Humanities 101 Program Helped Put Him on a Better Path

John Mulloy says that his life took a terrible turn after accepting an early retirement package from Chrysler Canada.

"Instead of making a fresh start, I became very ill and found myself unemployed, penniless, and without a place to call home," he says.

"At 58 years old, the thought of returning to a manufacturing job was something I could barely contemplate. Physically and mentally, I was at my limit."

Wendat Community Programs Case Manager John Mulloy

It was while accessing services at The Lighthouse—a shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Orillia—that John began to envision a different future for himself.

"Lighthouse staff encouraged me to upgrade my education after observing how easily I interacted with the other participants. They suggested that I might make a good social service worker."

John took their advice to heart and returned to school as an adult student in Georgian College's Social Service Worker program.

Then, shortly after his first semester at college, a Lighthouse employee approached him again, this time about enrolling in Lakehead's Humanities 101 course.

Humanities 101 Unlocks Possibilities

For 20 years, Humanities 101 has been empowering people to believe in themselves.

This outreach program was created to provide a university-level learning experience to community members facing financial or social barriers to postsecondary education.

Participants attend a free one-semester, non-credit course that introduces them to topics in the humanities and social science fields. The course also covers students' transportation costs to campus, gives them access to library resources, and provides them with a meal in the cafeteria on course nights.

"Together we learn to celebrate different perspectives and ways of thinking and being," explains Nicky Locker, the director of the Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL).

"Our Humanities 101 students listen to thought-provoking lectures presented by faculty members and are given opportunities to explore interests, engage in civil discourse, and, sometimes, debate."

John (sixth from left) at his Humanities 101 graduation ceremony. "Many students begin to carve out a pathway for themselves that they might have previously found daunting or unattainable," says CELL Director Nicky Locker.

John thrived in this new environment.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course because it brought to my attention how narrowly focused we can sometimes be without fully realizing it," he says.

He particularly appreciated how Humanities 101 helped students look at the world around them through multiple lenses and with an open mind.

"Little did I know at the time how important this way of thinking would become—not only for my college coursework as it progressed, but also for my future employment," John adds.

A Life Transformed

By December 2025, John had completed Humanities 101 and graduated from Georgian College.

Then, the profound change he'd been seeking truly began to materialize. In January 2026, he was hired as a full-time case manager with Wendat Community Programs.

Wendat is a non-profit in Midland, Ontario, that assists seniors with care needs and adults with mental health needs in the Simcoe-Muskoka region.

"The Humanities 101 course has paid dividends every day since I started my position at Wendat," John says.

"I have discovered how important it is—and I am reminded daily—how we as social service workers must learn to see things through the eyes of our clients.

We must be vigilant in how we perceive them and careful about the judgments we make about the people around us."

Humanities 101 fosters relationships, care, and lifelong learning, which are strong contributors to well-being and to removing barriers to success. Above, John stands in front of The Lighthouse in Orillia. Photo Credit: The Lighthouse

John is now eagerly helping guide his current caseload of 11 clients towards more positive mental health and supporting them in making decisions that bring real independence.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to CELL's Nicky Locker and Nick Damer for making Humanities 101 so rewarding and educational.

I can honestly say I would recommend this course to anybody, but particularly to those who want to expand how they see and engage with the world."

Humanities 101 is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Click here for more information about this transformative community outreach program.

John was recently featured on the Orillia Matters news site. Click here to read more about his inspirational journey.

The Claude E. Garton Herbarium is an Amazing Educational Resource

Tucked into a corner of the Thunder Bay campus is a fascinating universe ready to welcome curious students, scientists, and community groups.

The Claude E. Garton Herbarium on the third floor of the Centennial Building houses a collection of over 115,000 preserved plant and tree specimens.

The herbarium was established in 1967 by Claude Garton, an elementary school teacher and amateur naturalist, who began collecting local plants in the Thunder Bay area in 1933. Above, Kristi Valley and Myles Cummins in the herbarium.

"A herbarium is a plant library, a database, and a museum," Acting Curator Kristi Valley explains.

