will honour exceptional people for their important contributions

May 17, 2021 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University Thunder Bay will recognize five exceptional people at this year’s main convocation ceremony being held virtually on Saturday, May 29 at 11 am EST. 

The Honourable Murray Sinclair, Rosalind Lockyer, and Donald Paterson will receive honorary degrees for their distinguished achievements.

“This year, during Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay convocation ceremonies, we will be conferring honorary degrees to three people who have dedicated their lives to making Northwestern Ontario, our province, and, indeed, our entire country, better for everyone,” said Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

Lakehead will also honour Seppo Paivalainen and Vince Mirabelli by naming them Fellows of the University – for contributing to the growth, development, welfare and well-being of Lakehead University.

“Both Vince and Seppo have helped Lakehead become the exceptional university that students and alumni are proud to call their alma mater,” Dr. McPherson added.

The main convocation ceremony will also include an address from Dr. McPherson.

Honorary Degree Recipients

The Honourable Murray Sinclair LLB MSC IPC

Murray Sinclair photo

The Honourable Murray Sinclair is an Anishinaabe and a member of the Peguis First Nation. He is a Fourth Degree Chief of the Midewiwin Society, a traditional healing and spiritual society of the Anishinaabe Nation responsible for protecting the teachings, ceremonies, laws, and history of the Anishinaabe.

He graduated from law school in 1979. He has been involved with the justice system in Manitoba for over 40 years, as a lawyer representing Indigenous clients, as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Robson Hall, as Associate Chief Judge of Manitoba’s Provincial Court and as a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench.

He was the first Indigenous Judge appointed in Manitoba and Canada’s second. He served as Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba and as Chief Commissioner of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He retired from the Bench and was appointed to the Senate in 2016.

After retiring from the Senate in early 2021, he returned to the practice of law and mentoring young lawyers. He is currently writing his memoirs.

He will be granted an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Rosalind Lockyer

Rosalind Lockyer photo

After seven years at Memorial University and Lakehead University, Rosalind earned a psychology degree and teaching credentials.

After 20 years as a teacher, entrepreneur, and community developer, Rosalind became blatantly aware of systemic issues that keep women from achieving their life goals. 

In 1995, Rosalind founded PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, channeling her experience, passion, and determination to work for positive change.

Today, PARO is recognized as the largest peer lending network in North America, and one of the strongest Canadian business development organizations supporting its unique form of women-centred social enterprise with more than 180+ Circles located across Ontario.  

Rosalind has dedicated her life to supporting gender equality and building sustainable livelihoods for thousands of women who need it the most.

Supporting women who are disadvantaged by the intersectionality of poverty, racism, sexism, ageism, and disability is central to her role as Founder and CEO of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise and co-founder of the Women’s Economic Council.

Rosalind is Treasurer of the International e-Rotary for Social Innovators, board director for Ontario for Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada, and Ontario Hub representative for the Women’s Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub.

Recognized for her notable efforts building PARO, her collaborative approach – with particular emphasis on women – Rosalind was called “one of the most remarkable social entrepreneurs in the world” by the Office of Social Enterprise, MEDEI, Ontario government.

She received the prestigious Influential Women of Northern Ontario Award-Public Sector, and the Women of the Decade in Community Leadership, the most prestigious Award offered by the Women’s Economic Forum 2018 in New Delhi, India.

Rosalind will be granted an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Donald Paterson

Donald Paterson photo

Donald Paterson was born in Fort William, Ontario – now Thunder Bay. He left Thunder Bay at age 12 to attend an independent school (Ashbury College) in Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa as a boarding student.

Following high school, Donald attended the University of Toronto attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science.

Donald returned to Thunder Bay and joined the family business, ending his career with Paterson GlobalFoods as Chairman of the corporation. He went on to chair the newly formed TBayTel Corporation and was instrumental in transforming TBayTel from a city department to a fully independent corporate entity with a modern governance structure.

During the course of his career, Donald performed many years of volunteer activity within Thunder Bay as well as provincially and nationally. He was the founding President of the Ontario Arts Foundation and served in that capacity for several years.

