November 3, 2022 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead is inviting prospective students to explore its campuses and learn more about the University’s academic programs at the Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 5.  

“The Fall Open House will allow prospective students and their families to gain insight into our academic programs in a welcoming environment,” said Lynn Hurrell, Director, Undergraduate Recruitment.

“They will understand how a Lakehead education allows you to thrive and build knowledge and skills that support you for your university years and beyond graduation.” 

Prospective students and applicants will have the opportunity to chat directly with award-winning faculty and current students while visiting the Academics Fair.  

Learn more about Lakehead’s extensive student supports, including everything from student success, career planning, co-op opportunities, health and wellness and accessibility. 

Participate in a campus tour or join Lakehead University for information sessions. Hear more about financial aid and bursaries, student supports and the admissions process, and learn what it takes to transition to Lakehead from current students.

“At Lakehead University, you will quickly discover how our close-knit community, our small class sizes and opportunities for early hands-on learning contribute to your success,” Hurrell said.   

“One hundred percent of our undergraduate students participate in experiential learning during their degree. Our graduates enjoy a 97.7 percent employment rate within two years of graduation, which is higher than the Ontario average.”

The Lakehead University Fall Open House will run from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, Nov. 5.  Learn more and register by visiting lakeheadu.ca/openhouse.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Measuring Progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

October 31, 2022 – On the occasion of World Cities Day, observed annually on this day by the United Nations, a coalition of Thunder Bay organizations today announced the release of a new report, Thunder Bay and the UN SDGs: A Voluntary Local Review.

In keeping with this year’s World Cities Day theme – “Act Local to Go Global” – members of the Voluntary Local Review Working Group believe local action is critical to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

This report is a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the Thunder Bay region.

The report’s authors are:

• Rebecca Schiff, formerly of Lakehead University’s Department of Health Sciences, current Dean of Human and Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia
• Amanda Dodaro, Lakehead University, Department of Health Sciences
• Ashley Wilkinson, Lakehead University, Department of Health Sciences

 VLR: Measuring Thunder Bay’s Progress

A VLR is a sub-national, data-driven review of efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs. Municipalities around the world are increasingly producing these reports to formally measure their progress toward the UN’s 2030 Agenda and its central pledge to “leave no one behind.” The SDGs represent the commitment of all UN Member States to eradicate poverty in all its forms, end discrimination and exclusion, and reduce the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind.

Each section in this report highlights a different SDG and evaluates the community’s performance based on key indicators. It also highlights challenges and progress being made towards achieving each goal, examples of local efforts and successes, and possible ways forward.

Woven throughout the report is a commitment to Reconciliation and an equity lens to ensure that, as the 2030 Agenda promises, no one is left behind.

Thunder Bay Leaders Advance the VLR

A Working Group comprised of representatives from the non-profit sector, local government, and academia are generously contributing their expertise to provide strategic direction and support to the VLR process.

VLR Working Group members include:

• Albert Brulé – United Way Thunder Bay
• Amanda Dodaro – Lakehead University
• Amy Coomes – City of Thunder Bay
• Ashley Wilkinson – Lakehead University
• Charles Levkoe – Lakehead University
• Helle Moeller – Lakehead University
• Jacob Porter – City of Thunder Bay
• Lee-Ann Chevrette – City of Thunder Bay
• Lindsay Galway – Lakehead University
• Rebecca Schiff – Lakehead University/University of Northern British Columbia
• Summer Stevenson – City of Thunder Bay

 Public Education and Engagement

Occasions such as World Cities Day represent an opportunity to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address social problems, and to celebrate and reinforce our community’s achievements.

The coalition believes that this, and future iterations of the VLR, will be of great value to our community – not only as a resource but also as an opportunity for community engagement to make Thunder Bay a healthier, happier, safer, and more sustainable place for all to live, learn, work, and play.

Download the Report here.

