Fellow of the University 2015
Roy Piovesana - Fellow of Lakehead University 2015
For several decades, Roy Piovesana has been a pillar within the Thunder Bay community, a champion of Lakehead University, and a role model and inspiration for generations of students.
Piovesana’s life has been one of firsts.
Fifty years ago, Piovesana graduated from Lakehead as president of his class, making him, in many ways, the epitome of this University’s first group of students. Choosing to remain at Lakehead, he became one of the first students to enrol in one of our graduate programs.
In 1969, he graduated with a Master of Arts in History, the first for that program and among the first Master of Arts graduates of our University. As a teacher, Piovesana inspired and educated generations of curious minds over the course of a career that provided countless Thunder Bay students the opportunity to pursue their post-secondary education dreams at home.
Piovesana became a fixture within the arts and heritage community, including as editor for nearly a decade with the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society, Papers and Records. As a historian, he continues to distinguish himself regionally, nationally, and internationally.
A leading expert on Italian-Canadian history and religious history, he is the author of numerous books and articles on the subject. Piovesana was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Institute of Italian Studies – Lakehead University (formerly the Chair in Italian Studies – Lakehead University), where he has served as president since 2011.
Piovesana’s leadership skills have served many local organizations well. He was president of the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society and later served as chair of the new museum committee during the crucial acquisition and renovation of its current home. Piovesana was one of the founders and the former president of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, a trustee with the Canadian Museum of Nature, and is currently the archivist / historian with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Thunder Bay.
Lauded throughout his life — Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award (Culture) by the City of Thunder Bay (1999); Honorary Life Member of The Thunder Bay Historical Society (2003); and the Lakehead Department of History’s first Alumni Honour Award (2013) — Piovesana’s impact on this community and University is deeply felt. Today, during Lakehead’s 50th anniversary year’s Convocation, we honour his exceptional contributions by making him a Fellow of the University.