Spring 2016 Lakehead University Alumni Magazine by Lakehead University

JOURNEY LAKEHEAD ALUMNI MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016

CONQUERING THE ABYSS Meet Record-breaking Climber Sarah Hueniken – the Outdoor Rec grad scaling dizzying walls of rock and ice around the world

PLUS • Discover how other Lakehead Alumni are challenging themselves • 2015 Homecoming Celebration Highlights

CHECK INSIDE For the latest Lakehead news

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JUMP ROPE CHAMPION

HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Kaitlyn Simpson has become a skipping sensation

Lakehead celebrates its 50th Anniversary with true school spirit

ON THE MAP Thunder Bay and Orillia campus news

8 ICE-CLIMBING MAVERICK

IDEAS AND INNOVATION Sharing the secrets behind becoming Canada’s #1 research university

BIG SISTER Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters was a transformative experience for Erica Beuermann

21 GREAT GRADS Tyson Pamajewon is a passionate advocate for Indigenous families

24 TURNING POINTS Alumni news and milestones

Photo Credit: John Price Photography

Sarah Hueniken isn’t afraid to go where no climber has gone before

Cover Photo Credit: Forest Woodward Photography

Cert no. XXX-XXX-000

SS ALUM AG N E I

SPRING 2016

Volume 32, Number 2

A FRESH JOURNEY When this issue of the Lakehead University Alumni Magazine arrived in the mail, it may have given you a bit of a jolt. In fact, you may not even have recognized it. It’s been eight years since the look of the magazine has been updated and a change was long overdue. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Sixth-century Chinese Philosopher Lao-tzu

Our mission, as an association, is to create a supportive alumni community where members have opportunities to engage, celebrate, and share. This goal encompasses giving Lakehead alumni a magazine with a clean, crisp, and bold design – a magazine that fuses words with layout and photography to tell the stories of our alumni, faculty, and students in a direct and compelling way. This new design comes with a new name – Journey – which was chosen after much debate. It’s a word that calls to mind the transitions that mark our lives and the challenges, large and small, that transform us in a multiplicity of ways. The magazine title also echoes and reinforces Lakehead’s motto, “Ad augusta per angusta” – Achievement through effort. But there was another impetus behind the changes to this well-established publication. We wanted it to express the qualities that set our alumni apart – independence, determination, friendliness, community spirit, and a sense of adventure. The alumna featured on the freshly-designed cover, Sarah Hueniken, has all of these qualities in abundance. She is a woman whose ferocious determination and love of the outdoors have made her a celebrated rock and ice climber. Despite awe-inspiring feats like scaling a frozen Niagara Falls in January 2015, Sarah has kept her down-to-earth personality. Our reimagining of the Lakehead University Alumni Magazine is a work in progress, so please let us know your thoughts on the new direction we are forging. Your comments and suggestions can be emailed to: editor@lakeheadu.ca Lakehead University grads are far from ordinary and we hope this magazine will be too.

Lou Pero, President Alumni Association of Lakehead University

Mark Tilbury, Director Alumni and Community Relations Lakehead University

VISIT ALUMNI.LAKEHEADU.CA OFTEN FOR THE LATEST ALUMNI NEWS AND EVENTS.

Lakehead University Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Marketing team which is responsible for establishing policy, editorial direction, and content for the Magazine. The views expressed or implied do not necessarily reflect those of Lakehead University or the Marketing team. Publications Mail Agreement Number 40062450

QTY: 28,500

Marketing Director Clayton Browne Editor, Publications & Advertising Sales Tracey Skehan Graphic Designer Gail Zanette Telephone: 807-343-8134, Fax: 807-346-7770 Email: editor@lakeheadu.ca CONTRIBUTORS

Kathy Hunt, Bonnie Schiedel

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO

Office of Alumni and Community Relations Lakehead University 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON Canada P7B 5E1 Telephone: 1-800-832-8076 Fax: 807-343-8999 Email: alumni@lakeheadu.ca or online alumni.lakeheadu.ca

