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Orillia Campus Expands Athletics With Introduction of Varsity Outdoor Soccer Program
Student-athletes practice under the lights of the artificial turf field at the West Orillia Sports Complex. The field will host home matches for Lakehead's men's and women's outdoor varsity soccer teams.
Orillia, Ont. – Varsity outdoor soccer has been added to the growing athletics lineup at Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus, providing new opportunities for student-athletes to engage in competitive-level sport.
Led by head coaches Briesk Kouji (men) and Brodie Brown (women), the Orillia Thunderwolves men’s and women’s outdoor soccer programs will kick off their first season in the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association (OCAA) on September 5. The Orillia Thunderwolves also compete in the OCAA in indoor soccer.
“It is a great step forward for Lakehead Orillia and the Orillia Thunderwolves varsity sport program,” said Dr. Chris Glover, Associate Vice-President, Administration. “We are excited to expand and enhance the student experience and our athletic program offerings with the addition of men’s and women’s varsity outdoor soccer. We look forward to cheering on our teams in their first season.”
Through a partnership with the City of Orillia, the West Orillia Sports Complex on University Ave. will host home matches and serve as the team's training facility. The addition of a brand-new scoreboard at the southwest end of the field only enhances the experience for student-athletes, coaches, and supporters.
“Access to the City’s facilities gives our student-athletes the space and support they need to train while strengthening our connection to the community,” explained Dr. Glover.
“Orillia is thrilled to support Lakehead University as it launches its new varsity men’s and women’s soccer teams,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “With the City’s brand-new scoreboard, we’re excited to welcome these teams to their new home at the West Orillia Sports Complex. We look forward to seeing these young athletes thrive and create lasting memories during their time in Orillia and at Lakehead University.”
The first official home matches are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7, at the West Orillia Sports Complex.
Cheer on the Orillia Thunderwolves this season!
Lakehead University welcomes spectators and fans to cheer on our student-athletes at the West Orillia Sports Complex! The full list of Orillia Thunderwolves outdoor soccer home games can be found at orilliathunderwolves.ca.
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Lakehead Campuses Come Alive as New School Year Begins
Lakehead University is set to welcome thousands of students this fall, bringing a renewed sense of energy and possibility to its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses as the fall 2025/26 academic year begins.
This fall marks a major milestone — Lakehead University's 60th anniversary — with celebrations planned throughout the year, including upcoming community engagement opportunities soon to be announced. Since opening its doors in 1965 in Thunder Bay, Lakehead has grown into a leading comprehensive university with a global student body, deep community roots, and a proud tradition of academic excellence, research, and innovation.
More than 9,300 students are expected to attend Lakehead this year, with 6,800 in Thunder Bay and just over 2,300 in Orillia. The incoming class includes approximately 1,600 international students representing over 80 countries, underscoring Lakehead's growing global reach.
"Fall at Lakehead is more than the start of a school year; it's the start of a journey," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. "Our campuses come alive with the energy of students pursuing their goals, forming connections, and shaping their futures. It's a time filled with promise - not just for students, but for our entire community. As we celebrate Lakehead University's 60th anniversary, we're also reflecting on the incredible legacy we've built and the bright future ahead."
This year, Lakehead is introducing a refreshed orientation experience designed to support students both academically and socially from day one. Highlights include a peer-to-peer phone call campaign, where student leaders personally welcome incoming students; new faculty- and program-based welcome events focused on building community and classroom readiness; and a reimagined six-week First Year Festival, featuring social events, skill-building workshops, and community engagement. Orientation begins the week of August 27, with classes starting on September 2, 2025.
"At Lakehead, we believe the student experience starts before classes do," said Paula Jean Broderick, Director, Student Success. "From personalized outreach to career-connected learning, we make sure students feel seen, supported, and set up for success."
Lakehead's approach to education blends high-impact academics with real-world experience. All students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning, and more than 80% engage in work-integrated placements made possible through partnerships with local industry, governments, and community organizations.
The university's economic and social impact is equally significant—generating an estimated $2.57 billion annually in Northwestern Ontario and $328 million in Orillia. With 97.4% of graduates employed within two years, most in roles related to their field of study, Lakehead continues to deliver powerful outcomes for both students and the regions it serves.
With students arriving from near and far, Orientation marks a vital first step in building confidence, community, and a sense of belonging. Activities begin the week of August 27 and continue through the six-week First Year Festival, helping students transition into university life before classes officially begin on September 2, 2025. For more information about upcoming Orientation events, visit: www.lakeheadu.ca/students/orientation/events
Northern Roots, Veterinary Futures: OVC Welcomes First Northern Cohort
This September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph will welcome its inaugural Northern Cohort—20 students from Northern Ontario embarking on their journey to become veterinarians through the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP), a groundbreaking partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University.
