When the official portrait of Lakehead University's eighth chancellor, Dr. Derek Burney, was recently unveiled he quipped, "It's not every day of the year that you get to participate in your own hanging and live to talk about it."

Derek and Joan Burney are passionate Lakehead supporters who have helped the University take a giant leap forward.  This isn't surprising given that Dr. Burney has been part of historic achievements such as negotiating the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.  

The Burneys became prominent figures in Canadian public life during Derek's career with the federal government, which included posts as deputy minister of external affairs and ambassador to the United States.  Since leaving the civil service, Dr. Burney has become an influential private sector strategist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  

Derek and Joan share a belief in the transformative power of postsecondary education. "If I've learned one thing from travelling to places like Japan, Korea, and the United States, as well as living in Canada, " says Dr. Burney, "it's that apart from DNA, the quality of education is what really determines success."

The couple also has deep connection to Northwestern Ontario.  They're both from what is now the City of Thunder Bay, but from opposite sides of town.  Derek grew up in Fort William while Joan grew up in Port Arthur - communities that had a long-running, yet friendly, rivalry.

Since being installed as chancellor in 2013, Dr. Burney has elevated Lakehead's profile throughout Canada, shaken the hands of over 8,000 graduating students, and been a stellar fundraiser.  

As a member of Lakehead's law cabinet, Derek has helped raise significant funds.  He was instrumental in securing the lead gift from Norton Rose Fulbright LLP where he holds the position of senior strategic advisor.  His influence and contacts allowed Lakehead to attract financial support for vitally needed student scholarships and capital improvements.  

Derek and Joan have not only been advocates for Lakehead, but also extremely generous donors. "It's very important that Lakehead continues to inspire better teaching and better learning," explains Dr. Burney, "so that the students of today - the citizens of tomorrow - will make Canada a better country."

Their gifts have gone to Faculty of Law scholarships and they donated $150,000 to establish The Derek and Joan Burney Postdoctoral Fellowship at Lakehead's Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME). Dr. Karl Skogstad, the first postdoctoral fellow, is conducting crucial research on the economic impact of mining in Northern Ontario.  "Joan and I are convinced that CESME will be a catalyst for responsible mining development," says Dr. Burney.

Although the March 2, 2017, portrait unveiling marked Dr. Burney's retirement as chancellor, he has been bestowed the title of chancellor emeritus.  In this new role, he and Joan will continue to work with the University on issues that are close to their hearts. 

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as chancellor," said Dr. Burney. "When Joan and I left the region, it was still the Lakehead College of Arts, Science and Technology.  Since then, Lakehead has become a major economic and social power in Northwestern and Central Ontario."

"A lot of university students are struggling financially," says Lakehead alumnus and donor Gary Koreen of London, Ontario.  "My wife Mary Margaret and I wanted to do something meaningful to help them."

The community-spirited couple has made a $100,000 gift to establish the Gary Koreen Engineering Award, open to domestic and international students transferring to Lakehead from an engineering technology program.  

This annual award will lend a hand to students who have completed Lakehead's college transfer program and are entering into the third year of the University's post-diploma engineering degree program.  

Gary believes Lakehead is one of the reasons he became a successful engineer and influential Canadian businessman.  In 1958, he took Lakehead's then one-year engineering program when it was still the Lakehead College of Arts, Science and Technology.  "I think my tuition was $200 or $300 - today, you wouldn't get a week at any university for that amount."

Gary grew up in Thunder Bay and spent a lot of his childhood at the Port Arthur Shipyard where his father was a draftsman and eventually chief engineer.  Watching colossal Great Lakes freighters being built and working at the Shipyard for two summers, "got engineering into my blood," Gary says.

After he finished high school, he went to Lakehead's fledgling Oliver Road campus. "There was only one building and a cafeteria," Gary recalls.  "When I visited last yer, I couldn't find the original building - it's such a vast and beautiful complex now." It was a challenging curriculum, but Gary excelled.  Once he completed the program he transferred to the University of Manitoba where he graduated in Electrical Engineering in 1962.  

His university education completely opened up Gary's future.  When he finished his degree, he accepted a position in the Design Department of Northern Electric in London, Ontario.  

In 1969, his father-in-law Frank Leahy, president and owner of O-Pee-Chee Company, asked Gary to join this well-known confectionary and sports card manufacturer as plant manager.  On Frank's death in 1980, Gary purchased the company.  Then, after several years of growth, he consolidated several small O-Pee-Chee plants into one large modern facility.  Following numerous joint ventures manufacturing and marketing Nestle products, Nestle Canada purchased O-Pee-Chee in 1996, allowing Gary to retire.  

