Four students from Lakehead University Thunder Bay earned second place in a competition held during the ACHIEVE conference in Toronto on Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1.

The team included Bonnie Donaghy, Mitchell Argue, Adam Kok, and Laura Siegers.

ACHIEVE is Canada’s premier undergraduate accounting conference, hosted by the Ted Rogers School of Management. This year’s case competition dealt with Technology, Automation and Innovation.

Sixteen teams from across Canada participated in the two-day conference at the Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel in Toronto, which included an accounting-based case competition, guest speakers, and networking events.

“It was an honour to be able to represent Lakehead University at such a large accounting competition alongside my teammates,” said Donaghy.

“This is a testament to the quality of Lakehead's professors that we were able to do so well despite the tough competition from other teams. Attending ACHIEVE truly was an unforgettable experience,” he said.

“It was interesting to learn from industry leaders about AI and innovation in accounting,” Argue said. “It really got us thinking about what we can do as accountants to remain relevant amidst so many changes to the industry. It was a challenging opportunity to apply the skills and ideas we learned through Lakehead’s accounting program.”

The second-place win comes with an achievement plaque and $1,000 prize to share between the students. The Lakehead University Accounting team won the ACHIEVE case competition in 2018.

“ACHIEVE was an amazing networking opportunity and our team gained many important insights into the emerging trends that will have an affect on CPAs in coming years, particularly in relation to advancements in technology,” Kok said.

“ACHIEVE also provided us with a new appreciation for the quality of our own accounting program here at Lakehead University. We are truly lucky to learn from the gifted professors within the Faculty of Business. Students from Lakehead University's accounting program have shown time and time again that they can compete with other major universities across Canada,” he said.

“I had such an amazing experience at ACHIEVE and am so proud to have been able to represent Lakehead beside my incredibly smart teammates,” Siegers said, adding that she is looking forward to getting more students involved next year.

The Faculty of Business Administration is accredited by both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA). Fewer than five percent of business schools in the world have AACSB accreditation and only 15 business schools in Canada have this dual accreditation.

“We are very proud of our team’s accomplishment,” said Dr. David Richards, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration. “Their performance reflects our faculty’s mission to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their chosen careers.”

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

From left, Mitchell Argue, Laura Siegers, Bonnie Donaghy, and Adam Kok took home a cheque for $1,000 and an achievement plaque after winning 2^nd place in the ACHIEVE case competition.

Keywords:

Lakehead University ACHIEVE Program Faculty of Business Administration

Congratulations to Dr. Camillo Lento

Congratulations to Dr. Camillo Lento, who received a Distinguished Instructor Award at the Lakehead University Senate meeting held in November.

Dr. Lento joined Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration in 2007 and quickly established a reputation as an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful teacher, winning a Contribution to Teaching Award in 2010. Students consistently praise him for making challenging and often technical material comprehensible and interesting. As one of his students writes, he makes accounting “more interesting than just numbers” by using “lots of real-world examples.” Students commend his use of a diverse range of teaching techniques to ensure that all students understand the material, and frequently note that he is always very helpful when students need assistance or have questions. One of his students describes Dr. Lento as “one of the most influential people in my life. … [Dr. Lento] teaches with such compassion and knowledge [and] every lecture is an inspiration to learn, and to be better at all you can be.”

Dr. Lento is an innovative instructor. He has co-authored a casebook based on his teaching practice that is now in its third edition and has been adopted across the country. He is committed to active learning and has developed a flipped classroom design for introductory financial accounting that has resulted in improved student performance and reduced dropout rates. Using Doodlecast Pro, an iPad app, he has created whiteboard voice-over videos for use in course management systems. In addition, he has created many experiential learning opportunities for his students, such as having his students complete tax returns for international students.

He is also a leading scholar in accounting education, publishing numerous articles in the major journals in the field. As of 2018, he was tied for 24^th in the world amongst accounting education scholars according to an annual survey published by Brigham Young University, and one of his most recent articles on accounting education has been nominated for an American Accounting Association best paper award. He has also given many workshops on teaching and learning, and was the recipient of an Award of Distinction from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 2013.

He has successfully supervised many graduate students, and served as a valued faculty mentor to students at all levels. Particularly noteworthy is the success that his students have achieved in national case competitions, often winning such events.

Finally, he has played a significant educational leadership role in the Faculty of Business Administration, helping to develop the assurance of learning processes within the Faculty as it pursued AACSB accreditation, and taking the lead in pursuing CPA Ontario Accreditation, which led to the development of a Graduate Diploma in Accounting. He has also actively been involved in working on issues related to teaching and learning through CPA Ontario.

Dr. Lento is clearly a distinguished instructor who has made important contributions to teaching and learning at Lakehead and within the accounting profession. In the classroom and as a supervisor and mentor, a scholar in accounting education, and an educational leader, he has made valuable and significant contributions to teaching and learning and is a deserving recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Instructor Award.

Keywords:

Lakehead University Distinguished Instructor Award

RBC Future Launch is growing work-integrated learning at Lakehead University

Hilary Macdougall is a Lakehead Commerce student who participated in the RBC Work-Integrated
Learning Program through a placement in human resources at St. Joseph's Care Group.

