“In the fall of 2016, I was bemoaning to my husband and my daughter that although I’d been exercising my body, my mind was in the parking lot,” says recent Lakehead grad Holly Gray.

“My daughter said, ‘Oh, mom! Just take a course.’ I said, ‘Great idea, but what course?’ and she replied, ‘Anthropology.’”

Steve Barkhouse has always been a man with a clear vision of what he wants.

“I’m extremely proud to be the first Indigenous woman appointed to the Federal Court,” says Lakehead alum (BA '95) Justice Julie Blackhawk.

Although Lakehead grad Jamie Klomp spent over 15 years working in human resources (HR)—not a profession known for its lightheartedness—Jamie’s idols have always been Laurel and Hardy.

“Growing up, I knew many First Nations people who didn’t have access to basic health care,” Michaela Parenteau says, “and these inequities inspired me to study nursing at Lakehead.” 

Carlin Val was only 14 years old when he went on his first climb, but he knew that he’d found his calling—even though he’s afraid of heights.

“The strength and the integrity of the equipment reassures me that I’m safe and that I’m having fun,” Carlin says.

“Bears—especially grizzlies and polar bears—have a reputation as man-eating beasts, but that’s a myth,” says wildlife expert Kim Titchener. “Bears are gracious to the humans living in their territories.” 

Omer Belisle has been shaping the minds and spirits of youngsters for almost 30 years. 

He’s been a committed coach, teacher, vice-principal, and principal with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and, for the past 12 years, he’s been superintendent of education overseeing the TBCDSB’s Kindergarten - Grade 8 and Student Achievement departments.

In her valedictory speech as this year's "Voice of the Class" at Lakehead Orillia's convocation ceremony, Leah Yari shared an important and, perhaps, personal lesson with her fellow graduates.

“Poetry has always come very naturally to me,” Ash Winters says. “It’s the primary way that my mind thinks—it’s my comfort zone.”