Lakehead's Herbarium has a staggering array of flowering plants, ferns, shrubs, trees, cacti, mosses, lichens, grasses, and much more. These specimens come from across the globe and range in age from 200 years old to newly harvested.

"We're like a botanical time machine," says Herbarium Botanist Myles Cummins, a recent Master of Science in Forestry grad.

The collection is stored in secure cabinets in the form of vouchers—plant specimens that have been flattened in a press before being mounted on archival paper and labelled.

Plant vouchers can include stems, leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, bark, and cones—each preserving a record of where and when the plant was collected.

Herbariums Are Research and Discovery Hot Spots

The plants in herbarium collections have a multitude of real-world applications.

"Researchers—such as botanists, biologists, geologists, and anthropologists—rely upon our collection," Kristi explains.

A beautiful Pink Lady's Slipper orchid (Cypripedium acaule) collected by Claude Garton in 1975 at Louie Lake in Pukaskwa National Park.

"Anthropologists, for example, have compared roots and seeds in our collection to plants at archaeological sites to learn more about the ecology and culture of past societies."

"We've also helped geologists identify tree species so that they can do vegetation-based mineral exploration, which involves analyzing specimens for metals absorbed into their leaves," Myles says.

Botanists are equally interested in the herbarium. "We've collaborated with herbaria across North America to more accurately name plant species," Kristi says.

Climate-change researchers are similarly keen to use the collection.

They germinate herbarium seeds and compare the plants that sprout from these seeds to plants growing today—allowing them to see how a warming climate has affected different plant species.

They also compare the flowering stages of specimens collected decades ago with living plants to document climate-change driven shifts in flowering times.

A Class Trip You Won't Forget

The Claude E. Garton Herbarium has become a popular destination for northwestern Ontario students, as well as researchers.

"Lakehead biology and natural resources management students frequently use our collection," Kristi says. "We also do outreach programming with local youth groups and high schools."

The herbarium teaches students and STEM organizations how to identify native plant species and invasive plant species by using a dichotomous key, as well as by using the iNaturalist app. The app allows them to monitor species distribution and climate change.

One of Kristi's favourite visits took place this past fall.

Students enrolled in Lakehead's Indigenous Transition Year Program (ITYP) and Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM) toured the facility as part of a botany unit in their general science course.

"It was an experiential learning opportunity for them," says Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator Lisa Primavesi.

These students, who will pursue degrees at Lakehead once they've completed their ITYP and ISTEM studies, stood out for their level of enthusiasm.

The plants in the herbarium are organized systematically by family, genus, and species. It has an almost complete collection of the vascular plants of the Thunder Bay area. Above, ITYP and ISTEM students employ a dichotomous key, similar to a decision tree, to correctly identify plants.

"I was blown away by their genuine excitement for botany," Kristi says. "Some of them even offered to volunteer at the herbarium."

The students took part in a plant ID challenge and spoke to PhD researcher Karla Ramirez Galicia who's studying jack pines.

"The herbarium has a wealth of resources, and I'd like to thank Kristi for setting aside time for the students," says Indigenous Access Programs Coordinator Lisa Primavesi. "It was really special to have the class visit and learn about the herbarium." Right, a student makes a plant voucher.

Another highlight was the opportunity to create plant vouchers.

Prior to their visit, each student collected plants including yarrow, cocklebur, and red clover. They then pressed and mounted their plants before donating them to the herbarium.

Continuing to engage people throughout northwestern Ontario in outreach activities like this is critical to the herbarium's mission.

That's why they partner with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, and other organizations, to support community education and plant-identification training.

"We also accompany visiting Indigenous community members on plant walks," Myles says. "We help them source plant materials so that they can teach young people to make traditional medicines."

"Getting young people interested in plants is our goal," Kristi adds. "We're always ready to work with educators and community groups."

If you'd like to arrange a tour or workshop with the Claude E. Garton Herbarium, email Acting Curator Kristi Valley at: kedysiev@lakeheadu.ca

To support the Herbarium, click here. 

