April 23, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Over 2,000 degrees will be conferred during Lakehead University’s 2014 Convocation ceremonies. Graduates will celebrate their achievements with family and friends over the course of four ceremonies at our Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, between May 30 and June 7.

In addition to commemorating Lakehead students on their graduation, five honorary degrees will be conferred – four in Thunder Bay, and one in Orillia.

“Convocation is a celebration of the time and hard work our students have dedicated to their studies,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “This year, we are also proud to honour five exceptional people – this year’s honorary degree recipients – who will offer words of wisdom and inspiration to our new graduates as they move into the next phase of their lives.” 

Please see the convocation schedule, below.

Friday, May 30, 2014 – 2 pm (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

Dr. Arnold Aberman will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences.

Dr. Aberman has contributed to the advancement of medicine for more than 30 years, including the creation of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), a joint initiative between Lakehead University and Laurentian University.

He was instrumental in the planning and development of NOSM. He can take credit for many aspects of NOSM’s unique structure and governance.

As a co-director of the Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital, Dr. Aberman was instrumental in securing recognition for the field of critical care medicine as an independent discipline in Canada.

Dr. Aberman will receive an honorary Doctor of Science.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – 9:30 am (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

Richard Wagamese will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Business Administration.

Wagamese is an internationally renowned, award-winning author, newspaper columnist and reporter who has also done work in radio and television.

He is known for his many books including Indian Horse, which describes the life of an Ojibway man who, as a child, was taken from his family and his Northern Ontario home and put in the residential school system.

Wagamese’s writing has brought awareness to the horrors of the residential school system, to the discrimination that Native people have faced and the racism Native people have been subjected to.

He is an Ojibway man from Wabaseemoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario.

Wagamese will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – 2 pm (Thunder Bay Community Auditorium)

The Honourable Bob Rae and the Honourable Frank Iacobucci will address graduates and undergraduates from the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Natural Resources Management, the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The Honourable Bob Rae is a senior partner at OKT - Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. He works with First Nations across Canada as legal counsel, advisor, negotiator, and arbitrator.

Rae was elected eleven times to the House of Commons and the Ontario Legislature between 1978 and 2013. He served as Ontario's 21st Premier from 1990 to 1995.

During his time in government, Rae completed a review of Ontario’s postsecondary school education for the Ontario Provincial Government that resulted in the 2005 report entitled Ontario: A Leader in Learning. This report led to significant policy and budgetary changes, including substantial increases to the base budgets of Ontario’s universities.

Rae acts as Advisor to the Matawa Chiefs Tribal Council respecting the potential development of the area in Northwestern Ontario known as The Ring of Fire.

The Honourable Frank Iacobucci is representing the Province of Ontario in its negotiations with the Chiefs of the Matawa Council on the Ring of Fire.

He is also doing an independent review of various matters for Chief Bill Blair of the Toronto Police Service relating to police encounters with mentally or emotionally disturbed persons.

Iacobucci retired from the Supreme Court of Canada in June 2004 and served as interim President of the University of Toronto from September 2004 until June 2005. 

He was the Federal Government’s Representative in the negotiations leading to the settlement agreement in 2005 relating to Indian Residential Schools, which is the largest financial settlement in Canada.  In February, 2013 he submitted his Report as an Independent Reviewer for the Ontario Government on First Nations Representation on Ontario juries.

Rae and Iacobucci will each receive an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 – 10 am (West Orillia Sports Complex)

Mary Anne Chambers will address graduates and undergraduates in Master of Business Administration, Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education (Consecutive and Concurrent), Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Honours Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, and Bachelor of Arts and Science. 

Chambers was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 2003 and appointed to the Executive Council of Ontario where she served for four years, first as the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and subsequently as the Minister of Children and Youth Services.

Chambers was a major supporter of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus during its initial stages. She has been recognized internationally as an active advocate for public education at all levels from pre-kindergarten to post-doctoral.

Her contributions while in government included substantial improvements to the Ontario Student Assistance Program, non-repayable income-based tuition grants for college and university students and stronger legislation to better protect students through the Private Career Colleges Act.

Chambers will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies will take place at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, May 30-31. For a complete schedule of Lakehead University’s 2014 Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies, visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/graduation/thunder-bay-campus-ceremony/schedule.