Donald married Lori Jean Hacio and together they raised a daughter and two sons of whom they are very proud. Donald and Lori are blessed with three grandchildren with another expected this year.

He will be granted an honorary Doctor of Commerce.

 

Fellows

Seppo Paivalainen

Seppo Paivalainen photo

Seppo was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario. Having left Thunder Bay for his legal education, he returned with Janice in 1985 to raise their family. They were avid fans of their children in various activities and sports.

Seppo has served as a lawyer for over 40 years, enjoying his interactions with clients on issues important to them. For 17 years he also served Thunder Bay as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Finland.

His community involvement includes serving on the Boards of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Canadian Suomi Foundation, Lakehead University, and Suomi-Koti of Thunder Bay. He has also been an active member of numerous service clubs and community groups.

Seppo enjoys simple outdoor pleasures with Janice such as skiing, chopping firewood, or just sitting beside a summer lake.

 Vince Mirabelli 

Vince Mirabelli photo

Vince Mirabelli was born and raised in Thunder Bay to his loving parents Caterina and Giuseppe, who immigrated from Lamezia Terme, Calabria, Italy in 1954. His parents taught and instilled in him their own virtuous values of a hard work ethic while loving and taking care of your family and friends.

He became a realtor at the age of 27 and has enjoyed a successful 14-year career thus far. His career has allowed him the opportunity to support Lakehead University and give back to the community in any way he is able to.

His Lakehead University contributions include student bursaries to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine as well as donations to new capital building campaigns. In the community his generosity knows no bounds as he is involved with many charitable organizations such as the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and Camp Quality.

In October of 2019, the Lakehead University Alumni Association named Vince as an Honourary Alumni for his contributions to Lakehead University and its students.

Vince will tell you that his most important accomplishment so far has been the birth of his son Matteo in February of 2020 just after his 40th birthday in January. He calls his newborn son a future Lakehead University Thunderwolf in the making.

Faculty Convocation Ceremonies

Approximately 2,600 students will graduate during faculty convocation ceremonies being held from June 7 to 11. Graduates from the class of 2020 are also invited to attend. Each ceremony can be watched live at lakeheadu.ca/convocation.

Faculty convocation schedule

Monday, June 7

  • 10 am – Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • 1 pm – Northern Ontario School of Medicine (West Campus)

Tuesday, June 8

  • 10 am – Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Law

Wednesday, June 9

  • 10 am – Faculty of Natural Resources Management
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Thursday, June 10

  • 10 am – Faculty of Engineering
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Education

Friday, June 11

  • 10 am – Faculty of Business Administration

 

 

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

 

 

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2020 World Universities Rankings for the second consecutive year, and 99th among 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Message from the Office of the President

image

Canadians around the world will soon join together to remember and to pay tribute to the contributions and the sacrifices by those who have served and to recognize those who still proudly wear a uniform today.

We will do so on November 8th for Indigenous Veterans Day, and on November 11th for Remembrance Day.

On these days, we remember all of their brave deeds and sacrifices, especially those who gave more than we could know so that we would have the freedoms we enjoy today.

Generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people fought to protect the land they came from and for the place we continue to build together. We wear the symbol of Remembrance, the Poppy, as a reminder and recognition of their supreme sacrifice.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the War in Afghanistan - a conflict in which over 40,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces served, and 165 Canadians (158 soldiers and seven civilians) were killed.

Thousands of other veterans of that war were wounded physically and psychologically, and they continue to be impacted by both their experiences and the ongoing events unfolding in Afghanistan today.

I encourage you to reflect and remember, and, if you are able, to partake in local events - such as the Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony and exhibit in Lakehead Thunder Bay's Agora on Monday, Nov. 8 or on the same day visit the Indigenous Veterans Day exhibit in the Orsi Family Learning Commons.

You could also attend virtual commemorations from around the world throughout the week, including on the The Royal Canadian Legion's official Facebook page.

To learn more about Indigenous Veterans Day and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples' history of military service in Canada, please visit the Indigenous Peoples page of Veterans Affairs Canada's website.

I invite all members of our Lakehead University community, no matter where you are around the world, to take a moment on November 8th, and another on November 11th at 11:00 am, to remember.