Contacts:

Bonnie Krysowaty
Lakehead Social Planning Council
Phone: 807-251-9255
Email: bonniekrysowaty@gmail.com

Rebecca Schiff, Ph.D.
Dean – Faculty of Human and Health Sciences
University of Northern British Columbia
Phone: 250-960-5319
Email: Rebecca.Schiff@unbc.ca

October 7, 2022 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University is announcing the 2021/2022 Alumni Awards and Honours recipients, for Distinguished Alumni, Exceptional Alumni, Trailblazer, Legacy Award, and Ambassador Award.

Peers, friends, and family nominate Lakehead’s award recipients, who go through a rigorous review and selection process by the Alumni Association’s Governance and Nominations Committee. 

“It is a highly competitive process with only a handful being selected each year,” said Mark Tilbury, Lakehead University’s Director, Alumni and Annual Giving.

“The Committee continues to express to me how impressed they are with the calibre and achievements of our alumni who are nominated.

Lakehead did not hold an awards ceremony earlier this year due to a limit on the number of people who could gather at the time due to COVID-19. Lakehead honoured the Orillia recipients in 2021. A small ceremony will be held in Thunder Bay later this month.

Distinguished Alumni: Thomas Doherty, Laird van Damme and Michael Gravelle

Thomas Doherty graduated from Lakehead University with a BA in History, HBA in Political Science and a BEd in 2006. Doherty’s outstanding contributions and commitment as a dedicated educator both inside and outside the classroom have earned him many prestigious awards such as the 2020 Kenora CDSB Director’s Award of Excellent, the 2017 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, the 2016 OTIP Elementary Teacher of the Year and the 2016 Dairy Farmers of Canada Teach Nutrition Award, just to name a few.

Laird van Damme graduated from Lakehead University in 1982 with his HBSCF and later in 1985 with his MSC in Forestry. van Damme is widely known in the forestry community and after graduation, joined KBM Forestry Consultants and in 1996 became a partner in KBM Resources (formerly KBM Forestry Consultants). He has worked across Canada, the Midwest and southern United States, China and parts of Europe. 

Michael Gravelle attended Lakehead University in the late 1960’s, achieving his alumni status by completing five full credits. Gravelle was a Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario who represented the riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North from 1995 to 2022 (known as Port Arthur from 1995 to 1999). He served as a member of cabinet during the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments.

Prior to elected politics, Gravelle was an assistant to Liberal politicians Robert Andras, Stuart Smith, and Joe Comuzzi. He also worked as a publicist for the CBC and was a founder of the North of Superior Film Association.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually in recognition of a seasoned Lakehead University alumnus/a who is well-established in their chosen career or field. The award recognizes significant lifetime contributions by an individual, whether through professional accomplishment, community involvement, or philanthropic dedication.

Exceptional Alumni:  Ivory Tuesday, Tasia McKenna, and Marissa Reckmann

Ivory Tuesday graduated from Lakehead University with her HBSW, BA in Indigenous Learning, and an MA in Social Justice Studies in 2019. Tuesday is an invaluable member of the Indigenous Learning department and continues to share her Indigenous knowledge with the department through teaching courses at the Thunder Bay campus and at the Seven Generations Education Institute.  Tuesday is committed to social responsibility and social justice through the actions of its alumni, engaging in local and global partnerships, and a lifelong dedication to critical inquiry and intellectual excellence.

Tasia McKenna graduated from Lakehead University in 2011 with her BA and HBKin.  A three-time OUA all-star, multiple award winner, and Lakehead University’s all time Women’s Basketball leading scorer, she had an outstanding basketball career at Lakehead.  McKenna returned to Nova Scotia, where she was an assistant coach at the Canada Summer Games and later started her own business, Crossover Basketball.  She served time as head coach of the Halifax Grammar School’s female team and for the past six seasons has been an assistant coach with the Saint Mary’s Huskies women’s basketball team.  Since 2015, McKenna has been the Technical Directory/Performance Coach for Basketball Nova Scotia and she was recently named the first Commissioner of the new Maritime Women’s Basketball Association (MWBA).

