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.

Join us on the 3rd Thursday of most months from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM in the Faculty Lounge!


"Take a Pause, Build Community"
Begin with a warm gathering inspired by the Swedish tradition of FIKA—a break for coffee, connection, and new beginnings.

Event Feedback


"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.

Event Feedback


This event has been cancelled.

Instead, please join us for An Afternoon of Wellness hosted by the Lakehead University Social Committee.


"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.

Event Feedback


"Pack, Picnic, and Plan"
Embrace the outdoors with a picnic session focused on budgeting, food preparation, and enjoying simple pleasures in good company.

Event Feedback


This event has been cancelled.

Instead, please join us for Lakehead Rocks Lake Tamblyn hosted by the Lakehead University Social Committee.


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

 


"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.


This event has been cancelled.

"Share from the Heart"
Embrace winter by swapping heartfelt creations in a session dedicated to emotional connection and mindfulness.

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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