Lest we forget,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University

Lakehead University sharing hundreds of thousands of wipes with local organizations after receiving five million from Lysol

Group photo

Mark Tilbury, Lakehead’s Alumni and Annual Giving Director, centre,
hands one package of Lysol wipes to Shelley Graham, Development
Officer at Confederation College, and one package to Albert Brulé,
Chief Executive Officer of the United Way. 

November 15, 2021 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Everyone knows that germs don’t stand a chance against Lysol products.

That’s why, after receiving a donation of more than five million disinfecting wipes from Reckitt, the maker of Lysol, Lakehead University is providing hundreds of thousands of wipes to Confederation College, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Camp Quality, the Victorian Order of Nurses, and other organizations in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.  

Four tractor-trailers – each carrying 21 skids – arrived at Lakehead University the week of October 25.

“That’s when we reached out to partner with Confederation College and the United Way to facilitate distribution of these wipes,” said Mark Tilbury, Lakehead’s Alumni and Annual Giving Director.

“We’re thankful to receive this donation, which will be used throughout campus by our students, faculty and staff,” Tilbury said.

The wipes will be available in the University’s high traffic areas such as the Wolf Den and Student Central, as well as in other popular spots on campus.

Confederation College is taking 10 skids – or 7,500 packages containing 600,000 wipes – which staff will use to maximize disinfection of classrooms and labs, including public areas of the College, residence, the Children and Family Centre, the Wellness Centre, and other areas of the College. These wipes will help ensure the safety and health of everyone who accesses the College. 

The College will offer wipes to vulnerable students who cannot purchase them.

“Confederation College greatly appreciates this generous donation from Lysol to assist us in protecting the health and safety of all members of our College community across Northwestern Ontario,” said Rob Zuback, Director, Advancement and External Relations, Confederation College.

“It is wonderful to receive this contribution from partners like Lysol and Lakehead University, which will greatly assist us in managing our response to the pandemic,” Zuback said.

The United Way has contacted its partners to see if any of them require Lysol wipes.

“On behalf of the United Way of Thunder Bay and our partner agencies, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Lysol for this incredibly generous donation,” said Albert Brulé, Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Thunder Bay.

“Non-profit service providers have been challenged to meet the needs of their clients while ensuring that public health measures are observed through enhanced cleaning and safety protocols. We would also like to thank Lakehead University for sharing this donation with the wider community,” he said.

Other organizations that have also picked up Lysol wipes from Lakehead include the Ignace Food Bank and the Canadian Mental Health Association. As of today, more than 45 organizations will benefit from this donation.

For more than a century, Lysol has been protecting families from illness-causing germs.

“We believe there is nothing more important than keeping our loved ones safe and healthy, which is why we are proud to be able to help Lakehead University in their efforts to ensure a safe back-to-school environment this winter,” said Corrie Mueller, Vice-President of Marketing – Hygiene, at Reckitt.

 

 

 

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

 

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and in the top 100 of 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University welcomes everyone to participate in International Education Week 2021

November 12, 2021 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Everyone in Thunder Bay and Simcoe County is invited to participate in International Education Week, celebrated during the third week of November by more than 100 countries.

IEW provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of internationalization efforts worldwide. From November 15-19, Lakehead University will offer a variety of virtual and in-person events that are available to all members at Lakehead University and everyone in Thunder Bay and Simcoe County.

Staff and community partners will host interactive sessions that will showcase opportunities for studying abroad, celebrate cultural diversity at Lakehead, highlight the unique voices of Lakehead's international students through panel discussions, and much more.  Lakehead invites you to join in the collaborative dialogue.

The kick-off, "Canada Through My Eyes", is happening on Monday, Nov. 15 from 10 am - 2 pm in the Agora at Lakehead Thunder Bay. This interactive event will showcase the unique perspectives of international students and newcomers through expressions of writing, poetry, art, and more.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca/iew to view more information and get access to the full schedule of events.  We hope to see you there!

 

 

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

 

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and in the top 100 of 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University-led research team receiving $1.2 million to investigate cancer prevention using traditional healing

November 18, 2021 – Thunder Bay, Ont. 