The sale enabled Gary and Mary Margaret to become even more active in their community.  Through their philanthropic and volunteer work, they've helped many people and organizations in Southwestern Ontario.  Now they are hoping to transform live in Northwestern Ontario.  When Gary and Mary Margaret visited Thunder Bay during the 2016 Labour Day weekend, Gary was keen to check out his old alma mater. "Lakehead has meant as much to me as any other school I've attended, so I decided to establish a meaningful engineering scholarship."

The Gary Koreen Engineering Award fills an important gap.  College transfer students aren't eligible for entrance awards because they don't come to Lakehead directly from high school, but this award is open to all college engineering students who meet the academic requirements and demonstrate financial need. 

Gary and Mary Margaret Koreen's generosity is already having an impact - the first award recipient will be chose in the 2017/2018 academic year. 

"We've been fortunate in our lives," Gary says, "and we'd like to share this good fortune with generations to come."

Lynda McKeown strongly believes in lifelong learning.  

Sometimes though, it's not that easy to stop a career - and a life - to go back to school.  McKeown saw the difficulties first hand.  She said one of her biggest challenges as she returned to Lakehead was finding the money to take time off work.

"Anybody who wants to go on and do some studies could use financial assistance," says McKeown.  "That's really what possessed me to talk to the University in the first place to think about setting up a donation."

After contacting Lakehead University's Office of Advancement, McKeown set up a legacy gift with her lawyer in the form of an insurance policy in her will, naming Lakehead University as the beneficiary.  She specified that it be used to set up an award for returning students to get the financial assistance they need, with preference given to dental hygienists.  

"A gift of an insurance policy to the University allows for a large donation at a small cost to the donor," said Lee-Anne Camlin, Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer at the Office of Advancement.

Education has very much been central in McKeown's own life.  Her grandfather, L.Y. McIntosh, MD, modelled lifelong learning.  Lynda McKeown graduated from the University of Toronto in 1964 and moved back to become one of Port Arthur and Fort William's first dental hygienists.  She went to Lakehead University part-time over the years to get her HBA in Philosophy, with a minor in Occupational Ethics.  

McKeown eventually went back full-time and received her MA in Sociology in 1995.  Her thesis topic was "The Regulated Health Professions Act and Dental Hygiene: A Study of the Changing Social Organization of Health Care Delivery in Ontario."  It was a topic she knew very well, having chaired the Transitional Council 1992-1994 that led to the formation of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.  She was elected its first president in 1994.  

Today McKeown provides independent dental hygiene services for people staying in long-term care facilities, and is an instructor herself.  

For Lynda McKeown, setting up a legacy gift for Lakehead University is about giving back to the school that helped her reach her goals.  A legacy gift will help future students accomplish their personal and professional goals too. 

Legacy gifts such as an insurance policy or a gift in a will are perfect for those who feel they cannot make a donation today, but would like to pledge their support to Lakehead University in the future. Please contact Lee-Anne Camlin, Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer at the Office of Advancement at rlcamlin@lakeheadu.ca or call 807-345-7792.

Susan, Bob, Jamey, Ian, and Mary Craig grew up skiing with their dad near the shores of Lake Superior. Their father John – affectionately known as “Big Johnny” to his countless colleagues and friends – loved the outdoors.

John Craig was a teacher at Thunder Bay’s Hillcrest High School and the coach of the school’s downhill and cross-country ski teams.

Those family outings and ski trips to Banff influenced Susan Craig’s career path. Today, she’s a geoscientist and mining consultant based in the Yukon who spends time in some of Canada’s most rugged landscapes.

She learned many of her skills as a Lakehead student – Susan graduated with a Master of Science in Geology in 1991 and a Bachelor of Education in 2001.

And she’s not the only Lakehead University alum in the Craig family – John’s son Jamey earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1980 and John’s granddaughter Sara received a Doctor of Medicine in 2014. Erin, another granddaughter, is currently studying business at Lakehead and competes on the University’s Nordic ski team.

Now, Susan and her siblings are honouring their father, who passed away in 2012, by helping Lakehead students.

“The new John R. Craig Memorial CESME Award is in memory of our father who not only was a passionate educator,” Susan explains, “but also someone willing to help out and make a difference in people’s lives.”

The award will be given annually to two graduate students with Lakehead’s Centre for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME). The students will focus on advancing one of CESME’s key objectives – fostering engagement with First Nations and Métis communities to ensure responsible resource development.

Recent discoveries of gold, nickel, chromite, and graphite in Northern Ontario have made it essential that industry and government work together with northern communities to meet infrastructure and social development challenges and lay the foundation for economic prosperity.

