Alumni Spotlight
Finding Peace of Mind
Thursday, January 13, 2022 /
When she was just a high school student, Megan Rafuse (HBSW'09) lost her mother to cancer. “Her death really drove my career choices,” Megan says. “It made me unafraid to take risks, because I learned that you don’t get a second chance to live your life.”
Resisting Racism
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 / Online
In the face of the brutality of racism, Lakehead alumnus Paul Popo-Ola (HBCom’10) is shaken, but unbowed.
Professional sports photographer says Lakehead University changed his life
Tuesday, November 2, 2021 /
Mike Carlson knows firsthand some of the challenges faced by reporters today, especially with many people believing that the news is fake. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Education – both at Lakehead University. He is a professional sports photographer who has covered the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and Major League Baseball.
John Hammill knows the secret to running a successful media outlet
Thursday, October 14, 2021 /
John Hammill is the regional publisher of OrilliaMatters, an exclusively online site that provides breaking news and vital local information to its readers. After joining forces with Village Media, which has perfected the online news model over the past 10 years, John and his team launched the site on January 8, 2018 – only six weeks after Postmedia shuttered the Orillia Packet and Times.
Greg Chomut (BA/BEd'08) Wakes the Giant
Monday, September 20, 2021 /
“I didn’t fall in love with teaching until I started doing it. Now it’s an integral part of who I am,” says Greg Chomut, who teaches history, art, and media at Thunder Bay’s Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School.
Ann-Marie Kungl (MPH'08) is a Woman for all Seasons
Thursday, May 20, 2021 /
Barrie city councillor Ann-Marie Kungl is a virtuoso at juggling many things – from volunteering at COVID-19 vaccine clinics to informing Barrie’s Age Friendly Community Plan to part-time beekeeping.
Lakehead Orillia student leading the way for diversity and inclusion in Simcoe County
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 /
Rudy Grewal’s name and face have become recognizable over the last few years at Lakehead Orillia and in Simcoe County in general.
Advocating for Children with Down Syndrome
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 /
Sarah Valiquette-Thompson (BA’15) has been a restaurant owner, a city councillor, and a private investigator – but advocating for people with disabilities is the role closest to her heart.
Embracing Community, Culture and Creativity
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 /
“Right after I graduated from Lakehead with my Honours of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education, I moved to God’s Lake First Nation to teach,” says Heather Mason (née Martin) (HFA/BEd’08) “I didn’t want to be stuck substitute teaching in southern Ontario for years and years.”
Inspiring Young People
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 /
Fatima Ahmed knows firsthand how difficult life can be. Despite her unique challenges, she has a jaw-dropping number of extraordinary accomplishments under her belt; impressive for someone not even in her mid-30s yet.