A Lakehead University professor and her research team in partnership with traditional knowledge holders and Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe'iyewigamig Health Access Centre (WNHAC) are receiving $1.2 million in CIHR funding to explore the efficacy of using traditional healing to prevent cancer.

Dr. Lana Ray, Assistant Professor in Indigenous Learning at Lakehead and the University’s Indigenous Research Chair in Decolonial Futures, will work with WNHAC, traditional knowledge holders, and researchers from Lakehead University, Nipissing University and the University of Toronto to carry out the work over five years.

This project will implement traditional healing activities to address the impacts of colonialism in WNHAC’s service area. It will evaluate the impacts of the intervention through a pre- and post-design that will explore and measure risks and protective factors.

Using an Indigenous mixed methods research approach, this study will privilege Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and tangible outcomes for Indigenous communities through the implementation of medicine camps and traditional health practitioner visits.

Dr. Ray explained the importance of examining cancer prevention using traditional healing methods.

“We need to stop framing prevalent risk factors of cancer as such and start thinking about them as symptoms of colonialism,” Dr. Ray said.

“When we do this, we also begin to think of cancer as a symptom of colonialism, which allows for expanded approaches to primary and secondary cancer prevention.”

Colonialism is fundamentally about severing Anishinaabe peoples’ deep spiritual relationships to land. The anti-thesis to that is Anishinaabe systems of traditional healing that are grounded in a deep love and respect for the land and the knowledge that it possesses, Dr. Ray explained.

“Because of the resiliency and foresight of our ancestors, our practices and philosophies of traditional healing have not been lost. To restore mino-bimaadiziwin (the good life), we must look to those in our nations who possess this knowledge, and I am so grateful that as the principal investigator on this project, I am able to support the work of traditional knowledge holders and learn from them,” she said.

The project team includes Serena Joseph, Program Manager at WNHAC; traditional knowledge holders; Kathy Bird from Peguis First Nation; Katherine Fobister from Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation; Roy Napish from Eagle Lake First Nation; Ken Nash from Northwest Angle 37; Jimmy Wayendowpanicken; Robert Charles Greene and Sarah Mandamin from Iskatewizaagegan No.39; and Phyllis Shaugabay from Washagamis Bay.

Researchers include Dr. Anna Koné from Lakehead’s Department of Health Sciences, Dr. Cindy Peltier from the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies at Nipissing University, and Dr. Walter Wodchis from the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.

“We are excited to privilege Indigenous Intelligence as an effective approach to health and well-being,” said Anita Cameron, WNHAC Executive Director. “Through the mino-bimaadiziwin research project we will more than double access to traditional healing in our catchment area.”

Dr. Andrew P. Dean commended the research team for their dedication and hard work. 

“Congratulations to Dr. Ray and her project members on obtaining this research grant from CIHR and a thank you to the Agency for the funding,” said Dr. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

“Cancer treatments need to be done hand in hand with screening and also with understanding causes. This project identifies common risk factors for cancer among the Indigenous population as directly related to the impact of colonialism. Acknowledging this correlation and drawing upon traditional healing methods are the key components of this project,” he added.

The CIHR delivered this funding in partnership with the Global Alliance for Chronic Disease.

 

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and in the top 100 of 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 


New Global Skills Opportunity project to help Canadian students gain career-boosting research experience in Latin America

For immediate release: November 25, 2021

Thunder Bay – Ont.

Students from Lakehead University, Vancouver Island University, Carleton University, École de technologie supérieure (ETS), and Memorial University, as members of the Canada and Latin America Research and Exchange Opportunities (CALAREO) Consortium, will be gaining global skills through the newly launched CALAREO International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) Project.

The Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program is awarding the IRME project a consortium grant worth $799,299 to support an estimated 138 students for international research placements. 

This research mobility opportunity will unlock students’ endless potential through life-changing global skills and experiences. This offering has been made possible by the Government of Canada’s new Global Skills Opportunity program.

The CALAREO IRME Project will be administered by Lakehead University and Carleton University on behalf of the consortium. Opportunities include 12-week research internships for Canadian undergraduates in collaboration with Mitacs, which is contributing up to $240,000 in additional funding.

The program will also offer short-term research internships and fund several faculty-led programs, with the contribution of $40,000 from CALAREO.