Lakehead’s Orillia campus convocation ceremonies will take place at the West Orillia Sports Complex on Saturday, June 7, at 10:00 am. For a complete schedule of Lakehead University’s 2014 Orillia campus convocation ceremony, visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/graduation/orillia-ceremony/convocation_schedule.

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Jordan Cash, left, presented Peter Panetta with a cheque for $1,035 on Wednesday, April 23. Cash raised the money through a scholarship from Mirabelli Corp., and donations from other MBA students and Lakehead faculty.

April 23, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

A scholarship from Mirabelli Corp. inspired Lakehead University student Jordan Cash to raise more than $1,000 for the Underground Gym in Thunder Bay.

Cash, a Master of Business Administration student, had planned to volunteer at the gym as a boxing instructor but didn’t have time due to his busy school schedule. Instead, he raised money for the Underground Gym in a fundraiser called MBAs Care. 

“At the end of last semester I received a $200 scholarship from Mirabelli Corp. that I decided to donate to the Underground Gym, and I wanted to see if I could raise more,” Cash said.

After giving a short presentation to his MBA classmates, Cash was impressed when 15 students donated a total of approximately $400. He is also collecting donations from faculty members in Business Administration and contributing some of his own funds.

Cash, who is from Pickering, Ont., added money he won from a Proline Ticket, some stock dividends and money left over from his student loan.

“I want people to know that Lakehead MBA students care about this community. We are proud to assist the Underground Gym to help young people reach their full potential,” Cash said.

Peter Panetta, Underground Gym founder, said Cash’s donation will help keep the youth centre open.

“This is huge for us. The timing couldn’t have been better,” Panetta said, adding that the donation will also provide food for the youth.

“We usually have five or so fundraisers per year and they’re very important. These donations are much appreciated and much needed,” Panetta said.

Dr. Lifeng Geng, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration, said Cash has shown great leadership with this project.

“Jordan is a very talented MBA student. He's doing great academically and it's nice to see him make time for the local community,” Dr. Geng said. “I'm happy that he has devoted his time and energy to the well-being of kids. He clearly has a lot of potential to be a great leader.”

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

April 22, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Three Lakehead University Associate Professors from the School of Nursing have won the COUPN Teaching Innovation Award for a mask-making project introduced to nursing students in September.

This award recognizes teaching innovation in a baccalaureate or graduate nursing education program, and acknowledges an outstanding contribution to nursing education through teaching innovation.

The Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN) will present the award to the Lakehead University School of Nursing’s Dr. Michelle Spadoni, Associate Professor; Dr. Patricia Sevean, Associate Professor; and Karen Poole, Director/Associate Professor at a ceremony in Toronto on April 23.

The goal of the project was to teach students about caring by helping them understand themselves, others and the world they live in. Called An Aesthetic Expression of Caring Through Mask Making and Storytelling, the project was funded by the Associated Medical Services Phoenix Foundation: Call for Caring Grant.

More than 200 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students worked together to create the masks. Each student had to cover their partner’s face with plastic wrap, providing a small hole to breathe through. Next, four layers of plaster were applied to the person’s face.

The outside of the masks were painted to represent the way students believe people see them while the inside was painted the way students see themselves. The experience will help shape the nurses they will become.

“Often as teachers it is easy to be caught up in discussing all the knowledge pieces that need to be covered in class. You can forget to examine how we teach and what gives meaning to a true learning experience,” said Dr. Spadoni.

“This approach to teaching and learning can best be described as transformative learning, where you start from a relational perspective – see, feel, change – in the doing. You learn with one another, it requires conversation, sharing thoughts, questioning one’s values, beliefs and pre-conceived ideas,” said Dr. Sevean.

“As an arts-based teaching method, first-year nursing students were engaged in a non-traditional learning environment that provided the space for greater awareness of themselves and others, a critical aspect in all nurse-client interactions,” said Professor Poole.

"This award recognizes the outstanding work of three very dedicated faculty members, as well as the School of Nursing's long-standing commitment to providing students with an education that is innovative, engaging, and meaningful to their future practice,” said Dr. Lori Livingston, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences.   

The COUPN awards recognize nurse educators and scholars in Ontario and clinical settings who provide exemplary nursing education, research, and placements that help to advance the profession of nursing.

