Business Grad Rechal Parmar is Always Ready to Rise to a Challenge

Rechal Parmar, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce student, has been a formidable presence on campus since arriving at Lakehead Orillia four years ago.

During that time, she's evolved into a leader that fellow students can reach out to for support and encouragement.

"When I started my degree, I was more drawn to accounting, but I now plan to make human resources my major focus because I like to solve people-centric challenges," Rechal says.

"I've always loved community work, but hearing the phrase 'When your community grows, you grow,' gave me a new purpose!" she says.

"It became my motivation for doing more campus work and volunteering."

Rechal's diverse contributions have earned her the 2026 Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

"Being recognized for what I've done for the Lakehead and Orillia communities really means a lot to me—it shows that I belong here and that I'm valued," she says.

"I'm always keen to collaborate and make a difference."

A Natural Entrepreneur

For Rechal, coming to Lakehead presented a steep learning curve.

"English is my second language and I'm from a small town in India where the culture is very different from Canada's," she explains.

Rechal with her parents and her brother. Rechal's parents were a big influence on her decision to earn an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Despite these seismic changes, Rechal found her footing with the help of a Lakehead International (LUI) peer mentor.

"My mentor really had an impact on me," she says. "She made me feel at home."

With her growing confidence, Rechal joined Enactus Lakehead—part of a global network of Enactus clubs that empower youth leaders to create positive change through entrepreneurship.

"Enactus allows college and university entrepreneurs to pitch their business proposals to companies," she says.

As co-president of the Lakehead Enactus Social Entrepreneurship Club, she and her fellow Enactus members applied their commerce skills outside the classroom to help Simcoe County businesses.

A Friend You Can Count On

On campus, Rechal fostered an appreciation of Indian and American culture through annual presentations at the Welcome the World Fair and became a warm and welcoming face as the president of Lakehead University Christian Fellowship Club.

Rechal spent one semester as an exchange student in Indianapolis, Indiana, while attending Lakehead.  

But perhaps the moment she knew she was truly an integral part of campus life happened in her second year.

"A LUI staff member asked me to become a peer mentor," Rechal says. "Now, it was my turn to help international students adjust to university and navigate cultural differences," she says.

"I also helped students with practical things like how to use the transit system and shop at grocery stores."

Getting Ready to Fly

As Rechal's graduation day approaches, she's already jumped feet first into the world of commerce.

She's doing an internship at an Orillia camping centre where she is busy learning different aspects of the business.

"Although I've completed four years of university, I still have so much more to learn," Rechal says.

When her placement ends in October, she'll return to her hometown—where her love of business was born—to begin charting her future. "My parents have owned a trading and metal manufacturing company since I was a child," she says.

"My dream career path is to build a purpose-driven business that aligns with my Christian faith and values," she adds.

Rechal is also reflecting on the academic and campus experiences she's had, and the foundation they've given her to succeed.

In the end, she says it's the people who've had the greatest impact on her.

"What has stood out most is the warmth of the university community and their willingness to help. That's a big advantage of studying at Lakehead."

Rechal shows her Lakehead spirit by wishing Wolfie a happy birthday.

She urges other graduating students to tap into this community and not go it alone.

"You have this fantastic support network that you can always rely on.

Once a Thunderwolf, always a Thunderwolf!"

The Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship is presented to a full-time student at the Orillia campus to recognize their contributions to the welfare of the university. The award is named in honour of the late Lloyd Dennis, an Officer of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario as well as a highly respected educator and proponent for the creation of the Lakehead Orillia campus.