The Top 10 Stories of the Year
As 2025 draws to a close, it's a great time to review the most-read stories of the last twelve months.
The articles that garnered the most attention shed light on Lakehead's progress as a university during the year that our Shaping the Evolution 2025-30 Strategic Plan was launched.
The Lakehead community was excited to learn about our partnerships with Simcoe County and transformative initiatives like our Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, as well as the regional and national recognition received by Lakehead faculty, staff, and alumni.
Also on the radar were our outstanding researchers who are having an impact in areas ranging from Indigenous mental health and early cancer detection to environmental sustainability and 6G wireless technology.
Get ready to count down!
10: Lakehead Marks Ground Blessing with $2M Provincial Boost for New Northern Veterinary Program
Today's ground blessing ceremony marks more than the beginning of construction—it symbolizes hope. In regions where farmers struggle to find veterinary care for their livestock and families drive hours to treat their pets, the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program—delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College—provides a lasting solution to a critical need. Building on the Government of Ontario's previously announced investment of $14.78 million, an additional $2 million was announced.
9: Lakehead Celebrates King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipients
It's an exciting time to be at Lakehead! Several members of the university community have joined a select group of Canadians who've been awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honour was created to recognize individuals who've demonstrated outstanding service and excellence within their communities, and it is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Pipe Major Lorne Clifford, Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Dr. Roopa Rakshit, Dr. Alla Reznik, and Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, along with several Lakehead alumni, were presented with this medal.
8: Lakehead Celebrates Alumni Excellence during 60th Anniversary Year
"Our graduates transform lives while inspiring others to follow their lead," says Mark Tilbury, Lakehead's Alumni and Annual Giving Director. Every year, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University presents awards honouring outstanding graduates and supporters. The awards ceremonies this year coincided with the university's 60th anniversary—offering the chance to celebrate both our inspirational alumni and Lakehead's role in expanding opportunities, driving societal progress, and fostering stronger communities.
7: Lakehead Professors Among New and Renewed Canada Research Chairs
Three Lakehead University researchers have been recognized by the Government of Canada with new and renewed Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments for their outstanding scientific contributions to our local and global communities. Dr. Christopher Mushquash was appointed as a new Tier 1 CIHR CRC in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction. Dr. Alla Reznik, a Tier 1 CRC in Radiation Medical Imaging Physics and Dr. Lindsay Galway, a Tier 2 CRC in Social-Ecological Health, received renewals.
6: Distinguished Canadians to Receive Honorary Degrees at Lakehead University's Thunder Bay Convocation
Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of 1,999 graduates at its Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies on May 29 and 30, 2025. In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2025, Lakehead will recognize three outstanding individuals with honorary degrees and a retired long-serving faculty member with the title of Fellow of the University, honouring their leadership, creativity, and contributions to their fields and communities.
5: Historic $10M investment from Kim and Stu Lang propels new veterinary medicine program for northern Ontario
A landmark $10 million investment from Kim and Stu Lang will support Lakehead University and the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College's new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, helping to alleviate northern Ontario's critical veterinarian shortage. The gift will help fund the construction of an animal education facility the Thunder Bay campus. This investment is the largest philanthropic contribution in Lakehead's history.
4: New collaborative veterinary program moves forward to serve northern Ontario
Help is on the horizon for people in northern Ontario struggling to access veterinary care for their livestock and pets. With a signed agreement between Lakehead and Guelph universities in place, student recruitment underway, and a Request for Proposal process about to begin, the new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is moving forward. Photo Credit: Ontario Veterinary College
3: Thunder Bay Researcher Co-Leads $10.8M National Project to Improve Indigenous Youth Mental Health
A national initiative to improve Indigenous youth mental health, co-led by local researcher Dr. Chris Mushquash, has secured an additional $10.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Mushquash is part of a group co-leading the four-year project focused on building a trust-based learning network across Canada to support culturally-grounded mental health services for Indigenous youth.
2: Lakehead University selected as preferred site for new Orillia hospital
A parcel of land on the south side of Lakehead's Orillia campus has been identified as the preferred site to build the new hospital, pending provincial government approvals and the exploration and negotiation process between the organizations. "We are thrilled that Lakehead University could be the future home to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital," said Carmine Stumpo, President and CEO of OSMH.
1: Student Spotlight: The Sky's the Limit for Engineer Sana Sharif
"I've always wanted to quench my thirst for learning," says Sana Sharif, a third-year electrical and computer engineering PhD student based in Barrie. "From childhood, I was always keen to see how things are built. I would reverse-engineer my toys!" Last spring, she received a Lakehead Luminary Award from Lakehead's Student Success Centre, celebrating her many contributions on and off campus.