This cohort is a milestone in a province-wide initiative to address the veterinary care shortage in Northern Ontario. Access to veterinary services for companion animals, farm animals, and in rural, remote and Indigenous communities is driving a growing animal health and welfare crisis across Northern Ontario.
Over the next four years, the northern students will train at OVC with the goal of returning to their home communities to deliver essential, accessible and culturally responsive veterinary care. The CDVMP is supported by $14.7 million in funding from the Government of Ontario earmarked for new infrastructure on each campus to support the delivery of the collaborative program.
“These students bring deep ties to Northern Ontario, a passion for service, and a commitment to improving animal health and welfare,” says Dr. Jeff Wichtel, dean of the Ontario Veterinary College. “We’re proud to support their journey and to be part of a long-term solution that strengthens veterinary capacity across the province.”
The CDVMP combines OVC’s internationally recognized veterinary education with Lakehead University’s 60-year history of strengthening and supporting northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Together, the institutions are breaking down barriers to education and building a talent pool of skilled professionals ready to serve the North.
"I am proud to see the first cohort of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program begin their studies at the Ontario Veterinary College," says Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
"By supporting the new construction and expansion of the College’s capacity, our government is helping more students from Northern Ontario get the training and education they need to launch rewarding careers in veterinary medicine, safeguarding animal health across the province and strengthening our economy."
Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, adds that veterinarians in Ontario’s North play a vital role in keeping pets, businesses and livestock healthy.
“Our government is proud to welcome the first cohort of students in the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, which will equip students with the skills and training they need to deliver excellent animal care in Northern Ontario for decades to come."
Students will engage in experiential learning, collaborate with local veterinarians and complete specialized coursework tailored to northern practice. Graduates will earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Guelph.
While Lakehead University builds new infrastructure to support the program, the first two cohorts (2025 and 2026) will complete all four years at the Guelph campus. Beginning in 2027, it is expected that students will begin their studies at Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus and complete the program at OVC.
“Watching the inaugural Northern Cohort begin their veterinary studies at OVC this fall is a remarkable milestone,” said Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at Lakehead University.
“Lakehead is proud and optimistic as we celebrate the start of a new school year— one that promises real, positive change for people and animals across northern Ontario. We look forward to welcoming future cohorts to our new facilities in Thunder Bay.”
The journey begins Sept. 2 with OVC’s Orientation Week, culminating in the Professional Welcome Ceremony on Sept. 7, where each student will receive a blue lab coat and stethoscope marking the start of their DVM training.
Meet a few of the Northern Cohort students
Shanelle Berthier (Timmins) Shanelle studied at the University of Prince Edward Island and worked with the Atlantic Veterinary College Teaching Hospital and on a dairy farm. “I’ve seen the impacts of limited access to veterinary services firsthand,” she says. “I want to bring my knowledge back to the North to enhance animal welfare and provide emergency services.”
Paris Fuzy (Corbeil) Paris grew up around horses and farm animals and discovered her passion for rural mixed practice while studying Animal Biology at U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College. “I’m excited to serve both large and small animals in the Nipissing District, where I grew up,” she says.
Julia Heyder (Thunder Bay) A proud U of G graduate, Julia has years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and a deep love for shelter medicine. “I want to provide accessible and affordable veterinary services to rural communities in Northwestern Ontario,” she says. “I also hope to help address the stray animal population in underserved areas and contribute meaningfully to solving the veterinary care crisis in the North.”
Aiden Lehto (Thunder Bay) Aiden is deeply rooted in his community and grew up enjoying the outdoors, hockey, and football. “I’m honoured to be part of the Northern Cohort at OVC,” he says. “I’m excited to meet my classmates and continue my journey toward serving my community as a veterinarian.” His dream is to return to Thunder Bay and open his own clinic.
Emily Van Rassel (Sudbury) Emily is a passionate advocate for northern students and the LGBTQ+ community. She values the northern landscape and close-knit communities and aims to amplify underrepresented voices in veterinary medicine while building strong relationships with clients and animals in her home region.
Building capacity for the North
The Northern Cohort is a cornerstone of the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, designed to recruit and train students from Northern Ontario who are committed to returning home to practise after graduating.
“These students are the future of veterinary care in the North,” said Dr. Joanne Hewson, associate dean, students and academic at OVC. “Their stories reflect the resilience, compassion, and leadership that will shape the profession for years to come.”