Marissa Reckmann graduated from Lakehead University with an HBSC degree in Chemistry. Reckmann joined AGAT in 2006 and worked within a number of geographic and diversified operating divisions. She also worked in the environmental consulting field in Western Canada with a major focus in Upstream Oil and Gas activities. Reckmann is currently the Past President of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association, Alberta Chapter.

The Exceptional Alumni Award is presented by the Alumni Association to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated distinction or outstanding achievement in a particular field, community service work, personal accomplishment, or significant local, national, or international recognition for a personal endeavor.

Trailblazer Award: Sami Pritchard

Sami Pritchard graduated from Lakehead University Orillia in 2017 with an HBASC and is currently working as the Manager of Advocacy for YWCA Toronto. She has served as the Treasurer for the Canadian Federation of Students Ontario, the first person elected from a Northern Ontario institution in over 10 years. Since graduating from Lakehead, Sami held numerous roles with the CFS, including the National Executive Representative. Sami also works as a freelance organizational consultant and has worked on a variety of projects including helping to facilitate the implementation of a public sector Anti-Racism Action Plan, organizational leadership training to several organizations, and chairing and facilitating non profit boards across the country, including LUSU. She has co-authored a publication on developing personal and academic resilience.

The Trailblazer Award is presented annually in recognition of a Lakehead University graduate, of the last 10 years, who has flourished since graduation. The recipient will have shown exceptional and unconventional accomplishment in their professional career, community involvement, and/or philanthropic work in Canada or around the world. 

Legacy Award: The Tamblyn Family and Dolores Wawia (posthumously)

The Tamblyn Family was one of the original founding families of the University. Bill Tamblyn, the patriarch was Lakehead’s first President. His son David was recently Chair of the Board of Governors, and a long-standing member. The senior Tamblyns and the second generation have created numerous endowed awards. Our Legacy Giving Society is named in honour of Bill Tamblyn.

Dolores Wawia was one of the first Indigenous graduates of Lakehead University. She taught in the Native Languages Instructor program and served in the capacity of Elder at Lakehead for many years. Wawia was recognized a number of years ago with an Alumni Honour Award, which is the equivalent of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Wawia passed away in 2020.

The recipient of the Alumni Legacy Award has demonstrated exceptional commitment and contribution to the Alumni Association and the University, exemplifying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision and leadership. This award identifies the recipient as a valued member of the alumni community.

Ambassador Award:  Liz Murray and Daniel Blekkenhorst

Liz Murray is the President of the Calgary Chapter, and long-time volunteer.  Murray also received the Alumni Honour Award a number of years ago.

Daniel Blekkenhorst is Vice-President of the Toronto Chapter and has been a tireless volunteer for the last eight years.  Blekkenhorst’s commitment to Lakehead is seen most strongly with his participation in the Ontario Universities Fair. As a Computer Science graduate, Blekkenhorst is a much sought after alum at that event.

The Ambassador Award is presented annually in recognition of a champion of Lakehead University. This award is for individuals whose dedication and continuing support of Lakehead University has made a significant impact on students, alumni, faculty and staff. Presented to an internal or external champion, the award recognizes the exceptional and unconventional community of Lakehead University.

Honorary Membership: Sue Mulcahy

Sue Mulcahy championed the cause of building a university in her hometown of Orillia. In 1960 funds were requested from the provincial government and through the Simcoe College Foundation, which Mulcahy chaired, thousands of dollars were raised privately and used to purchase 228 acres of land. Political and academic alliances faltered and ultimately the land was sold and the Foundation dismantled but Mulcahy's dream was kept alive. At Lakehead Orillia’s first Convocation, the former city councillor was recognized for her vision and leadership with a Civitas Award. Over the last 15 years, Mulcahy has helped to engage, celebrate, and share Lakehead Orillia.

