Lakehead Gathers

Get Ready to Gather! New Employee Wellness Initiative Launching Soon

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce a new monthly gathering, Lakehead Gathers: Your Community, Your Wellbeing, designed to bring together all of us employees in a welcoming environment focused on connection, wellness, and community building.

What is Lakehead Gathers?
This initiative, part of our Wellness Strategy, is hosted by Human Resources and is all about creating a space where we come together, connect, and build a true sense of belonging. By sharing ideas, values, and even the little things that bring us joy, we strengthen our workplace community and remind each other that we’re part of something bigger. This initiative emphasizes the importance of connection in driving personal and professional growth, making every member feel valued and inspired.

Why Participate?
Lakehead Gathers is your opportunity to recharge, make meaningful connections, and gain fresh perspectives. Whether it's through a shared story, a creative exchange, or a lively discussion, each gathering will enrich our community and support a balanced and vibrant campus culture. It's more than a lunch break—it's an opportunity to step away from our daily routines, engage with colleagues, and participate in activities that promote our personal and collective well-being. From interactive sessions like vision boarding and cultural celebrations to fun, relaxed picnics and movement-based activities, Lakehead Gathers will explore all nine dimensions of wellness throughout the year.

Schedule and Themes:
Beginning February 20th, 2025, these lunchtime gatherings will take place in the Faculty Lounge (Thunder Bay) on the third Thursday of most months from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (September, May, and December are excluded; July will be an outdoor event, weather permitting).

For a preview of our upcoming sessions, please click here.

Each session will offer a mix of activities like guest speakers, breakout discussions, and interactive experiences—plus plenty of unstructured time to simply connect with colleagues. Drop in when you can, whether it's for a few minutes or the whole session—there’s no pressure! Light refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring your own lunch.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and join us for this journey in wellness and community building. Stay tuned for more details on each upcoming session. For more information, please visit our website at lakeheadu.ca/lakeheadgathers

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Human Resources
Lakehead University

As part of Lakehead University's Wellness Strategy, Human Resources is inviting all employees - faculty and staff, to come together for Lakehead Gathers: Your Community, Your Wellbeing beginning February 2025.

Lakehead Gathers is all about creating a space where we come together, connect, and build a true sense of belonging. By sharing ideas, values, and even the little things that bring us joy, we strengthen our workplace community and remind each other that we’re part of something bigger. This initiative emphasizes the importance of connection in driving personal and professional growth, making every member feel valued and inspired.

Lakehead Gathers welcomes all faculty and staff every third Thursday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM  of most months (excluding peak/busy periods).

 Want to volunteer your talents for the next Lakehead Gathers? CLICK HERE

 

March 17 2026 - Coffee and Connect


Drop in when you can - even a short break can make a difference. Light refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring your own lunch.

 May 26 2026- Rooted in Wellness


As we gear up for a very busy Convocation Week and the spring season, please take a short break to join us for Lakehead Gathers.Light refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring your own lunch.

 

 

 

June 18 2026- Summerfest


 Faculty and staff are invited to participate and enjoy a fun afternoon with their peers and colleagues that you won’t want to miss

 

 

July 16 2026-Move into Summer


 "Ready to step into the sunshine? Join us for the next Lakehead Gathers as we Move into Summer!Let’s trade the winter blues for fresh air, healthy habits, and community connection. Drop in, stretch out, and celebrate. Light refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring your own lunch.

 

 

 

August- Lakehead Rocks Lake Tamblyn 


  Join us as Lakehead Rocks Lake Tamblyn in celebration of a great summer and the beginning of a new academic year. More details to follow - stay tuned!

 

 

 

October 15 2026- Fall Festival


 

  Lets Celebrate the community spirit of Autumn! Stay healthy and vibrant as the seasons change, Drop in, warm up and celebrate the beautiful autumn season with colleagues. Light refreshments will be provided, and feel free to bring your own lunch

 

November 19 2026-Kindness & connection


"Refresh Your Mind, Renew Your Focus"

Prioritize your well-being with a mental break to access wellness resources and discover tips for maintaining balance during these busy times.

Jan 21,2027-Mindful Winter Exchange


 "Share from the Heart"

Embrace winter by swapping heartfelt creations in a session dedicated to emotional connection and mindfulness

 

 February 18 2027 Maamawi. To Gather


 "Gather, Learn, and Celebrate Diversity"

Join us in celebrating cultural diversity with activities like beading, traditional songs, and stories that honour our diverse Lakehead community.

 

 

March 18,2027 Gratitude & Vision Boards


 

 

"Gratitude & Growth"

Cultivate gratitude through vision boards and Gratitude Grams. This session supports mindfulness and reflection on our values and goals.

 

 

 

 

 

April 15, 2027 - What’s Your Move?


 

 

"Move Your Way to Wellness"

Whether you’re a dancer, runner, or walker, join us to share how you stay active and exchange tips on keeping up with health goals.

 

 

 

May 20, 2027 - Break Time

 "Refresh Your Mind, Renew Your Focus"

Prioritize your well-being with a mental break to access wellness resources and discover tips for maintaining balance during these busy times.

 

Feedback provided by many employees (both faculty and staff) and alignment with objectives within our Wellness Strategy, reiterates that the development of a recurring employee gathering will offer many positive benefits to the overall culture and wellbeing of the University.


Lakehead Gathers is a series of events all about creating a space where we come together, connect, and build a true sense of belonging among Lakehead employees. For more information, please visit our website at lakeheadu.ca/lakeheadgathers or email wellnesscoordinator@lakeheadu.ca

 

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