Focusing on the human aspect of resource development is something that John Craig would have stood firmly behind.

He was a man whose sense of integrity and compassion for people shone through at an early age. He gave back to his community as a dedicated boy scout and, in 1940, John put his education aside to proudly serve his country in World War II. At the time, he was an outstanding athlete and a student at the University of Winnipeg. When the war was over, John returned to university, graduating in 1948.  

“This scholarship symbolizes Dad’s respect and recognition of the importance of interaction with local communities,” Susan says.

Lakehead University would like to express its gratitude to the Craig family for their generosity and for their commitment to the vision of the Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Mining and Exploration.

Contributing to the John R. Craig Memorial CESME Award will directly benefit a student’s educational and professional career. Please contact Philanthropy Director Kathryn Davidson at 807-343-8899 for more information. 

Lakehead University is naming its new Legacy Society in honour of William G. Tamblyn, the University’s founding President and Vice-Chancellor.

The William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society allows Lakehead to recognize its donors and stewards, and recruit and sustain donor commitment.

“As Lakehead’s first President, William Tamblyn set the University’s vision and direction through his leadership,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

“We value his contribution and dedication to Lakehead University over the years,” Dr. Stevenson said.

Dr. Stevenson made the announcement at a reception on Friday, Oct. 2.

Tamblyn was also the Chair of Lakehead’s Board of Governors. He received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1978; an honorary degree from Lakehead University in 1981; Lakehead named him a Fellow of the University in 1984; and he was awarded the Order of Ontario in 1993.

Lake Tamblyn and the Centennial Building are named in his honor.

“On behalf of the Tamblyn family, I am honoured to have the Legacy Society named in memory of my father. We are all very proud of the long affiliation our family has had with the University and delighted this association will be extended through the establishment of the Legacy Society,” said David G. Tamblyn, William’s son.

“Prior to my father being appointed President and Vice-Chancellor in 1965, he was originally appointed to the Advisory Committee of Lakehead Technical Institute in 1953. Among several prominent members of this committee, he actively pursued a vision to create a university to serve the needs of Northwestern Ontario. From the humble beginnings of the Lakehead Technical Institute, Lakehead University has grown into a full-fledged post-secondary institution offering a range of exceptional programs to draw students not only from across Ontario but from around the globe.

“We can all take pride in what has been accomplished in the last 50 years and the promise of greater things to come. It is my sincere hope the Legacy Society will become an integral part of that future development,” David G. Tamblyn said.

The William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society will honour all alumni, staff, faculty and friends of Lakehead who share Dr. Tamblyn’s vision and commitment to the University.

Ontario is helping advance post-secondary education for Indigenous peoples in the Northwest by investing in the planning of a new Indigenous centre at Lakehead University.

With an investment of $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Lakehead University in Thunder Bay is proceeding with the engineering and design phase for the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre. The proposed centre would advance academic opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and help increase university participation rates among Indigenous people of Ontario.

The building will serve as a hub for the university’s Indigenous students and the wider community. It will include classroom and meeting spaces, a gathering and performance space, as well as support services for Indigenous students and community members. The facility will also house academic departments devoted to delivering Indigenous-specific programming.

Investing in research and innovation is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Pictured: Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC, was at Lakehead University on Friday, July 15th to announce $1 million toward the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre.

QUOTES

“The Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre is a strong example of the relationship-building between Northern Ontario academic institutions and Indigenous peoples. We are pleased to play a positive and supportive role in building those relationships.”

– Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC

“It is important for Indigenous students to have a gathering place for cultural activities and support services. This investment in the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre will help Lakehead University and local Indigenous communities fully support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Creating prosperous, healthy and strong communities is the foundation for lasting reconciliation in Ontario.”

— David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

“Lakehead takes pride in connecting our Indigenous students to the world. It is wonderful to see Ontario’s government appreciate and support our hard work with this investment.”

– Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University

QUICK FACTS

Since 2003, the province has invested more than $1 billion through the NOHFC in over 7,463 projects, leveraging more than $3.9 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 28,100 jobs in Northern Ontario.

The NOHFC has invested over $188 million in 1,480 projects in the Greater Thunder Bay area, that have helped create or retain more than 5,700 jobs since 2003.

The NOHFC’s investments in research and innovation are part of the Ontario government’sGrowth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Ontario is on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18, which will also continue to lower the province’s debt-to-GDP ratio.

LEARN MORE

Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

Lakehead University

Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre

For interviews, please contact James Carleton, Minister's Office, 416-327-1208 or Brandon Walker, Lakehead University, 807-343-8372.