Lakehead University and the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) are advancing the next phase of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) with the appointment of Dr. Terri O’Sullivan as Program and Operations Advisor to the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead.

The CDVMP, a joint initiative between the two institutions, is designed to expand veterinary training capacity and help address the significant need for veterinary services in Northern Ontario.

“It’s a privilege to contribute to this important next stage in the implementation of the CDVMP,” said O’Sullivan, a professor in OVC’s Department of Population Medicine. “I am excited to work alongside colleagues at Lakehead and OVC as we help shape a program that will expand access to veterinary training and create long-term benefits for the veterinary profession, animal health, the agriculture sector, and communities across the North.”

“Dr. O’Sullivan brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to this new role that will be a huge asset in helping OVC and Lakehead bring the CDVMP to realization,” said Dr. Todd Duffield, OVC’s Department of Population Medicine chair.

O’Sullivan will continue in her OVC faculty role while taking on a significant service commitment supporting CDVMP implementation and operational development at Lakehead, where she will also serve as External Adjunct Faculty in Lakehead’s Department of Veterinary Science. She will liaise directly with CDVMP leads at OVC to collaborate throughout the program rollout.

“Dr. O’Sullivan’s appointment marks an important step forward in the development of the CDVMP,” said Dr. Jeff Wichtel, OVC’s dean. “Her extensive experience in veterinary education will help ensure that this initiative delivers high‑quality training and meaningful impact for students and communities across Northern Ontario.”

Leadership of this next stage at Lakehead will be guided by Dr. Todd Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (FSES), who is also serving as Interim Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science. Under his direction, preparations are now underway to begin recruiting faculty and staff, establish operational frameworks, and build the academic and research capacity that will support program delivery.

“Dr. O’Sullivan’s experience in rural community veterinary practise, and longstanding leadership within veterinary education will be an important asset as Lakehead and OVC continue to advance this collaborative program,” said Randall. “Her advisory role will help support the operational planning and coordination needed to bring the CDVMP to life at Lakehead and strengthen veterinary training opportunities in Northern Ontario.”

O’Sullivan will work with leadership at Lakehead and OVC to support key aspects of CDVMP implementation, including operational planning, and coordination between the partner institutions, and preparation for the program’s first phase of delivery at Lakehead.

Learn more about the CDVMP.

Bringing an Indigenous Lens to Everything from Music to Mathematics

"I incorporate the Anishinaabemowin language into all the classes I teach," Hannah O'Donnell says.
"Speaking the language is one of the ways that I look after my students' wellbeing, and my own."

This spring, Hannah will be part of the first group of students graduating from Lakehead's new Keewatinase Indigenous Teacher Education Program (KITEP).

"KITEP's professors are amazing," says Hannah O'Donnell (left). This year, KITEP has students from Orillia, Manitoba, Minnesota, and communities in northwestern Ontario including Eabametoong First Nation and Webequie First Nation.

As part of her studies, she recently completed two teaching placements at the Spirit Bay School in Rocky Bay First Nation, on the edge of Lake Nipigon.

"I taught a JK/SK class and a grade 5/6 class, and I just loved it! It's wonderful to see the children progress and improve," Hannah says.

"Through the placements, I also learned who I am as a teacher."

Hannah lives in Thunder Bay and is working towards her Diploma of Education while holding down a full-time job with the regional Kinoonaadziwin Education Body.

"At Kinoonaadziwin, I work with teachers in First Nations communities assisting with Ojibwe language revitalization," she says.

Hannah is able to combine work and school because KITEP has been adapted to better serve aspiring teachers and the communities who need them.

Reimagining the Indigenous Teacher Education Program

"There was an urgent need for change," says Education Professor and KITEP Chair Dr. Paul Cormier. "Especially with Ontario's current teacher shortage, which is most severe in Indigenous communities."

This sparked the decision to overhaul the university's previous model for Indigenous teacher training.

Education faculty and staff worked with Indigenous communities over a five-year period to create something unprecedented.