The Association Board of Directors may, by resolution, admit a person for honorary membership in recognition of that person’s service to, affinity for, or support of the University of the Association.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

October 6, 2022 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University will host the in-person International 2023 C2UExpo (Community-Campus-Exposition) in Thunder Bay from June 5 to 8, 2023, bringing people from across Turtle Island and beyond.

Lakehead’s compelling proposal was chosen through a selection and review process by Community-Based Research Canada’s (CBRCanada) Board of Directors. 

Lakehead University is ideally suited to host the C2UExpo in Thunder Bay, Ontario as evidenced by numerous examples of rich and authentic community-campus research initiatives.

Along with its community partners, Lakehead University researchers have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to collaboratively working to address societal challenges and achieve positive impacts for the benefit of people residing in our region and beyond. 

The Expo was a response to the need for a platform to share experiences, strategies, and ideas about how communities and post-secondary institutions can champion social innovation and societal change.  

C2UExpo also explores ways institutions of higher learning can examine their organizational structures and policies to foster the formation of authentic partnerships in support of community transformation. Each C2UExpo has been held in a different city, addressing unique objectives and themes through a variety of sessions and opportunities for dialogue.

“Over the years, the Expo has highlighted and explored creative strategies for strengthening communities and transforming institutions through community-based research, service-learning, knowledge mobilization, and other types of community-campus collaborations,” said Joanna Ochocka, CBRCanada Co-Chair.

“We are thrilled that Lakehead University will host the C2UExpo in 2023.”

C2UExpo will provide opportunities to strengthen community-campus research and learning partnerships to address critical and topical issues facing our communities in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County. Lakehead University is currently in the process of consulting with community partners to finalize the title and overarching themes for the Expo.  An international call for presentations will be released in November 2022.

“Previous C2UExpos have created much-needed space to provide support like sharing tools for building more equitable relationships and highlighting examples of meaningful partnership projects,” said Dr. Charles Levkoe, Associate Professor, Lake Superior Living Labs Network Lead and Canada Research Chair in Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems at Lakehead University.

“With Northwestern Ontario hosting the 2023 C2UExpo, it will be a fantastic opportunity to build on our wonderful existing partnerships and enable Lakehead University to take a leadership role in the community.” 

The event will bring together community-based organizations, Indigenous groups, researchers and students from academic institutions, grass-root organizations, policy-makers, and knowledge mobilization experts from the region and beyond, to engage in meaningful interactions while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of community-engaged research approaches and models. 

Through the C2UExpo we have a real opportunity to evoke core principles of Indigenous research, including relationality and transformation” said Dr. Lana Ray (Anishinaabe-kwe), Associate Professor, Indigenous Research Chair in Decolonial Futures and Director of the Anishinaabe Kendaasiwin Institute (AKI).

“C2U can be a space where researchers and administrators engage in personal growth and build their own capacities to engage in research and design structures that acknowledge Indigenous peoples right to self-determination and align with Indigenous ways of knowing and being,” Dr. Ray said.

“We are extremely excited to showcase the exemplary community engaged research that is underway at Lakehead’s campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead University’s Vice-President of Research and Innovation.

Lakehead University is anticipating 400 attendees, including community champions, practitioners, community-based researchers, and community engagement professionals, who will convene face-to-face and share best practices around community-based research and community-campus engagement.

Lakehead University faculty and staff look forward to welcoming delegates to Thunder Bay for an immersive dialogue exploring challenging questions about the future direction of community-campus partnerships. 

Community organizations, researchers and students who are interested in learning more about C2UExpo or would like to contribute to this exciting event can contact Sheena Allard, C2UExpo Coordinator, Office of Research Services, Lakehead University, at c2uexpo@lakeheadu.ca. 

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

CBRCanada is a national non-profit organization that works to connect individuals, communities and organizations locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to build more  equitable, just, and sustainable communities within and beyond Canada. The first C2UExpo was hosted in 2003 by the University of Saskatchewan.

September 29, 2022 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.  