Today, Lakehead University announced the new William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society and opened a new art gallery space at its University Avenue campus.

Community leaders and friends of the University gathered to learn about the new initiative and view the unveiling of the New Sun Art Gallery, located in the Alumni Commons, Simcoe Hall.

The University’s Legacy Society was launched last fall at a special reception on the Thunder Bay campus where it was named in recognition of William G. Tamblyn, the University’s founding President and Vice-Chancellor. The Society is an honorary organization created to recognize and thank donors who make a financial commitment in their estate plan to support the University.

David Tamblyn, incoming Chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors and son of William G. Tamblyn, spoke on behalf of the Tamblyn family. “We are honoured to have the Legacy Society named in memory of my father, and we are all very proud of the long affiliation our family has had with the University,” said David Tamblyn. “It is my sincere hope that the Legacy Society will become an integral part of the future of Lakehead University, and the opening of this beautiful gallery today is a wonderful indication of this already happening here at the Orillia campus.”

“We are proud to unveil this new gallery space that is named in honour of Joy Harvie Maclaren, whose legacy gift supported its establishment, and makes her the inaugural member of the University’s Legacy Society supporting the Orillia campus,” said Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

Joy Harvie Maclaren, who died in 2014 at the age of 92, was a long-time supporter of Lakehead Orillia and the city of Orillia, where her father was born. She had a lifelong interest in promoting education, particularly for Aboriginal youth. She was given the honorary title of “New Sun” by the Mohawk, Ojibway, and Blackfoot in recognition of her work for First Nations communities across Canada.

“Joy was thrilled to learn that Lakehead University would build a campus on the property that was, in part, the location of her family’s homestead,” said Patricia Harvie, cousin of Maclaren. “She was passionate about education throughout her life, and she would have been so proud to have her name associated with this beautiful space.”

“Joy was a great benefactor to Lakehead Orillia,” said Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson. “Without her vision and support, the campus would not have grown from its modest beginnings to what it is today. With the generous support of the Harvie family, Joy established the Harvie Legacy Library, located in our Learning Commons, as well as scholarships for Aboriginal students attending Lakehead Orillia. Now, Joy’s legacy is not only helping us to provide a beautiful and valued study space for students, but is helping us to promote arts and culture in the community she was so fond of.”

The art gallery currently features works from the University’s Michano collection of Aboriginal art, including those of Morrisseau, Henry, and Schilling, as well as artwork by Audrey Garwood, donated to the University by Patricia Harvie.

The New Sun Art Gallery will be featured as part of the Doors Open Orillia/Culture Days on September 30 (12 noon – 7 pm) when members of the public are encouraged to visit.

On behalf of the County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall presented a $1 million cheque to Lakehead University this morning during a special celebration event at the 500 University Avenue campus in Orillia. This brings the total amount of contributions to Lakehead by the County of Simcoe to approximately $6.5 million since 2009.

“Lakehead University has been Simcoe County’s university for over a decade, and the County has been a consistent, generous, and exceptional supporter of it since before we opened our doors in Orillia and Central Ontario,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

“The impact of the County’s contributions over the years has served as a value-added investment in the region,” added Dr. Stevenson. “Today’s gift furthers Simcoe County’s growth — growth in the success of our teaching, community service, and research activities, as well as increased economic impacts.”

Dr. Stevenson, along with Orillia Campus Principal Dr. Kim Fedderson, reported to the County’s Council members and guests how their investment has supported Lakehead’s growth. The positive impacts have included the impressive growth of students enrolled at the campus — from just over 100 students in 2006 to almost 1,500 today; growth of academic programs, including those in partnership with Georgian College; as well as graduate level programs, international student growth, and the expansion of research activities.

The County of Simcoe presented Lakehead University with a $1 million cheque this morning at an event at Lakehead’s Orillia campus to recognize the County’s support of the University. Pictured (l-r) are: Lakehead Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson, County Council member Bill French; Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall; and County Council members Harry Hughes and John O’Donnell.

“County Council understands that our region’s post-secondary educational facilities will play a vital role for generations to come,” said Warden Marshall. He explained that the contribution stems from the County of Simcoe’s Strategic Plan that supports post-secondary education with a vision for the future.

Tanya Clark, a 2010 graduate of the Bachelor of Administration program thanked the County for its support on behalf of students and alumni.

“As a Georgian College transfer student, I was able to take advantage of the amazing post-secondary opportunities in Simcoe County, which have helped me achieve my career goals,” explained Clark. “Not only has the generosity and commitment of the County of Simcoe supported student education, it has also supported the many other ways that this University contributes to the community. In my position with the Couchiching Conservancy, the University is a valued partner.”