September 25, 2019 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

RBC Foundation has pledged $500,000 over five years in support of the RBC Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Program at Lakehead University.

This generous grant from RBC Future Launch will allow Lakehead to grow the two-year RBC Work-Integrated Learning Program pilot project launched at the university in 2017.

Originally open to 20 students annually, the RBC WIL program offers opportunities for experiential learning in order for students to gain the skills necessary to successfully transition to a career. Over the next five years, Lakehead will expand the core program delivered in the pilot to 60 students annually who participate in a part-time work placement, workshop series, and mentorship and networking activities over a six-month period.

“This increased opportunity to gain experience, develop skills, and build networks is critical to the success of students after graduation,” said Hilary Macdougall, a fourth-year student in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program.

Last year, Macdougall participated in the RBC Work-Integrated Learning Program and did a placement in human resources at St. Joseph’s Care Group.

“Having participated in the RBC Work Integrated learning program, I know I am able to launch into the future with confidence. On behalf of all of the students participating in the RBC WIL Program, I would like to thank RBC and RBC Future Launch as well as the Faculty of Business Administration for implementing and facilitating this opportunity,” she added.

Dr. David Richards, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, said the RBC Work-Integrated Learning Program, as part of RBC Future Launch, allows Lakehead to provide mentorship and experiential learning opportunities to students.

“This additional funding will allow us to reach an increased number of Lakehead University students to promote employability and job-readiness for our graduates, and for that we are truly grateful,” Dr. Richards said.

Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor, said the university is grateful for the vision and support provided by RBC.

“Today's announcement and the RBC Future Launch initiative demonstrates RBC’s commitment to helping Canada’s young people prepare for their future careers. We are very honoured to continue our partnership with RBC, which provides foundational skills, job experience and career networks that ensure our students’ success,” Dr. McPherson said.

“Whether starting fresh or retraining, it’s clear that the skills needed to excel in today’s workplace are changing,” said Annie Beauchemin, Regional Vice-President, RBC.

Photo of Annie Beauchemin

“That’s what RBC Future Launch is all about, and our partnership with Lakehead University is part of our commitment to enable Canadian youth to identify, articulate, build and develop their skills for the changing landscape of work,” she said.

With this new gift, Lakehead University will be able to provide a suite of work-integrated learning opportunities to all students in Business courses that build their workplace readiness starting in first year.

This suite of programs and the core program will benefit up to 1,150 students across multiple disciplines over the next five years. This will include in-class experiential learning based on real-world cases, projects with partner organizations, increased mentorship opportunities, a Foundational Skills Co-Curricular Workshop Series, and customized models of work-site placements, ranging from week-long to full summer placements.

RBC has also provided a $20,000 grant from RBC Future Launch to allow Lakehead University to access Ten Thousand Coffees, a networking platform that connects current students with Lakehead University Alumni. This valuable resource will provide Lakehead students with mentorship in their fields of study, along with professional networks to support their successful transition into careers upon graduation.

RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500-million commitment to help young people gain access and opportunity to the skills, job experience, and career networks needed for the future world of work. This initiative is the result of two years of conversations with young Canadians from coast to coast. RBC identified three critical gaps to help prepare young people for successful futures: experience, skills, and networks.

Lakehead Thunder Bay and Lakehead Orillia will both deliver the RBC Work-Integrated Learning program. Business and non-business students enrolled in Lakehead’s Entrepreneur Certificate program are eligible to apply.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor by hosting an experiential learning placement student, please contact Maryann Kleynendorst, Experiential Learning Navigator, at (807) 346-7753 or mkleynen@lakeheadu.ca.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies. In 2018, Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Maclean’s 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and found that students ranked Lakehead University as one of the top 10 universities in Canada and top three universities in Ontario that prepare them for employment. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Keywords:

Lakehead University RBC Work-Integrated Learning program

Voices from the Class will inspire Lakehead University graduates

May 28, 2019 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University has chosen three students to speak as the Voices from the Class at this year’s convocation ceremonies at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Masoud Manzouri will speak on Friday, May 31 at 2 pm.

Photo of Masoud Manzouri Manzouri’s speech will be about why “going beyond expectations is the key to becoming exceptional and unconventional.”

He said he enjoyed his experiences at Lakehead University.

"Lakehead is a unique and inclusive campus, which offers enormous opportunities to not only improve your academic and research skills, but also to get involved in student life to build your personal, social, and professional skills."

This year he received the Lakehead Leader Award for promoting diversity and inclusion at Lakehead University and in Thunder Bay. He said he is also the first graduate student to serve as president of the Lakehead University Student Union.

He also won the WUSC Campus Award for Event of the Year for Outstanding Leadership and Planning at the 2019 International Forum in Ottawa, for organizing Drams for Justice with Emmanuel Jal, a free event where a former child soldier sang and spoke to students about optimism in the face of adversity.

Manzouri, an international student from Iran, will receive his Master of Science in Environmental Engineering and then will be serving students as the LUSU president.