Today, Maria Vasanelli officially began her new role as the Chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors. The appointment, which was ratified at a meeting in June, became effective at the end of the Board’s Annual General Meeting and has a term of two years.

Vasanelli joined Lakehead’s Board of Governors in 2015 and has served on several of its standing committees, including Finance and Operations, Governance and Nominating, and Learning and Liaison.

Vasanelli’s experience in senior administration in education includes Superintendent of Education at the Durham Catholic District School Board, Superintendent at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, as well as serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Professional Learning at Lakehead University.

She is currently the Director of Education at the Superior North Catholic District School Board and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers Council.

After earning her B.A. in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, Vasanelli received a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Business Administration from Cape Breton University.

Among other accreditations, she holds a certificate in Canadian Aboriginal Relations from Confederation College, and recently completed a certificate in Executive Leadership at the Rotman School of Business.

Her professional interests include leadership development, board governance, and education equity.

“As an alumna of Lakehead University, I am honoured by the opportunity to serve as its next board chair,” Vasanelli said. “I look forward to working with my fellow governors and the president to ensure an inclusive, transparent, fair, and responsive approach to university governance.”

Dr. Moira McPherson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University, was very pleased with the announcement of Vasanelli as the next Board Chair.

“Maria’s experience, both as a former employee at our university and as a senior administrator at three distinctive school boards in the province, will serve her and Lakehead well as she brings her leadership and passion for education to her new role,” Dr. McPherson said.

Vasanelli succeeds Angela Maltese as chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors. Cathy Tuckwell, who has worked as an investment analyst, portfolio manager and chief compliance officer, will succeed Ann Dumyn as the Board’s Vice-Chair.

New external members to the board this year include Rachael Paquette and Tom Kehoe. Karen Boz is a new alumni member.

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

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

All Lakehead University Libraries on the Thunder Bay campus (Chancellor Paterson, Education, and Law) and the Orillia campus (Harvie Legacy and Education Library), will set up displays in honour of Treaties Recognition Week which is being held November 6-12, 2022.

It was introduced in Ontario in 2016 as the Treaties Recognition Week Act. The purpose of this week is to honour the importance of treaties and to build an awareness and understanding of their significance. Lakehead's libraries permanent collections contain a rich and diverse selection of primary and secondary resources pertaining to Treaties.

The unique resources held by each library will be featured in their displays. The library displays will include resources pertaining to Indigenous history, treaties in Canada, elementary and secondary teaching resources and provide information about online resources that are available. Additional opportunities for involvement in related events and activities are listed on the provincial Treaties Recognition Week website.

We welcome you to drop by each library to view the wide range of resources available.

Check out Lakehead University's Research and Innovation Bulletin produced by the Office of Research Services!

The R&I Bulletin is distributed weekly every Tuesday by the Office of Research Services and includes information on research funding opportunities, events and workshops and news/updates from our funding partners. The latest version of the R&I Bulletin (as well as past issues) can be accessed by clicking here.

Check out the latest Lake Superior Living Labs Network (LSLLN) newsletter here.

October has been an exciting month for LSLLN activities and we have lots of updates and photos to share from multiple hubs! We also have five upcoming opportunities to engage in LSLLN research-related activities and an announcement about an IJC public input webinar about Lake Superior.

Press play for the Research Matters interview with Dr. Monica Flegel, a professor in English, hosted by Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead's Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

A Lakehead University student was awarded best poster presentation at the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference held in Vancouver in October.

Hamid Mortazavi is doing his PhD in Biotechnology at Lakehead University under the supervision of Dr. Leila Pakzad. He also has a bachelor's and master's in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University in Iran.
 
His research project is the Study of Multi-phase Flow in Oscillatory Baffled Reactors. On this subject under Dr. Pakzad's supervision, he has published two journal papers; one article is under journal review, and two more manuscripts are in progress.
 
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) provided the funding for this research. In addition, Dr. Pakzad is very grateful for the supercomputer and technical assistance provided by Lakehead University.