Following the cheque presentation, County councillors and guests were invited to enjoy the University’s New Sun Art Gallery, recently opened in the Alumni Commons, a space recently developed for quiet study and now well used by students daily.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact:

Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, Lakehead Orillia – 705-330-4008 ext.2014 orkjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

$9.5-million investment will create jobs, expand research and foster innovation 

November 10, 2016 – Thunder Bay, Ontario

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s $9.5-million investment in Lakehead University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

Lakehead University will receive $9.5 million to modernize and expand an existing building to create a new state-of-the-art research complex to be known as the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. The new centre will enable Lakehead University to offer advanced training courses and will help local businesses and start-ups commercialize their products and services and help grow the region’s economy.

Federal-provincial investments in this project include:

$7.96 million from the Government of Canada; and
$1.54 million from the Province of Ontario.

Lakehead University will provide an additional $9.07 million, for a total project investment of $18.57 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history—about $160 billion over 12 years—which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Pictured from left to right, Don Rusnak, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River; the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women; Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; Dr. Amanda Diochon, Associate Professor in Geology; Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

Quotes

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Our government is committed to supporting innovation and economic development, which will help grow the economy across Northern Ontario. This investment will allow Lakehead University to modernize its facilities so that students, local businesses and innovators can create and innovate in state-of-the-art environments.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women

“This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to making Canada a leader in science, technology and innovation. This facility will create growth in northwestern Ontario and contribute to a diverse and skilled work force. I look forward to seeing the progression across all industries in the region and to creating more opportunities for our young Canadians.”

– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Rainy River

“Today’s investment in Lakehead University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences will give students in Northern Ontario access to state-of-the-art laboratories and provide space for them to advance their research and develop new technologies. By supporting this important project, our government is helping to grow the local economy and create jobs for Thunder Bay residents today while providing students access to high-quality education and training facilities to support the jobs of tomorrow.”

– The Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines

“Lakehead University has positioned itself as a leader in the area of research and innovation, both provincially and nationally, and at the same time, has helped to drive economic growth in Thunder Bay and the region. I am pleased that the province is investing in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. This investment will allow Lakehead to further enhance its tremendous work in supporting the development and enhancement of the knowledge economy in Thunder Bay and the region.”

– The Honourable Bill Mauro, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs

“This funding will make it possible for our talented researchers and students to do their work to the fullest of their abilities in new labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Thank you to the federal and provincial governments for this support.”

– Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University

“Thanks to the federal and provincial governments, Lakehead University will create a new space on campus that will allow our researchers to answer important questions and create exceptional innovations that will impact this region and the world. This investment will significantly increase research and entrepreneurial opportunities at Lakehead University.”

– Dr. Brian Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University

Quick facts

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario.
Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure our country is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website
Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder
Innovation Agenda backgrounder
BuildON

Follow Minister Bains on social media.

Twitter: @MinisterISED

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women

613-291-5561

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Student recipients of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education (OPEFE) scholarships and awards were recently honoured at the Lakehead Chapter of the Professional Engineers Ontario, 55th Annual Engineering and Technology Conference held on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Valhalla Inn. 

OPEFE has been supporting Lakehead University engineering students for more than 30 years by providing entrance and in-course scholarships to students who demonstrate a combination of high academic achievement and exhibit leadership characteristics.

OPEFE also awards the Gold Medal for Academic Achievement annually to a fourth year graduating student enrolled in CEAB-Accredited programs within the Faculty of Engineering who has achieved academic excellence by obtaining the highest standing in the final examinations.

Lakehead’s 2015-2016 recipients honoured at the November 4th event included entrance scholarship recipients Matthew Currie and Ashley Andrea, in-course scholarship recipients Kira White and Kevin Barber, and Gold Medal winner Johnathan Van Der Mey.

Pictured right:  PEO Lakehead Chapter Chair Zack White, P. Eng,, WSP and PEO Lakehead Chapter Regional Councillor Michael Wesa, P. Eng., present Kevin Barber with his certificate as a 2015/2016 recipient of the OPEFE In-Course Scholarship (Photo courtesy of PEO Lakehead Chapter).

Dr. Barnett, Lakehead University Dean of Engineering, said of OPEFE’s support, “The long-standing commitment from the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education is instrumental to student success. We appreciate OPEFE’s recognition of academic excellence and leadership and the financial assistance provided to our dedicated students.”

For more information on how to support scholarships for Engineering students, please contact Kathryn Davidson at 807-343-8476 or kjdavids@lakeheadu.ca.