“Anyone who has ever been cared for by a nurse, or had a loved one cared for by a nurse, understands the extraordinary value of these men and women to the health care system,” said Dr. Jennifer Medves, Chair of COUPN and Vice-Dean (Health Sciences) and Director, School of Nursing at Queen’s University.

“Patients benefit tremendously from research into the practice of nursing being conducted at Ontario universities, and our institutions’ innovative approach to nursing education. The COUPN awards recognize these remarkable nurse educators and scholars.”

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

April 7, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives), Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, and President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, have signed three memoranda of understanding (MOU) with three Indigenous Intercultural Universities in Mexico.

The agreements between Lakehead and the Intercultural University of the State of Mexico, the Mayan Intercultural University of Quintana Roo, and the Intercultural University of Chiapas outline plans to develop mutually beneficial education opportunities for each of the universities’ students while promoting internationalization at their respective institutions.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is delighted to be Lakehead’s point person for all three MOUs. “The relationship building Lakehead has committed to with these MOUs is a reflection of our University’s desire to create and strengthen new and existing partnerships, foster vibrant student exchanges, and promote cross-cultural excellence.”

Dr. Stevenson explained that extending the University’s international reach is a priority of Lakehead’s Academic Plan, adding, “These agreements with our new Mexican partners will enhance the diversity of our respective student populations, research initiatives, and academic programs.”

While the MOUs are distinct from one another, they do share core intentions and values, including fostering student mobility, creating research opportunities for students and faculty, and establishing joint academic programming with an aboriginal focus.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux will be inviting Lakehead students to join her on cultural and academic video-exchanges, as well as to consider participating in an upcoming community exchange with one of the new Intercultural University partners.

MOU’s Areas of Understanding

 1.     Intercultural University in Estado de Mexico:

• Student exchange
• Short-term research opportunities for students and faculty
• Short-term cultural programming for students
• Joint programming with an aboriginal focus

 2.    Intercultural University in Maya de Quintana Roo:

• Student exchange
• Short-term cultural programming for students
• Graduate education for Quintana Roo faculty at Lakehead University
• Short-term research opportunities for students and faculty
• Joint programming with an aboriginal focus

 3.    Intercultural University in Chiapas:

• Lecture series delivered by distance on academic and cultural themes
• Student exchange
• Short-term research opportunities for students and faculty
• Short-term cultural programming for students
• Joint programming with an aboriginal focus

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Thursday, April 3, 2014 – Thunder Bay

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, is pleased to host a two-day Council of Ontario Universities (COU) meeting of the province’s University Presidents and Academic Colleagues at its Thunder Bay campus, April 2-3.

“I am thrilled to have this rare opportunity to showcase Thunder Bay and Lakehead University to so many of Ontario’s university presidents and academic colleagues,” said Dr. Stevenson. “Bringing together our sector’s leadership to discuss common issues and challenges serves to ensure that we move forward, together, to enhance the university experience for generations of students to come.”

COU Chair and President of Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Max Blouw, said, “‎It is important for university presidents to understand, deeply, each other’s institutions and we are extremely pleased and impressed to be at Lakehead University in beautiful Thunder Bay.

“Our universities are very distinct from one another, so it’s important that we come together, whenever possible, to discuss how our different institutions are addressing diverse and common issues,” Dr. Blouw added.

 A Wednesday evening dinner at Thunder Bay’s Bight Restaurant treated guests to wonderful views of Lake Superior as they enjoyed a performance by the Lakehead University Chamber Choir and its Conductor, Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans.

Event attendees included Deputy Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs and Special Advisor: Strategic Mandate Agreements (Universities), Dr. Paul Genest; Acting Thunder Bay Mayor, Councillor Paul Pugh; current Lakehead Board of Governors’ Chair, Cameron Clark; recently-named incoming Lakehead Board Chair, Murray Walberg; COU President and CEO, Bonnie Patterson; and numerous Academic Colleagues.

Academic Colleagues are university professors and researchers who have been elected by their respective Senates to represent their university on council. Council consists of two representatives from each Ontario university: the university’s President, and an Academic Colleague. Council meets twice each year.