Lakehead's Indigenous Language Instructor's Program has been incorporated into Keewatinase. "Over the last few years, there's been an acknowledgement in the education system of the value of Indigenous ways of being and knowing, as well as the importance of experiential learning," Dr. Cormier says. The above wall mural was created by artist Moses Amik.

"Native Language Coordinator Tyler Armstrong has been essential to KITEP's vision and design, as have other members of our team," Dr. Cormier says.

"Elder Tina Armstrong also provided support—including leading a special ceremony to rename the program 'Keewatinase' after an ancestral grandmother spirit helper who is guiding us and our work."

A Unique and Responsive Education

Flexible study options are a core element of KITEP.

Most of the courses are online, rather than in person, and are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate students who have jobs or who live outside Thunder Bay.

"Many of our students are from isolated fly-in communities and are already employed as education support workers or Indigenous language teachers," Dr. Cormier explains.

Students also learn from Elders in the communities where they teach, which allows them to learn the local culture and language dialect.

Above, Hannah O'Donnell (right) with her mom Nancy (left) and her sister Hope (centre). "I come from a family of teachers," Hannah says. "My grandmother was an educator at Algoma University and Sault College, and my mom was a high school teacher for 25 years."

After completing two full course credits and 10 days of placements in elementary or secondary schools, KITEP students can be hired as teachers under a Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

While working, students can complete their remaining practicum hours and fulfill all program requirements to become fully certified teachers.

"This means that they don't have to come to university for four years," Dr. Cormier says.

Helping Children Blossom

At the heart of the Keewatinase Indigenous Teacher Education Program is its commitment to wholistic learning.

"We've taken the Ministry of Education's curriculum expectations and met them within the context of Indigenous cultural traditions," Dr. Cormier says.

"We're educating teachers to teach in a way that aligns with Indigenous worldviews to foster healthy minds," Dr. Cormier says. Above, KITEP team members (l-r): Admin Assistant Melissa Oskineegish, KITEP Chair Dr. Paul Cormier, KITEP Coordinator Tyler Armstrong, and student clerks Nevaeh Rae and Roberta Ogemah

It begins with an annual one-week culture camp that immerses KITEP students in Indigenous teaching practices and worldviews—giving them the ability to weave Indigenous perspectives into their teaching.

"KITEP's approach really helps you focus on the spiritual, emotional, and mental health of students," Hannah says.

In music class, for example, children are taught drumming and singing. This introduces them to Indigenous stories and history, as well as the western approach to beat and rhythm.

With the reenvisioning of the Indigenous teacher education program, enrolment has soared from fewer than 10 students a year to almost 100 students.

"We believe that Indigenous ways of knowing can benefit all children, not just Indigenous children," Dr. Cormier says.

Click here to learn more about the Keewatinase Indigenous Teacher Education Program and their full-time and part-time learning options.

Lakehead's Media Arts Showcase will open to the public on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 1 at the Orillia Museum of Art and History. 

FedNor is investing $1.5 million to help establish the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) at Lakehead, one of Canada’s first veterinary programs designed for Northern and rural agricultural economies.

The investment will allow the University to purchase the specialized laboratory and research equipment required to launch the CDVMP. This partnership initiative with the University of Guelph will train future veterinarians with the goal of addressing the shortage of veterinary professionals living and working in Northern Ontario. Starting in 2027, students will begin their studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay as part of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and complete their training at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Graduates will receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Guelph.

Read the full announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/fednor/news/2026/03/government-of-canada-invests-15-million-so-lakehead-university-can-expand-create-new-programing-and-form-strategic-alliances.html

Meet Ontario's 2025 Post-Secondary Art Educator of the Year

"My teaching style is probably a little bit unconventional," says Lakehead alum Keith Ailey (HBFA'97, BEd'98).

"I'll start each lesson—whether it's in a high school or university class—with an art demonstration.

I show students how to mix paint or how to apply a technique. And then I tell them: 'Let's get some clay on those hands and some paint on that brush!'"

