Lakehead University’s tagline “Exceptional. Unconventional.” captures what it means to be a member of the Lakehead community.
It reflects the words we use to describe ourselves: Idiosyncratic, Spirited, Adventurous, Curious, Caring, Confident, Accepting, Determined, Friendly, and Proud. Read over that list carefully. We're sure that you’ll see many of those characteristics reflected in yourself and the classmates and friends you encountered during your Lakehead for Life journey.
This past year and a half has brought new opportunities, and a few challenges – but we’ve risen above them and shown what it means to be Exceptional and Unconventional.
Renowned NHL linesman Shandor Alphonso was the guest speaker at our Annual General Meeting on September 28.
The Student Relief Fund, started in the spring of 2020 in response to the pandemic, brought in individual donations of over $100,000 with additional contributions from the Lakehead University Student Union and the Alumni Association. This spring, the Alumni Association committed another $25,000 to match new gifts. We're pleased to report that gifts exceeded the match by almost $8,000!
This year, in addition to two main convocation ceremonies and nine faculty-specific ceremonies, there were also ceremonies for our Indigenous and international graduates. This expanded all virtual format allowed 11 alumni board members to deliver words of welcome to our new graduates. Many of the speakers were matched to their own faculty of graduation. What a tremendous opportunity to highlight the successful, talented, and committed alumni who give back to Lakehead.
In addition, the Alumni Scarf – a convocation tradition – received a refreshed design and, for the first time, was distributed to all graduates.
The Association was excited to kick off the fall 2021 season with its second virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28. You can watch the AGM, including a great talk by guest speaker Shandor Alphonso (NHL linesman and Ambassador for Diversity), by visiting alumni.lakeheadu.ca.
Later in the fall, Homecoming in Orillia will feature engaging in-person and virtual programming. And our long-range forecast predicts an exciting new winter Homecoming in Thunder Bay from February 4 to 12, 2022. It'll include LUSU’s 40th Anniversary celebration, the Alumni Honours reception, varsity basketball, and the grand opening of the Wolf Den athletic facility. There will also be a sensational winter carnival.
We're counting the days until we can welcome you back to campus!
Karen Boz, BAdmin'92
President, Alumni Association
Mark Tilbury, HBCom’94
Executive Director, Alumni Association