Welcome to Journey
It has been busy times for the Alumni Association of Lakehead University (AALU) since the last issue of Journey. Here are a few highlights from the previous months, including the election of a new president, Paul Popo-Ola, at our annual general meeting (AGM) in September.
2024 Convocation (Thunder Bay and Orillia)
Convocation ceremonies in Thunder Bay took place on May 30 and 31. Many thanks to the entire Alumni & Annual Giving team for their flawless execution of the three ceremonies. AALU Board member Nancy Luckai once again took up the mantle of head marshal at convocation. Alumni Association President Yolanda Wanakamik delivered the alumni address and greeted her own son on stage at one of the ceremonies as he received a degree from Lakehead—a truly special moment. Many thanks to all the volunteers who made graduation a special day for our newest alumni.
The Orillia ceremony took place on Friday, June 7. It was the first time a ceremony was held on a Friday, and our volunteers were back and ready for action. Special thanks to AALU Treasurer Jamie Dennison who delivered the alumni address, Nancy Luckai who flew to Thunder Bay to serve as head marshal, and AALU Board member Chris Blueman who helped “scarf” 405 graduates.
50th Nursing Reunion
Nine members of the 1974 School of Nursing graduating class held a reunion during the Thunder Bay spring convocation. We were thrilled to host the group at Alumni House and present them with their very own convocation scarf, a tradition that started well after their graduation ceremony.
CCAE Conference
Richard Longtin, Mark Tilbury, Julia Carvello, Jacquie Kent, and Diane Robnik take a break together at the CCAE Conference.
Several members of the team attended the CCAE (Canadian Council for Advancement in Education) conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland, which ran from May 21-24. I was joined by Jacquie Kent from our Orillia campus and our TD Fellow, Julia Carvello, as well as our Alumni Engagement Specialist Diane Robnik. Julia was recognized at the conference for completing her one-year TD Fellowship. She is now off to seek fame, fortune, and romance south of the border with her fiancé. The group even managed to meet up with our former government relations director, Richard Longtin.
Mark Tilbury gets “screeched-in” as an honorary Newfoundlander by kissing a cod.
Strategic Plan Consultation
On June 17, the Alumni Board and a selection of past presidents (which included two Fellows of the University), engaged in a strategic plan consultation session with Lakehead President Gillian Siddall, Board of Governors member Mark Smith, and Institutional Planning and Analysis Vice-Provost Dr. Heather Murchison. The engagement level was off the charts, and it was the first session out of 34 during which the president gave a “time check” because she thought we would run out of time. My sincere thanks to the Board for their incredible insights and thoughtful contributions. As one of the only quasi-external groups taking part in the consultations, our participation was critical.
Alumni AGM – with Special Guest
This year’s AGM took place on Wednesday, September 25. All alumni (and most critically Board members) were invited to participate online. The AGM began with a short year-in-review presentation followed by a talk and moderated conversation with Lakehead’s newest honorary degree recipient, broadcaster and journalist Valerie Pringle. Yolanda Wanakamik was the moderator, and I emceed the event, which was followed by a Q & A session.
Mark Tilbury, Executive Director
Paul Popo-Ola, President