Partners in Latin America include six universities in the state of Querétaro, México, and Colombia Challenge Your Knowledge (CCYK), a 31-university consortium in Colombia, which will work with CALAREO members in Canada to strengthen systems and supports for students and offer research placements.

“The CALAREO International Research Mobility Experience will be a transformative project that will allow students from our member institutions to experience life-changing international research opportunities,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Chair of the CALAREO Consortium.

“We thank the Government of Canada and Mitacs for financial support for this program. International research collaborations are extremely important to tackling the large challenges for society today. Through this program we will be able to start those collaborations and opportunities for our undergraduate students,” he added.

Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire the global skills that employers want and the Canadian economy needs.

A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds, and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning.

Compared to similar countries, fewer Canadian students – only about 11 per cent of university undergraduates and three per cent of college students – participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies.

This new program just might change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast, and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.

“Global Skills Opportunity is breaking down financial, social and logistical barriers that have prevented too many underrepresented students from participating in global study and work opportunities,” said Paul Davidson, President, Universities Canada.

Through this ambitious and groundbreaking program, thousands of young Canadians will have transformational experiences abroad. Their newfound global perspective and skills will inform the way they live and work for decades to come,” Davidson added.

 

 

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For more information:

www.GlobalSkillsOpportunity.ca

www.ExperienceCompetencesMondiales.ca

#GlobalSkillsCA

#CompétencesMondialesCA

 

Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University’s new Global Skills Opportunity projects help students gain career-boosting experience

For immediate release: November 25, 2021

<<THUNDER BAY AND ORILLIA, ONTARIO>> —

Lakehead students will gain global skills through two new projects funded by the Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity Program. 

Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire the global skills that employers want and the Canadian economy needs.

A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.

The New Horizons Project and the International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) Project will run through March 2025, providing new sources of funding to support international mobility experiences for Lakehead´s undergraduate students. 

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds, and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning. 

New Horizons: Global skills, Indigenous Knowledge, and Student Mobility Project

Lakehead International was successful in securing nearly $500,000 from the GSO program for its New Horizons Project.

The goal of New Horizons is to provide opportunities for Indigenous students and low-income students to develop international experience and cultural intelligence, expand their knowledge of issues relevant to Indigenous peoples globally, and to provide students access to innovative and culturally relevant supports, resources, training, and financial backing needed to participate in international mobility opportunities. 

The program will send students on short-term and one-semester study abroad courses and programs to partner universities in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Finland, Mexico, and Norway. Some courses already exist, while others may be developed. All programs are coordinated with Lakehead’s partners and each will inspire students to see their world differently, learn intercultural skills, and build a brighter future.

International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) Project

The CALAREO Consortium, whose members include Lakehead, Vancouver Island University, Carleton University, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), and Memorial University, was awarded a grant of $799,200 to launch the International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) project. The CALAREO Secretariat is based at Lakehead and will administer the IRME Project.

Co-funded by Mitacs ($240,000) and CALAREO ($40,000), the IRME Project will sponsor an estimated 138 undergraduate students to participate in various research-focused mobility opportunities, including medium- and short-term research internships/co-ops, as well as faculty-led programs.

GSO also offers targeted funding and services for underrepresented students, specifically Indigenous students, students with disabilities, and low-income students. CALAREO partners in Mexico and Colombia will collaborate to offer research internships and ensure inclusive opportunities and support services. 

With its focus on non-traditional destinations in Latin America, the project will also develop a promotional strategy for the region, based on the results of the student survey funded by the 2020-21 GSO Outbound Mobility Pilot Project.

“The GSO Program funds transformative projects for our students to experience life-changing international mobility opportunities,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation and Chair of the CALAREO Consortium.

“We thank the Government of Canada and Mitacs for their financial support for these projects. International education and research collaborations are extremely important to tackling the large challenges for society today. Through this program we will be able to foster those opportunities for our undergraduate students,” Dr. Dean added.

Compared to similar countries, fewer Canadian students – only about 11 per cent of university undergraduates and three per cent of college students – participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies.

The new program will change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast, and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.

