Lakehead Celebrates Alumni Excellence during 60th Anniversary Year
The 2025 Awards Ceremonies Brought Together Inspirational Grads
This year, Lakehead University is celebrating 60 years of expanding opportunity through exceptional learning experiences, advancing discovery that drives societal progress, and fostering stronger communities through innovation and collaboration.
"Lakehead's graduates transform lives while inspiring others to follow their lead," says Mark Tilbury, Lakehead's Alumni and Annual Giving Director. "As we celebrate 60 years, these honourees show how our alumni and supporters bring the university's mission to life through their skill, dedication, and vision."
Since 1989, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University has presented awards honouring outstanding graduates and supporters whose accomplishments reflect Lakehead's enduring mission and impact. At the Lakehead Celebrates alumni awards ceremonies in October, each campus recognized recipients whose achievements embody these values.
The October 25 Lakehead Celebrates ceremony on the Orillia campus honoured (l-r): Chris Glover, Whitney Glage, Jessie Clarke, Heidi Warren, and Will Wong.
Honouring a Lifetime of Achievement
The Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing seasoned alumni for significant lifetime contributions through professional achievement, community involvement, or philanthropy, was presented to two remarkable recipients.
David Bruno, a Political Science graduate and Thunder Bay native, has led national initiatives in cybersecurity and helped shape Canada's secure digital services policy landscape. Michael Fox, a member of Weenusk First Nation, and President and CEO of Indigenous Community Engagement (ICE) Inc., champions Indigenous economic development and cultivates partnerships that strengthen communities and support economic Reconciliation.
Recognizing Exceptional Accomplishment
The Exceptional Alumni Award celebrates a graduate whose achievements, service, or recognized accomplishments have had a meaningful impact locally, nationally, or internationally. This year honoured three exceptional recipients.
David M. Thompson, raised on Gichi-weekwaedong (Grand Bay Reserve #54) and Beenjitawaubikozaugeeng (Rocky Bay First Nation) on Lake Nipigon, is a land-based education coordinator at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School committed to teaching Anishinaabemowin language and culture. Greg Chomut has mentored Indigenous youth through creative initiatives, including Thunder Bay's Wake the Giant festival, helping foster safe, supportive spaces where students can explore their talents, strengthen community connections, and celebrate their culture. Heidi Warren, a Yukon-based educator, leads with mindful, restorative practices, and cultivates inclusive, supportive learning environments where students and colleagues feel seen and valued.
Celebrating Emerging Leaders
The Trailblazer Award recognizes graduates of the past decade who have flourished since graduation through exceptional and unconventional accomplishments in their early careers.
This year's three recipients represent Lakehead's next generation of leadership.
Eemaan Khan, a graduate in civil engineering, has built a uniquely multi-disciplinary global career, earning a strong reputation for civic engagement, strategic thinking, and leadership. Jenna Kirker, a multiple Lakehead alumna, is a historian and advancement professional who has strengthened education and community philanthropy across northwestern Ontario. Whitney Glage, inspired by an outdoor experiential education course she took as part of her Lakehead Bachelor of Education degree, founded Tiny Forest Academy, an outdoor school now serving more than 150 students.
Champions and Changemakers
The Ambassador Award celebrates champions of Lakehead University whose continued dedication strengthens the university community. This year's two recipients exemplify this commitment.
Francis Clayton, retired head coach of Lakehead's varsity wrestling team, has coached and mentored generations of athletes who have gone on to leadership roles in the sport and played a key role in keeping alumni connected to the program. Jessie Clarke, an Orillia graduate, is a student-services professional and tireless volunteer with the Simcoe County Alumni Chapter, praised by colleagues as a "Lakehead human encyclopedia" for her knowledge and dedication to students and campus life.
The October 4 Lakehead Celebrates ceremony on the Thunder Bay campus honoured (l-r): Francis Clayton, Michael Fox, David M. Thompson, Eemaan Khan, Carolyn Verhoeven, Jack Verhoeven, Greg Chomut, Jenna Kirker, and David Bruno.
Honouring Legacy and Lifelong Commitment
The Legacy Award was presented to Jack and Carolyn Verhoeven for their exceptional commitment to the Alumni Association and the Lakehead community, particularly through their generous creation of Lakehead's largest donor-funded endowment, which assists 10 to 20 engineering students each year.
The Honorary Alumni Award, the highest honour the Alumni Association can bestow on a non-graduate, was presented to two long-standing supporters of Lakehead.
Will Wong, a familiar and welcoming face on campus since 2011, is a go-to Wolfie mascot for the Thunderwolves and a devoted Simcoe County Alumni chapter volunteer who has long embodied the Lakehead spirit. Chris Glover, Associate Vice President, Administration at Lakehead Orillia, is an enthusiastic Thunderwolves fan whose leadership and unwavering support of students, faculty, and staff help guide the Orillia campus community toward a promising future of growth and opportunity.
A Tradition of Impact
As Lakehead moves forward with its new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, Lakehead Celebrates serves as a reminder of the university's greatest legacy: graduates and supporters who carry its values forward—turning knowledge and relationship-building into meaningful action and lasting impact around the world.