Lakehead Orillia’s 2015 Convocation celebrates achievement
Anna Lisa Martin and Liz Breton represent the “Voice of Convocation” as they speak to fellow graduates at Lakehead Orillia’s 2015 Convocation ceremony.
Orillia born, and internationally renowned recording artist, Gordon Lightfoot celebrates his Honorary Doctor of Music degree at Lakehead University Orillia’s 2015 Convocation ceremony at Rotary Place in Orillia on Saturday, June 6.
Lakehead University graduates celebrate following the 2015 Convocation today in Orillia.
June 6, 2015 – Orillia, ON
Over 300 students walked across the stage and claimed their hard-earned degrees, today, as Lakehead University’s Orillia campus hosted its 2015 Convocation Ceremonies at Rotary Place.
In addition to lauding its graduating students, Lakehead’s Orillia Convocation is the annual occasion to confer honorary degrees and special awards to those who have contributed significantly to the University and our community.
“While today celebrates our graduates’ academic achievement, as they embark on the pursuit of their individual successes, my main message to them is to never stop learning,” said Chancellor Derek Burney. “By remaining curious and driven, our graduates will have the freedom and opportunity to turn what they have learned at Lakehead University into any number of careers and successes.”
A highlight for graduates, and for the entire standing room only audience, was the presentation of an honorary degree to Gordon Lightfoot, regarded as the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriter of all time. Following his acceptance of a Doctor of Music degree, graduates were treated to a special musical performance by the Orillia born, and internationally renowned, recording artist.
Honorary degrees symbolize the highest honour that can be conferred upon an individual by the University and are awarded in recognition of scholarly or creative achievements or distinguished public service to the country or region.
The Civitas Award, conferred annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University, was awarded to Robert Lamb, who, as manager of Economic Development for the City of Orillia from 2002 to 2009, played a key role in the establishment of the Lakehead campus. He continues to be a passionate supporter and volunteer with the University.
Past Civitas Award winners include: Bob Bowles (2014); Will McGarvey (2013); Anderson Charters (2012); Paul Weber (2011); former mayor of Orillia, Ron Stevens (2010); Lloyd Dennis (2009); and Sue Mulcahy (2008).
Angelo Orsi was recognized by being named a Fellow of the University for his contribution to the growth and development of the University. Orsi was one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University’s campus expansion to 500 University Avenue. His dedication to the success of the campus has helped assure the longevity and prosperity of the University.
Among the graduates receiving their degrees this year, was the first cohort of students to receive their Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science – Criminology degrees.
Another “first” this year was the addition of a “Voice of Convocation,” to the ceremony. Two students, Liz Breton(HBASc/BEd) and Anna Lisa Martin (HBASc/BEd) shared their exceptional experiences at Lakehead, concluding with reference to the spirited Thunderwolf cheer.
Breton was also the recipient of the President’s Award and Lloyd Dennis Award, both recognizing contributions of outstanding citizenship and leadership with the University.
Other student award winners included:
• The Chancellor’s Medal – awarded to the highest-ranking part-time student in an undergraduate degree program: Karin Wargel (HBSW)
• Orillia Campus Dean’s Medal – highest-ranking student in Arts & Science degree programs: Leah Catton (HBASc) andJenny Thomas (BASc).
• Dean’s Medal for highest standing in Sustainability Sciences: Carly Chantler (HBASc)
• Dean’s Medal for highest standing in Interdisciplinary Studies: Leah Catton (HBASc)
• The William A. West Medal for highest standing in Education: Rebecca Hamilton-Bachiu
“Our University has only succeeded as an institution for 50 years in Northwestern Ontario and nine years in Orillia because graduates, like these crossing the stage today, have chosen to make Lakehead their University,” said President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Just as Lakehead has grown, changed, and influenced the world, it is now our graduates’ turn to continue to grow, to change, and to influence our world.”
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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.
In 2015, Lakehead University celebrates 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.
Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.
Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.