“Global Skills Opportunity is breaking down financial, social and logistical barriers that have prevented too many underrepresented students from participating in global study and work opportunities,” said Paul Davidson, President, Universities Canada.

“Through this ambitious and ground-breaking program, thousands of young Canadians will have transformational experience abroad. Their newfound global perspective and skills will inform the way they live and work for decades to come.”

 

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For more information:

www.GlobalSkillsOpportunity.ca

www.ExperienceCompetencesMondiales.ca

www.calareo.ca

#GlobalSkillsCA

#CompétencesMondialesCA

 

 

CONTACTS:

Lakehead New Horizons Project: 

James Aldridge
Vice-Provost, International
james.aldridge@lakeheadu.ca

CALAREO IRME Project: 

Jill Sherman, calareo.research@lakeheadu.ca

 

 

Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University launches tuition waiver for youth in care

November 26, 2021 – Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University has introduced a new tuition waiver that will reduce barriers to postsecondary education for individuals in the foster care system.

Announced today in collaboration with the Child Welfare Political Action Committee (Child Welfare PAC), the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver will support the full cost of tuition and affiliated program fees for current and former youth in care working toward an undergraduate degree at Lakehead University.

Starting in September 2022, the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver will be available to students of any age pursuing their first postsecondary credential at Lakehead University. In its first year the program will support two full-time students – one at the Thunder Bay campus and one at the Orillia campus – gradually increasing to a maximum of eight students annually. The program will accept applications from current and incoming high-school graduates and mature students who are currently or were formerly in the foster care system in Simcoe County or Northwestern Ontario for at least one year. The bursary will be renewable for up to four years.

“Youth who have experienced the child welfare system are uniquely vulnerable and require specifically tailored support mechanisms to realize success within structures of higher learning,” said Child Welfare PAC Canada President Ingrid Palmer. “By adopting a relevant and responsive pathway to accessible postsecondary education, Lakehead University will also nurture upward social and economic mobility for those who have already endured undue hardship. Thank you, Lakehead, for opening up equitable access to postsecondary education in the North!”

“All Ontarians deserve access to a postsecondary education experience and a higher education system that embraces accessibility and inclusivity and promotes success,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “This is a key government priority because we know learners need the opportunity to get the training required for good jobs and because diverse representation in education and the workplace is integral to building a stronger and more innovative province and economy.”

Ensuring that students have the opportunity to access education regardless of their circumstance is one of the reasons why the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario has referred to Lakehead University as an equity of access powerhouse, explained Dr. Moira McPherson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University.

“The launch of Lakehead’s Youth in Care Tuition Waiver is in keeping with our strategic priorities to provide access to a transformative university experience grounded in exceptional scholarship and student potential,” she said.

It also aligns with the University’s commitment to serving and removing barriers to education for underrepresented students in Simcoe County and Northwestern Ontario. In addition to the tuition waiver, Lakehead University also offers the Gateway Program and Indigenous Transition Year Program to help students from underrepresented groups and students who don’t meet traditional admission requirements access a university-level education.

“We want our students to succeed and feel supported during their time at Lakehead,” explained Andrea Tarsitano, Vice-Provost (Students) and Registrar. “This tuition waiver is just an extension of the wraparound supports and individualized services that Lakehead already provides to our students to help them navigate the transition to university and support them throughout their education.”

More information on the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver can be found at www.lakeheadu.ca/studentcentral/financing-budgeting/yic_waiver.

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Media: Jaclyn Bucik, Media, Communications & Marketing Associate, at 705-330-4010 ext. 2014 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2022University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2021 World Universities Rankings for the second consecutive year, and 99th among 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Minister Jill Dunlop Dr. Moira McPherson Dr. Renee Ferguson and Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans stand in front of a banner supporting youth in care

Lakehead University will once again participate in Giving Tuesday

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November 29, 2021 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University will participate in Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 30 – and it could be even bigger than previous years.

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

This year’s goal is to raise $52,500 in support of student scholarships, bursaries and awards. As in years past, donors will be able to double their gift, as donations will be matched 1:1, up to the first $25,000 received. Since 2016, more than $326,000 has been raised through Lakehead’s Giving Tuesday efforts.
 