“Academic Colleagues contribute to the work of council by reflecting on province-wide university issues, together,” said Lakehead University Geology Professor and COU Academic Colleague, Dr. Mary Louise Hill. “I’m delighted that Colleagues enjoyed the opportunity to meet in Thunder Bay and see Lakehead University, firsthand.”

For more about the Council of Ontario Universities, visit www.cou.on.ca.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Ontario university presidents gather at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus for COU meetings.

Top row, from left:  Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada President & CEO, Paul Davidson; Nipissing University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael DeGagné; Carleton University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Roseann O'Reilly Runte; COU Chair and President of Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Max Blouw; Algoma University President, Dr. Richard Myers;

Front row, from left: COU President & CEO, Bonnie Patterson; Laurentian University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux; OCAD University President, Dr. Sara Diamond; University of Ontario Institute of Technology President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Tim McTiernan; Trent University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Steven Franklin;  Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Naureen Mushfique, second from left, was presented with a cheque for $3,000 by Terry Erb, Director of Sales for Ford Motor Company of Canada (far left), Heather LoPresti, co-chair of Focus 2040 and on the far right, Julia Piccioni, co-chair of Focus 2040. 

April 4, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

A Lakehead University Masters of Business Administration student, Naureen Mushfique, recently placed second in the Focus 2040 Competition.

This competition challenges students to evaluate what the workplace will be like in the year 2040. Students are asked to think beyond textbook principles, evaluate real world workplaces, and plan an innovative work system.

“When I first read the topic, it immediately caught my interest and my head was flooded with a plethora of ideas,” Mushfique said. “The longer I thought about it, the more developed my idea became to the point where it was no longer an option of whether or not I wanted to participate –  I had toparticipate.”

Mushfique believes that in 2040 organizations will collaborate more with technology to assist the work of employees. “Data and technology will play a larger role in employee empowerment,” she said.

Mushfique competed against students from across Canada in the first round of the competition. She then moved on to excel against 25 competitors in the second round to secure a spot among the top 10 finalists.

The finalists were invited to the Degroote School of Business to present their predictions to a panel of judges. Mushfique received a cheque for $3,000 for placing second.

Focus 2040 is a nation-wide competition organized by McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.  It is a joint venture between the DeGroote School of Business (DeGroote) and the Strategic Capability Network (SCNetwork). 

Mushfique learned about the competition from her professors, who suggested she participate. 

"The Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University has always actively encouraged and supported students who want to participate in different national and international competitions,” said Dr. Naqi Sayed, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration.

“Over the years our students have successfully competed in many forums. Naureen's accomplishment is another testament to the value that this faculty adds to all its students,” Dr. Sayed said.

Mushfique chose Lakehead because she wanted to study at a university where she wouldn’t be invisible. “At Lakehead, it’s not just an education – it’s an experience. Your classmates become your best friends and your professors become your mentors,” she said.

Mushfique would like to work in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, which she says is full of potential.

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 – Thunder Bay & Orillia

Lakehead University’s Board of Governors have passed a motion that current Board Vice-Chair, Murray Walberg, will assume the role of Chair of the University’s Board of Governors in October 2014.

“Lakehead University is critically important to the prosperity of our community and region,” said Mr. Walberg. “I am proud to be given the opportunity to further support Lakehead’s continued progress and growth as the next Chair of its Board of Governors.”

Current Board of Governors Chair Cameron Clark said, “I am delighted that Murray has accepted what I consider the privilege of chairing this Board. His personal and professional history, as well as his familiarity with Northwestern Ontario and the Thunder Bay community, will bring excellent leadership skills and a wealth of experience to our Board of Governors and Lakehead University.”

Murray Walberg

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Mr. Walberg’s 25 year career in the financial services sector has provided a variety of leadership experiences across North America.

Mr. Walberg has extensive senior management experience in Canada and the United States, including as Royal Bank of Canada’s Director & National Manager, Wealth Management Strategy and Head, and North American Manager, Strategy for RBC USA.  Mr. Walberg returned home to Thunder Bay in 2005 as RBC’s Regional Vice President, Northwestern Ontario.

Mr. Walberg has several notable professional and academic designations, including ICD.D from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, Institute of Corporate Directors; Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers; and is a Certified Financial Planner. He also holds a Masters, Business Administration (MBA) from Dalhousie University.

