1970s
Joseph N. Agostino (HBA'75/MA'80) has a continuing interest in perceptual closure that is based on his Master of Arts in Psychology research thesis, "Closure as it Relates to Perception and Thinking." He has expanded his research interests in perceptual closure to include inductive, deductive, and abductive reasoning processes; optical illusions; word perception; and inconsistencies in word perception. Joseph has had several research articles published in the prestigious journal ETC: A Review of General Semantics. He and his wife Donna live in Bracebridge, Ontario.
Dr. Donald Chow (HBSc'77) was inducted into the Ottawa Senators' Ring of Honour on March 24, 2024, for his work as the Senators' team doctor as well as for his community service and philanthropy. "Our players being treated by one of the best doctors in the world has been an incredible gift to this franchise and we're proud to honour his remarkable legacy," said Senators owner Michael Andlauer. Donald received an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology at Lakehead in 1977 followed by an MD at Queen's University in 1981. He became a team physician with the Senators in 1992 and served as their head physician between 2002 and 2017. He is also a doctor at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Other accomplishments include being the on-site physician at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the NHL physician at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
1980s
Ken Elliott (HBScF'86) was given a Forest Stewardship Award by Forest Ontario for his outstanding activities in private land forest management and his strong support for forestry promotion, education, and understanding. The award was presented at Forest Ontario's 2024 annual conference. Forests Ontario is a charity focused on the management and delivery of high-quality tree-planting programs, interactive forest education resources, and awareness-driven community initiatives dedicated to making Canada's forests greener. Ken became a registered professional forester (RPF) after receiving his Honour Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Lakehead and went on to have a distinguished 36-year career with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, including as a regional forestry specialist. He has also authored or co-authored over 30 journal articles. Ken retired from the Ministry in 2022 and is now a senior forester for FSmith Consulting Inc. in Peterborough, Ontario.
1990s
Julie Blackhawk (BA'95) was appointed a judge of the Federal Court in February 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies from Lakehead in 1995 before completing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of British Columbia in 1998. She was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1999 and the Ontario Bar in 2004. She articled with British Columbia's legal aid services provider before joining a personal injury and child protection law firm in New Westminster, British Columbia. In 2000, Julie, who is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Nation, moved to the Department of Justice Canada to focus on s.35 Aboriginal law and Indigenous issues. Before being appointed a judge, Julie was senior counsel with Justice Canada's Aboriginal Law Centre.
Duane Van Duuren (BEng'97) was hired in February 2024 as the first plant manager of the CGC Inc. wallboard manufacturing plant that is being built in Wheatland County, Alberta. CGC is a major Canadian marketer, manufacturer, and distributor of gypsum wallboard products, interior finishing materials, and suspended acoustical ceilings. Duane has worked for CGC—and its parent company USG—for almost 25 years at facilities in New York state, Ohio, Virginia, and Ontario. He has a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Lakehead. Some of his positions have included project engineer, mill manager, and ceiling grid production manager.
2000s
Gregory Given (BA'04) was promoted to the rank of inspector with the North West Region of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in February 2024 and he is now the interim commander of the OPP's Rainy River District Detachment. Greg became a member of the OPP in 2005 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Lakehead. His first posting was with the Red Lake Detachment. Since then he has worked across Northwestern Ontario including in the communities of Nipigon and Pikangikum. Greg joined the Rainy River District Detachment in 2023 and, prior to his most recent promotion, was a staff sergeant there.
Julie Denise Goulet (HBSW'03) was appointed a Thunder Bay justice of the peace in January 2024. Before assuming her new role, Julie was a parole officer with the Correctional Service of Canada between 2010 and 2024. She was also a probation officer with the Ontario government who worked extensively with Indigenous clients in Thunder Bay and First Nations communities. In addition, Julie has volunteered on an advisory committee for the Aboriginal Community Advocacy Program at Confederation College, assisted with Lakehead University's social work practicum placements, and was a board member at the Thunder Bay Sexual Assault Centre. Julie has an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Carleton University.
Keri Greaves (HBCom'01) was hired as the City of Thunder Bay's treasurer in September 2023. Before taking on this new role, Keri worked for the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB). He began as a financial analyst with TBDSSAB in 2003 and then moved into a senior financial analyst role in May 2011 before becoming the manager of finance in September 2011. Keri grew up in Thunder Bay and graduated from Lakehead with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a minor in accounting. He is also a chartered professional accountant.