For more information about the CDVMP and the Northern Cohort, visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/dvm-expansion/
Dr. Langis Roy Joins Lakehead as Vice-President Research and Innovation
Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Internationally recognized scholar Dr. Langis Roy has been named Lakehead University’s next Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
Dr. Roy brings more than 20 years of academic and leadership experience to the position, having held academic appointments at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and most recently at Ontario Tech University, where he served terms as Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (2015–2021) and Deputy Provost (2020–2023).
“Dr. Roy’s leadership comes at a pivotal time,” expressed President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. “As a vital economic anchor in the regions we serve, Lakehead is poised to expand our impact through expanding partnerships and innovative collaborations. I am confident that with Dr. Roy’s vision and experience, Lakehead will continue to drive a culture of research excellence across our campuses, create new opportunities for students to be at the forefront of real-world cutting-edge research, and drive progress that matters–for people and the betterment of society.”
As Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Dr. Roy will lead the university’s extensive research and economic development portfolio, championing industry and expert engagement, working closely with faculty to secure research funding, creating the new strategic research plan, and advancing the national and global reputation of Lakehead research and scholarship.
“Lakehead is clearly ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability mindset and community engagement, and has unique synergies in its STEM Hub and interdisciplinary programming across central and northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Roy, who has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Engineering and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Carleton University. “I look forward to joining this dynamic institution and contributing to Lakehead’s upward trajectory.”
With more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and three patents in radio-frequency system-on-package designs, Dr. Roy’s interdisciplinary research spans microwave components, wireless sensor and power harvesting technologies, and next-generation system integration with applications in 5G/6G, autonomous vehicles, biomedical monitoring, and more. His recent work focuses on AI-assisted design and control, and he co-leads the France-Canada GRACE (Generative Reconfigurable Adaptive Communications Electronics) consortium.
“With the rise of AI not only accelerating the pace of discovery but also democratizing business entrepreneurship, the possibilities for growing Lakehead’s research and innovation enterprise are limitless,” Dr. Roy added.
A globally engaged researcher, Dr. Roy has held visiting appointments at institutions in Finland and France, including the XLIM Institute at Université de Limoges in 2024. He was also involved in the Oshawa/Durham node of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), playing a vital role in research and innovation initiatives in Ontario.
As a leader, Dr. Roy is known for his collaborative spirit, approachability, and deep commitment to supporting students, faculty, and industry partners. During his time at Ontario Tech, he led the transformation of the Office of Graduate Studies into the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and contributed to expanding experiential and work-integrated learning opportunities across the institution.
“There is a strong history of research and innovation at Lakehead,” said Dr. Siddall. “Although Lakehead is a primarily undergraduate university, the impact and importance of research happening across the university places us among the top research-intensive universities in the country. I look forward to supporting Dr. Roy as we continue to build on this incredible momentum.”
Dr. Roy will begin his five-year appointment on August 24, 2025.
Engineering Prof Receives International Prize for Pioneering Research
Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Renewable Energy, Power Systems and Drive Research Lab, has received the 2025 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society (PES) Cyril Veinott Electromechanical Energy Conversion Award.
The prestigious international award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of electromechanical energy conversion.
Through the development and application of control techniques for AC motor drives, Dr. Uddin’s research is creating more resilient and sustainable energy systems.
“I feel honoured and humbled to be recognized by this prestigious award from the IEEE PES,” Dr. Uddin says. “I am grateful to Lakehead University, all of my graduate students, other research collaborators, and research funding agencies for their support to continue my research.”
Dr. Uddin, who joined Lakehead in 2001, has made outstanding contributions to research on the modeling, simulation and real-time application of intelligent algorithms such as fuzzy logic, neural networks, neuro-fuzzy, nonlinear and loss minimization controls of AC motor drives, to achieve fast and accurate speed response with high efficiency under system nonlinearities/uncertainties.
He has developed and applied fuzzy logic controllers for both induction motor (IM) and interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives in real-time, which improved the dynamic performance of the drives compared to traditional controllers.
Dr. Uddin has published or received the acceptance of more than 290 technical papers in international journals and conferences, including 72 in IEEE Transactions/Journals, which are considered the top-ranking journals in his research field.
He received this accolade from IEEE PES President Dr. Shay Bahramirad at the IEEE PES General Meeting Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony in Austin, Texas, on July 29, 2025.
TRV Visa Renewal Workshop
Have you recently renewed your study permit or obtained your post-grad work permit, and now need to renew your visa stamping in the passport? The visa stamping is used for entry to Canada. Please join our International Student Advisors as they walk through the process and requirements
Study Permit Extension Workshop
This session is for current international students at Lakehead University who will require a study permit extension. You must keep your study permit active the entire time you study in Canada and always apply for an extension before it expires. Join our International Student Advisor to learn more about the process and what is required.
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