Mr. Walberg is very active in the community and is involved in a variety of organizations: Director of United Way of Thunder Bay; President of Ambassadors Northwest; and Federal Director of the Thunder Bay Port Authority. 

Mr. Walberg is married to his wife, Loretta, and has three children, Amanda (16), Megan (15) and Thomas (9).

New Board of Governors Members during the 2013-2014 Year

As it strives to maintain a diverse membership reflective of the population it serves, Lakehead’s Board of Governors has recently welcomed three new members.

Bill Keeler, a member of Lakehead University’s Alumni Association, joined the Board of Governors in October 2013. A former two-term president and still an active member of Lakehead’s Alumni Board, Mr. Keeler was Lakehead’s Athletic Facilities Supervisor for over 27 years before retiring in 2009, and received the 2009 Ontario University Association’s J.P. Loosemore Award in recognition of his major contributions through administrative work with University Sport.

Paul Capon, Chair of Lakehead University’s Ogimaawin-Aboriginal Governance Council (O-AGC), joined the Board of Governors in December 2013. Mr. Capon is currently a political advisor at the Matawa First Nations Tribal Council in Thunder Bay, and has years of experience working with First Nations and Aboriginal groups.

Angela Maltese was appointed as one of the Board of Governors’ Lieutenant Governors’ in Council appointees in February 2014. A Chartered Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, and partner with Grant Thornton LLP in Thunder Bay, Ms. Maltese will bring her vast experience on local and provincial committees and boards, as well as a wealth of knowledge about, and history in, Thunder Bay, to Lakehead’s Board of Governors.

For more about Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/sg/secretariat/board-governors.

 Murray Walberg will assume the role of Chair of the University's Board of Governors in October.

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Media: To arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

April 2, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Two of the five Research Matters’ Virtual Scavenger Hunt grand prizes have been awarded to Lakehead University students who participated in February’s province-wide research challenge.

The Council of Ontario Universities organizes Research Matters events to encourage the public to explore how Ontario university research affects everyday life. The Virtual Scavenger Hunt took students and the public on a journey into research happening at universities across Ontario.

More than 800 Ontarians participated in the Virtual Scavenger Hunt, including approximately 600 university students who were hoping to receive one of the five grand prizes. Forty students from Lakehead University participated in the challenge and two of these students won the grand prize.

Lakehead students Stacy Tkachyk and Keifer Sutch received the $500 grand prizes in a raffle out of all university students who answered the questions correctly.

Tkachyk is a first-year student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine who is interested in research related to the role of hemoglobin on reoccurring surgeries and amputations.

“I enjoyed the fact that I could learn something new each day,” Tkachyk said. “Research can be very intimidating if you don’t know where to start. There were many areas of interest and research topics that I didn’t realize existed and would never have learned about without participating in the Scavenger Hunt.”

Sutch is a fourth-year undergraduate student in Concurrent Education/Outdoor Recreation who is interested in research related to environmental sustainability.

“The best part about participating in the Virtual Scavenger Hunt was learning what different universities across Ontario were doing in terms of research and how big of an impact some of the research projects will have on our lives in the future,” said Sutch.

Erica Sawula, Lakehead University’s Research Matters Student Ambassador, is thrilled with the success of the Virtual Scavenger Hunt.

“It’s encouraging that so many people participated in the Scavenger Hunt and learned about research happening at Ontario universities,” Sawula said. “This research will have a major impact on our future therefore it’s important that the public know more about it.”

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Dr. Harvey Lemelin, front right, and his Battlefield Tourism students started the trip off at Thunder Bay's Memorial Park, which commemorates veterans from the First World War.   

March 28, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

A dozen Lakehead University undergraduate students and their instructor are taking a trip to Europe to learn more about the history, monuments and battlefields of the First and Second World Wars.

This April and May, students from the Department of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism’s Battlefield Tourism course will spend 10 days visiting monuments and battlefields in Normandy, Northern France, Belgium and Holland.

Lakehead students will explore and gain a better understanding of the history of the events surrounding the First and Second World Wars.

“I am extremely interested in seeing the interpretation strategies used at the different battlefield sites, such as interpretive guides, displays, pamphlets and audio recordings, and to see how these sites are being managed,” said Sarah Schruiff, a third-year student.