Madison Sameshima will speak on Saturday, June 1 at 9:30 am.

Photo of Madison Sameshima “My speech will be about how we’ve grown academically, professionally, and as people during our time at Lakehead,” Sameshima said.

“In addition to acquiring a comprehensive foundation of knowledge in our discipline, we have had many opportunities for experiential learning and opportunities to learn more about ourselves. These skills and lessons will be just as valuable for our futures.”

She said her experiences at Lakehead were “incredibly rewarding” and that she was able to get to know her professors and peers and “learn in a supportive environment.”

“I gained work experience through the Work Study Program, Co-op, and the RBC Work Integrated Learning Program. I also have so much fun working in the community alongside so many dedicated students in the Shelter House volunteering group and Enactus Lakehead. All these experiences have made me more confident to graduate and enter the workforce.”

Sameshima was on the Enactus Lakehead team last year and then became president. Through both years, she worked with a dedicated team of students on financial literacy projects.

“This year we attended the Regional Competition in Toronto and the National Exposition in Vancouver and placed for the first time in both competitions. Working with this amazing team on these community projects was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to learn many skills in addition to my degree.”

She will receive her Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resources and a minor in Marketing. She will receive the President’s Award for her achievements and contributions to Lakehead University.

Sameshima will study abroad this summer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and complete an internship at an international start-up in China. She will return to Lakehead in September to complete the Master of Science in Management Program.

Vanessa Ervin will speak at 2 pm on Saturday, June 1.

Photo of Vanessa Ervin “I know convocation can be a very pivotal moment in our lives, so I want to help my classmates see how much they have accomplished, to be incredibly proud and excited for convocation, and help them realize what they are capable of,” she said.

“I also want to thank everyone who has helped us throughout our time at Lakehead, and to thank Lakehead for making us into the people that we are today.”

Ervin said she knew Lakehead was the right place for her from day one.

“The first day I arrived at Lakehead there were people at the entrance waving welcoming signs, cheering us on, and helping us move in.

“It was an amazing day, and I met so many friendly and welcoming people. This was when I knew I was moving into a place that I would consider my home and family. I look back on my first day, and all the moments in between, and see how many priceless memories I have made at Lakehead.”

Ervin said she enjoyed participating in many of the opportunities during her time at Lakehead, and she always strived to get the most out of her time at Lakehead. She was on the executive board within Lakehead’s first and only sorority, Alpha Pi Phi, Kappa. She was also the Vice-President for Lakehead’s Visual Arts Network (LUSU Club), and she studied at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore during the summer of 2018.

She was also selected to co-curate at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery for the By Request: Collective Curation of the Permanent Collection and she receivedthe Department of Visual Arts award for her art at Lakehead’s Annual Juried Show, among other awards for her art.

Ervin will receive an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Women’s Studies.

This fall she will continue her education at the University Of Ottawa in pursuit of a Master of Women’s Studies.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies. Maclean’s 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Keywords:

Voices from the Class Lakehead University convocation graduation

Enactus Lakehead runner-up in their league at the national exposition

Photo of Enactus team.

The team consists of, from left, Quinn Dombroskie, Lisa Chiarelli, Madison Sameshima, Kyle Neabel, Silas Young, and Adrienne Belanger-Barnes.

May 17, 2019 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

From May 7 to 9, Enactus Lakehead competed at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Vancouver along with 68 other Canadian universities and colleges.

Enactus Lakehead presented two projects (Making Cents! and Getting Financially Lit!) in a dynamic 17 minute presentation and won runner-up in their league in the opening round.

Enactus is a global non-profit organization where students, communities and business leaders utilize entrepreneurship to address economic, social, and environmental needs. Through Enactus, student leaders around the world create social enterprises that address the United Nations 19 Sustainable Development Goals.

In March, Enactus Lakehead also won runner up in the CWB Financial Education Challenge in their league at the regional competition in Toronto. This is their second year of competing and the first time they have placed at the National Exposition.

Enactus Lakehead presented two projects:

Making Cents!, which addresses the closing of brick-and-mortar banks in Northwestern Ontario by running online banking workshops in senior centres in Northern Ontario communities such as Terrace Bay and Schreiber. Enactus Lakehead has entered a working relationship with the national credit union Alterna Savings to expand this project.
Getting Financially Lit!, which addresses knowledge gaps in budgeting and long-term savings for Indigenous youth who fly in from northern communities to attend Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, a private First Nations high school in Thunder Bay.

Enactus Lakehead is proud to say that the team has completed and surpassed all three of its strategic goals for the 2018/2019 year. These goals were to (1) increase the number of dedicated Enactus members from 3 to 10, (2) partner with a community organization, and (3) create an award-winning project. They met and exceeded all three goals.

Following Enactus Lakehead’s incredible growth, the team will continue to work on improving Making Cents! and Getting Financially Lit! next year in order to make them sustainable.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies. Maclean’s 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities and in 2018 Research Infosource named Lakehead Research University of the Year in its category for the fourth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Business Administration

Patricia Meredith

Colin Kutchyera

Allison Buchanan

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