Chapters
What is a Chapter?
Officially recognized by the University as part of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University, a Chapter is an independent entity that has underlying loyalty and connection to Lakehead. The Alumni Association is there to serve their needs. There is a two-way relationship and partnership between the Alumni Association of Lakehead University and its Branches and Chapters.
How Do Chapters Serve Lakehead University and its Alumni Association?
Lakehead University Alumni Chapters serve Alumni By:
- Providing opportunities for alumni to socialize, learn and network.
- Helping alumni retain their connection to their alma mater by keeping them informed about major events at Lakehead and/or by simply providing the opportunity for alumni to share memories of their years at the University.
- Organizing fun-filled events and activities for alumni to enjoy in their community.
- Providing alumni the means to serve their alma mater in a meaningful way.
Objectives of the Chapter Program
The Alumni Association has specific objectives regarding the goals of a chapter. These range from:
- encouraging alumni and friends to be involved in Lakehead
- providing opportunities for social and professional networking activities among alumni and friends of the University.
Our Chapters
| Calgary | |
Liz Murray, Calgary Chapter President Email: lizmurray@shaw.ca | |
| Greater Toronto Area | |
Hayden Gorman, GTA Chapter President Growing up in the Greater Toronto Area-community of Caledon East, Hayden could often be found at the rink or on the ski hill. At Lakehead, he competed on the varsity Nordic ski team, which claimed numerous provincial and national titles while he was a member. Hayden participated in numerous extracurricular activities during his time at university, including acting as a Lakehead ambassador and social media coordinator, assisting with game-day organization at sporting events, and serving as a presenter and athlete escort at the 2015 Pan-Am and ParaPan-Am Games in Toronto. In 2019, Hayden graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree and an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation degree and subsequently earned a sports business management diploma from Durham College. Since then, he’s worked in the field of events and operations at the Glen Eagle Golf Course, Molsons and is currently working with Team Canada. Outside of work, Hayden enjoys spending time with his parents and his dog and seeking out new ways to meld his love of sports with his desire to keep learning and growing. Email: hayden.gorman02@gmail.com | |
| Ottawa | |
Christopher Cumming, Ottawa Chapter President Email: ccumming@lakeheadu.ca | |
| Simcoe County | |
Jessie Clarke, Simcoe County Chapter President Born in Orillia and brought up in the Township of Ramara, Jessie Clarke was a member of Lakehead Orillia’s Charter Class, earning an HBASc in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Education Primary/Junior. Determined to continue her education while balancing full-time work and single parenthood, she later earned a Master of Education (Postsecondary Studies) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Since returning to her alma mater as a student financial aid officer, Jessie has dedicated her career to supporting students and strengthening the campus community. She provides academic advising and financial guidance to countless students, while also collaborating with colleagues to ensure a seamless and supportive student experience. | |
| Thunder Bay | |
Farhan Yousaf Email: executive.director@lusu.ca | |
| LUSAA | |
Skyler Ritskes, Lakehead University Student Alumni Association Chapter (LUSAA) President Skyler (they/them) was born and raised in Oshawa, and is currently attending Lakehead Orillia studying Media, Film, and Communications. Before coming to Lakehead, they were involved in volunteer work, both in planning events for the student body at their high school, and running video livestreams for local churches. After graduating in 2027, they hope to work in Film and TV, working to tell stories from LGBTQ+ people on the big screen. They spend their free time playing Dungeons and Dragons and being creative in any way possible, with some chaotic shenanigans thrown in for good measure. |
| Wrestling |
John Burke, Wrestling Chapter President Email: john.burke966@gmail.com |
Interested in starting a Chapter?
What's involved in starting your own Chapter? The Alumni and Community Relations office at Lakehead has an extensive outline provided in the Branches and Chapters Manual. For more information please visit the Start a Chapter page