Lakehead Students Learn from a Master

That engaging, joyful approach is one of the reasons Keith was recently recognized with the 2025 Post-Secondary Art Educator of the Year award from the Ontario Art Education Association (OAEA).

He was given this honour for his work in Lakehead's Faculty of Education.

Keith has an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts (1997) and Bachelor of Education (1998) from Lakehead.

Since 2023, Keith has been teaching visual arts to university students who will go on to become intermediate/senior and primary/junior level teachers.

"I've dedicated my life to teaching art, so to be recognized at the provincial level is amazing!" he says of the OAEA award.

The award celebrates excellence in art education and exceptional teachers who show commitment to nurturing artistic skill, creativity, and critical thinking in their students—all qualities that Keith is known for developing through innovative and inclusive classroom work.

"It's one of the greatest honours of my career. I'm so thankful to my department chair, Dr. Pauline Sameshima, for being so supportive and believing in what I'm doing in the classroom."

Building Connections with Students

As both a longtime high school art teacher in Thunder Bay and a Lakehead Faculty of Education instructor, Keith works hard to forge a connection with his students and meet them where they are.

Keith accepted his OAEA Post-Secondary Art Educator of the Year award at a ceremony in February 2026. The award recognizes exemplary teaching practice, commitment to student growth, and outstanding contributions to the art education community. Above, Keith and Lakehead teacher-candidate Taylor Anderson co-teach a grade 10 art class as part of Taylor's practical experience.

"In my university teaching, I focus on what, specifically, do they need," he says, adding that his education students often wonder about writing report card comments, speaking to a parent, or evaluating someone else's art.

"I build my teaching practice around their concerns, and everything has to be practical. If I'm doing it in my high school classroom, it's something that these teacher candidates will use in their classrooms one day."

From the Studio to the Trails

Community involvement is a crucial part of Keith's teaching.

Recently, he was a co-leader of a large multi-year community project to restore the Chippewa Park carousel, a beloved amusement ride built in 1915 that has delighted generations of children.

Artists, art teachers, and high school art students designed and painted 16 iconic northwestern Ontario scenes—including Kakabeka Falls, the Sea Lion, and the pagoda—on the large wooden panels that adorn the carousel's canopy.

"It's something that's going to last another 100 years—our grandchildren will be able to ride that carousel and see that art," Keith says.

Keith with the Chippewa Park carousel's beautifully refurbished canopy panels. In 1934, the year that the carousel arrived at Chippewa Park, children could have three rides for five cents.

Another ambitious multi-group project he's proud to have helmed was commissioned by Lakehead Public Schools and centred on the theme of Reconciliation.

Art students from four local high schools incorporated insights from Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members into four canvases. These paintings were then shown at a Powwow celebration on Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay) and at Thunder Bay's Folklore Festival. They are now on permanent display at the Lakehead Public Schools board office.

Next up: Public art that beautifies some large refuse bins on the Thunder Bay waterfront.

Besides art, Keith has deep rooted passion for the outdoors, which he shares with students by coaching cross-country skiing, cross-country running, and mountain biking at Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute. He even teaches his students how to fish at a creek that runs behind the high school.

Keith makes sure that students appreciate the outdoors as well as art. Right, he and some students hook a rainbow trout.

Throughout his long career as both an artist and art teacher, Keith has inspired a love of art and fostered the creative thinking, problem solving, and teamwork skills that go along with it.

"I find great satisfaction in seeing my students develop their art skills and knowledge, but also their confidence and enthusiasm to come back the next day and try new things and to grow," he notes.

"It's hugely rewarding."

Musician Mary Clark Hit All the Right Notes and Wowed the Audience

Pianist Mary Clark recently accomplished what most musicians spend their lives dreaming about—performing at New York City's Carnegie Hall.

"It was incredible," Mary says.

"Sitting backstage seeing the Steinway piano being polished and knowing I'd be playing it soon was so exciting."

On January 24, this third-year student in Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Music Program played the first movement of Maurice Ravel's Sonatine to an enraptured audience.