“We want to continue making great impacts in the lives of our students,” said Mark Tilbury, Alumni and Annual Giving Director at Lakehead University.  “Access to a quality education is so important and every gift we receive contributes to their future.”

Alumni and friends all over the globe are encouraged to give what they can on Giving Tuesday. You may visit the Giving Tuesday portal (donate.lakeheadu.ca) beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 30th, until midnight. 

Trinity School of Medicine and Lakehead University enter into Partnership

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November 29, 2021

Trinity School of Medicine is excited to announce its new partnership with Lakehead University in Ontario, Canada. This partnership will provide Lakehead students a clear, defined path to becoming a practicing MD and allow students the unique opportunity for global education.

Lakehead University students will gain a competitive advantage as a result of this agreement. Along with a waived application fee and scholarships exclusively available to Lakehead students, Trinity School of Medicine will provide a streamlined admissions process, granting conditional acceptance to applicants that meet TSOM's academic acceptance requirements specified. This benefit will drastically decrease the amount of time and effort it usually takes to complete and process medical school applications. 

In addition to an easier pathway to acceptance, Trinity School of Medicine will allow selected Lakehead students in the undergraduate science program each year the opportunity to participate in a mini-clerkship session at their learning facilities and teaching hospital in Warner Robins, Georgia, USA. Students will attend lectures with Trinity Medical Sciences University students and rotate in select clinical rotations. Lakehead students will meet Trinity faculty and hospital leadership to see firsthand what it is like to attend medical school.

“We are truly honored to enter into this partnership with Lakehead University and particularly excited to offer the opportunity to participate in mini-clerkships” said Warren Ison, Trinity’s Canadian Regional Director of Admissions.

“What many people don’t realize is that most medical schools don’t allow students to even touch a patient until their third or fourth year. But Trinity recognizes the value in hands-on experience, which is why students begin working directly with patients beginning their very first term. Our partnership with Lakehead means we will be able to produce more experienced doctors who can practice in Canada and contribute to the correction of the ongoing physician shortage.”

“Trinity and Lakehead University have the common goal of eliminating artificial barriers that prevent students from reaching their potential,” said Trinity School of Medicine President and CEO Steven Wilson. Since graduates from Trinity School of Medicine face no barriers to residency and licensure in either the U.S. or Canada, Mr. Wilson noted that this partnership “gives students the opportunity to gain global healthcare experience abroad and return to their hometown communities, where they can improve local healthcare access and contribute to the regional economy.”

“Lakehead is delighted to launch this new partnership with Trinity Medical Sciences University, which represents a wonderful opportunity to further internationalize the Lakehead student body and provide our students with unconventional academic experiences,” said Dr. David Barnett, Lakehead University’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Under the agreement, Lakehead will also provide TMSU students the possibility to transition into several of Lakehead's undergraduate degree programs. Dr. Todd Randall, Lakehead’s Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, noted that “through this partnership, we are welcoming new students into our programs, while also providing both domestic and international students the opportunity to chase their dreams of becoming medical professionals.”

 

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About Trinity School of Medicine: Trinity School of Medicine is a highly accredited, international medical school located on the beautiful island of St. Vincent. Trinity holds itself to a special responsibility to train highly skilled physicians and to instill in them a passion and dedication to the health and welfare of the communities they will serve. The founders of Trinity set out to build a top-quality medical school recognized for excellence among all medical schools. We achieve that excellence through the personal investment we make in each student who enters our school, starting from the admissions process and continuing through their academic and clinical studies, into residencies and on into medical practice. U.S. and Canadian residency directors know the quality of Trinity graduates, who continue to secure top choice residencies in the annual U.S. and Canadian residency match programs in a broad range of specialties. Learn more about Trinity at https://www.trinityschoolofmedicine.org/

About Lakehead University: Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and in the top 100 of 1,115 universities from around the world in THE's 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca to learn more.

 

 

Media: For more information or interviews with Lakehead University, please contact Brandon Walker, Lakehead’s Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

For media inquiries regarding Trinity School of Medicine, contact Jennifer Morrow, Marketing and Communications Manager, at Jennifer.Morrow@trinitysom.org.

 

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