Jason (Jake) Lawrence (BA'00) has been appointed the executive vice-president and chief financial officer of the Power Corporation of Canada, an international management and holding company focused on financial services with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Jake previously worked at Scotiabank for 22 years in progressively senior roles in finance, group treasury, and global banking and markets. He was most recently CEO and group head, global banking and markets. He is chair of the Canadian Advisory Board for Right To Play and a member of the Advisory Council for Women in Capital Markets. He previously served as chair of the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force. In addition to a Bachelor of Art in History from Lakehead, Jake has a Master of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Katherine (née Rickaby) Mays (BEd'07), a kindergarten teacher at Valleyview Public School in Kenora, Ontario, has received a 2023 Prime Minister's Certificate of Achievement for teaching excellence. Katherine was honoured for her "insightful teaching approach with a focus on individual attention for student success." These national awards were created in 1994 to recognize exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines. Katherine has been teaching at Valleyview, which is part of the Keewatin Patricia District School Board, for 11 years. In a news release issued by the board, Valleyview principal Lisa Achilles said that Katherine is "an exemplary kindergarten teacher who fully participates in all aspects of the teaching profession, striving to fulfil the board's vision statement of putting students first."
2010s
Lynn Remmelgas (HBASc'15/MSc'17) has written a children's e-book that was released in March. Josephine Meets A Stranger is the first book in the new Adventures of Josephine Series for young children. Josephine is a curious young wolf who decides to go exploring after her siblings leave to go hunting. Because wolves are often portrayed negatively in children's stories, which creates damaging perceptions and attitudes about wolves, Lynn wanted to find a way to overcome these perceptions. Her series was created to help young children learn about wolves and other wildlife in a positive and realistic way. Lynn's Master of Science in Biology thesis was focused on attitudes towards wolves and wolf conservation in and around Algonquin Provincial Park. In addition to being a writer, Lynn is an animal behaviourist and wildlife conservationist. Click here to purchase Josephine Meets A Stranger.
In Memoriam
Jennifer Mae Everett (née Hawkins) (Diploma in Library Science) passed away on February 17, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. Jennifer was born on August 19, 1944, in Vancouver, British Columbia, but at an early age she moved with her parents to Thunder Bay/Port Arthur, Ontario. She was an assistant librarian at Lakehead University and, while on staff, earned a Diploma in Library Science from Lakehead. Jennifer later worked as an assistant librarian at Thunder Bay's Confederation College. She married fellow Lakehead alum Dr. Lorne Everett (BSc'66/HBSc'68), and they moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1969 where Lorne completed a PhD in Hydrology and joined the Department of Hydrology at the University of Arizona, laying the foundation for what would be an illustrious career. In 1974, Jennifer and Lorne moved to Santa Barbara, California, to join General Electric's Think Tank, TEMPO. She resided there in Bel Aire Knolls for the rest of her life. Jennifer was a beautiful and gracious lady with charm, style, and talent. From 2000 to 2009, when Lorne served with distinction as Lakehead University's sixth Chancellor, he was helped immeasurably by his wife's support and assistance. Jennifer participated in all Lakehead graduation events including dinners, awards, and pinning ceremonies. Jennifer was a devoted and loving mother to her children Stephen and Lauren and a supportive and engaged grandmother. She was also active in her community where she was a member of the Cathedral Oaks Tennis club, the Samarkand tennis club, Elks #613, and the Los Fiesteros Dinner Dance Club. Jennifer and Lorne travelled the world extensively and lived a life full of excitement.
Dr. Brian Gerard Spare (BSc'81/BSc'82/HBSc'86/MSc'86) passed away on February 16, 2024, at the age of 64. He faced many challenges in his life, but he remained optimistic and open to the world around him. When Brian was in grade 8, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour that was treated with a new radiation therapy. Although he survived, he was left with hearing loss, facial paralysis, and balance issues. Brian earned Bachelor of Science degrees in 1981 and 1982 at Lakehead, followed by Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in 1986. Later, he completed a PhD in Health and Human Services at Columbia Pacific University. Brian worked as a medical laboratory technologist before founding and operating Tara Scientific Laboratories in Thunder Bay. He also managed a geochemical and fire assay lab. He eventually left the sciences to explore his creative side. Brian wrote a self-published book, The Hunt for Moby Dick (Translated) and was developing his memoir, The Boy Who Couldn't Smile at the time of his death. His articles for Thunder Bay's Bayview Magazine were favourites with readers. He was also a long-time Toastmaster, a TED Talk coach, a digital storyteller, and a coach with Age BIG, and StoryCenter Canada. Brian inspired everyone he met with his friendliness and words of encouragement. Learn more about his creative work at: https://briangspare.com/