"I was nervous because I was the last performer on the program—the mental buildup can sometimes be too much for a performer.

But I was able to block out everyone, relax, and have a special moment at the piano. The acoustics took my breath away."

Mary plays Ravel's Sonatine at Carnegie Hall. "Ravel had been on my bucket list of composers for a long time," Mary says. "When I heard Sonatine, I fell in love with the beautiful sound and knew immediately that I wanted to learn this piece."

How did this incredible experience come about?

Mary won second prize at the prestigious 2025 Crescendo International Music Competition, which showcases aspiring musicians from North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

As one of the finalists, Mary was invited to play in the Crescendo Winners' Concert at Carnegie Hall.
Mary's longtime instructor Dr. Evgeny Chugunov, Associate Professor and Chair of Lakehead's Department of Music, calls her win a milestone in her artistic journey.

"We were very proud to see Mary representing Lakehead University on such an internationally recognized stage," he says.

"As her instructor, it was especially moving for me to see her reach this moment. Opportunities to perform at Carnegie Hall are rare, even for advanced performers, so this is truly a special accomplishment."

Mary waits outside Carnegie Hall on the day of the Crescendo Winners' Concert.

Mary auditioned virtually from Thunder Bay for the Crescendo competition. Three weeks later she found out that she'd earned a spot onstage at the historic concert venue.

"I've always wanted to see how I would do on an international level," Mary says.

"I just did it for fun. I thought, 'If I win, that's great, and if I don't win, I'll learn and grow.'"

A Musical Prodigy

Mary began taking piano lessons at age three.

"Music has always been part of my life," she says, noting that one day after her older siblings finished their music lessons, their instructor—a family friend—offered to teach her, too.

Since then, Mary has dedicated countless hours learning her craft. She also plays the violin and has been studying with violinist Olga Medvedeva for over 10 years.

Mary grew up in Calgary before moving to Thunder Bay over a decade ago. Above, Mary enjoys a trip to Alberta's Waterton National Park.

Mary is especially fond of Romantic and post-Romantic composers.

"I love playing Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The most complex piece I've ever played is the one I'm working on now: Chopin's Ballade No. 2 in F Major.

When I first listened to the piece, I was a little scared, but I've realized it's attainable if I work hard."
Mary also enjoys upbeat music and often listens to Christian music.

"I'm drawn to anything with interesting harmonic colours, melodies, or unique production effects. My playlist is constantly changing as my music tastes change," she explains.

Fostering Exceptional Performers

Dr. Chugunov, who taught Mary privately, encouraged her to study with him at Lakehead.

"He's been incredible to work with, and I really enjoy the small community in the music department. It feels like a family here," she says.

Mary warms up for her Carnegie Hall performance at a church in the New York area.

Dr. Sean Kim's organ class is another favourite of hers, along with Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans's conducting course.

"Conducting helped me a lot because you're not focusing on your instrument. You're focusing on the music, and you're connecting music theory, music history, practical music knowledge, and musicality.

The course has taught me to be more thoughtful in how I prepare my own pieces."

Mary wants to share her musical knowledge with others through teaching and performing.

"I want to encourage a new generation of musicians who love classical music. I also want to make classical music more accessible to everyone so that they'll realize how cool it is," she says.

Click here to watch Mary perform Ravel's Sonatine in her audition for the Crescendo International Music Competition.

The Research and Innovation Bulletin is distributed weekly every Tuesday by the Office of Research Services and includes information on research funding opportunities, events and workshops and updates from our funding partners.

Check out the latest version of our Bulletin, by clicking here.

Lakehead University's Student Juried Exhibition and Honours Graduating Show will open to the public on the afternoon of Friday, March 27 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. 

The Department of Visual Arts invites you to join us for the opening and award ceremonies on March 27 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

The Juried Student Exhibition will run until April 5. The honours exhibition will run until April 12. 

More information can be found here: https://theag.ca/tc-events/2026-lakehead-university-juried-student-exhibition/.