“As well, I have some family who fought in the war and I would like to pay my respects to them and to all who fought in the war,” Schruiff added. “This trip is a chance to fully grasp the significance of these battles and help us realize that they are not just stories in a textbook – they're real."

The students' experiences will be captured in video interviews, updates, and blogs will be posted on the Battlefield Tourism website http://4370battlefieldtourism.blogspot.ca/.

“Students will acquire insight into the management and interpretation of these tourism sites, many of which began as memorials and pilgrimages,” said Dr. Harvey Lemelin, instructor of Battlefield Tourism.

“The goal of this trip is to provide students with a first-hand opportunity to see and feel what the sites offer, and perhaps even gain a better understanding of what Canadian soldiers faced and endured during the First and Second World Wars,” Dr. Lemelin said.

Students will also contribute to research by interviewing visitors to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Northern France. The findings from these interviews will be published in reports and publications, and presented at conferences.

“Commemorating the fallen and paying our respect is another important component of learning,” stated Dr. Lemelin.

“Our students will honour the sacrifices of Canadian veterans by placing a wreath at the Menin Gate in Belgium, and on Lieutenant Norman Howard Pawley's grave at the Villers Station Cemetery in France.” 

Lieutenant Pawley is the great uncle of Dr. Lori Livingston, Dean of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Lakehead University. He was killed during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.

“We are honoured that the family is allowing us to pay our respects to Lieutenant Pawley,” Dr. Lemelin said.

The students will also examine the possibility of planting a tree in one of the city parks to honour all of the veterans from Thunder Bay and the North Shore.

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Third-year Kinesiology student Alexis Sharp talked about the benefits of the Co-Curricular during the Lakehead Thunder Bay launch of the CCR.

Mason Ainsworth, a third-year Business student at Lakehead Orillia, demonstrates the new Co-curricular Record to Susanne Lauro, a third-year student in Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science program. 

February 5, 2014 ­­— Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

Lakehead University students now have a new tool to tell their whole university story.

The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) was launched as a new and exciting initiative for all students at Lakehead’s Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses.  The CCR is an official document that chronicles a student’s involvement in not-for-credit activities at Lakehead University.

Combined with their Academic Transcript, students will now have the perfect tool to be recognized and celebrated for their achievements inside and outside the classroom.

“Students contribute in many different ways during their time at Lakehead and we feel it’s important to recognize those contributions by providing an official document identifying their achievements and acquired skills,” said Kelli Gray, Acting Director, Student Services, at Lakehead University Orillia.

The CCR documents out-of-classroom, non-credit experiences and activities that Lakehead students have participated in while at the University. It validates a student’s hard work and highlights the learning outcomes and non-academic skills he or she gained while participating in these activities. 

“The Co-curricular record allows for students to benefit from value-added volunteerism,” said Charmaine Romaniuk, Lakehead University Student Union Vice-President, Student Issues.

“The CCR is an incentive for students to become involved with the University and community partners by offering an official record of their involvement,” Romaniuk added.

“Research has shown us that students who are engaged in co-curricular activities during their universities studies are also students who develop strong leadership skills, are more self-confident, more thoughtful in making ethical decisions, and more often attain a higher academic standing,” said Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs).

“Involved students are more satisfied with their university education, and having that involvement recognized in a document such as the Co-Curricular Record can be a real advantage to them,” Ryks-Szelekovszky added.

“The CCR will be a great addition to our transcripts and resumés when we’re applying for jobs, or post-graduate opportunities,” said Mason Ainsworth, a third year Honours Bachelor of Commerce student.  “I plan to use it to boost my portfolio and resumé to give myself a competitive advantage when I enter the workforce.”

“Our Co-Curricular Record fits with many of the goals outlined in Lakehead’s Strategic Plan,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Specifically, this adds to Lakehead’s learner-centred student experience by providing students with various extracurricular options while attending Lakehead, as well as a means to document and share that experience and those accomplishments with potential employers.”

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Media: To arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University celebrates 50 years of exceptional and unconventional education in 2015. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), and its fresh vision, mission, and belief statement, our University’s focus is nurturing scholarship. Over 8,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Thunder Bay campus is home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus. Development continues at our Orillia campus to maintain its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) status. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our new Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and for more about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.