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Past President Vice-President Vice-President Secretary/Treasurer Board of Governors' Representative LUSU Representative Executive Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Lou Pero Vacant Michel Beaulieu Jennelle Therrien Chris Valliant Bill Keeler Roman Jakubowski Mark Tilbury Harry Curtis Chris DaSilva Marc Gagnon Al Law Nancy Luckai Josh McQuay Paul Popo-Ola Ashleigh Quarrell Kara Smith Debra Woods

EXTERNAL RELATIONS TEAM

External Relations Vice-President Deb Comuzzi Alumni & Community Relations Director Mark Tilbury Government Relations Director Richard Longtin (Toronto Office) Marketing Director Clayton Browne Philanthropy Director Jennifer Childs Administrative Coordinator Patricia McCluskey Alumni & Community Relations Associate Amanda Gerow Alumni & Community Relations Associate Meghan Hanbury Alumni & Community Relations Associate Anna Sampson Campaign Operations Assistant Jennifer Steers Donor Events Associate Alexandra Jones Donor Events Manager Patti Merriman External Relations Associate Jacquie Kent (Orillia Campus) External Relations Coordinator Mohsin Bhujwalla (Toronto Office) Gift & Database Administrator Laara Losier Marketing Editor Tracey Skehan Marketing Graphic Designer Gail Zanette Philanthropy Associate Lee-Anne Camlin Philanthropy Associate Kathryn Davidson Philanthropy Associate Dean Jobin-Bevans Philanthropy Associate Devon Ottertail

MIGHT AS WELL JUMP! Fourth-year environmental management student Kaitlyn Simpson has boundless energy. She’s a Grand World Jump Rope athlete who’s been skipping competitively for 11 years. Her talent has led to five junior Olympic titles and work as a jump rope performer with Zacada Circus. She’s also chair of Rope Skipping Canada’s athlete committee and a World Jump Rope Ambassador. As an ambassador, Kaitlyn has travelled to Kenya to promote the sport and teach children how to skip.

“We went onto the floor, did our routine clean, and were very happy with our performance, but thought nothing of it,” Kaitlyn says.

“It wasn’t until later when I checked the standings to see how we did, that we discovered we had won the Grand Worlds.”

team that she started while in second year and she runs jump rope workshops at local elementary schools. “I’ll never quit the sport. Even if I’m not competing, I can definitely see myself being a full-time coach in the far future.” Kaitlyn (r) and her pairs partner Eilea Given (l) celebrate their victory at the Grand World Jump Rope competition in Paris, France, last summer.

Kaitlyn, who is from Hamilton, Ontario, has become an important part of the Thunder Bay community. She coaches a competitive Lakehead jump rope Photo Credit: Brett Schuhler

“I love many aspects of jump rope, but my favourite is freestyle,” she says. “You get to be very creative with freestyle – from music choice, to choreography, to the types of tricks you do.”

Her mastery of freestyle came in handy when Kaitlyn and her pairs partner, Eilea Given, went to the Grand World Jump Rope competition in Paris, France, in August 2015. The duo skipped away with the championship title.

Jump rope athlete Kaitlyn Simpson shows off her incredible balance and agility as she performs a one-armed handstand while skipping. Photo Credit: Arielle Dimenna

MINING ENGINEERING Lakehead and Queen’s University have partnered to create new pathways for students interested in mining engineering. Lakehead engineering students will be able to complete mining engineering coursework at Queen’s through online courses, distance learning, and, potentially, residency programs. Kimberly Woodhouse, Queen’s dean of engineering and applied science, said that, “we will increase our capacity to meet the growing demand for highlyskilled workers in the mining industry” and that “the agreement will also help Queen’s students make valuable connections in the north.”

$2 MILLION GIFT On September 15, County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall presented a $2 million cheque to Lakehead University during a special celebration event at the Orillia campus – bringing the

FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR total contributions from the County of Simcoe to $5.5 million. Following the cheque presentation, county councillors and guests took part in the Orientation opening event – a “Thunderwolves Howl” cheer led by new students. Warden Marshall said that having “the opportunity to meet such a large and enthusiastic group of new students embarking on their university experience right here in Simcoe County was very special.”

POLITICALLY-MINDED Students at Georgian College are delving into the world of political science thanks to the partnership between Georgian and Lakehead University. Georgian students in the General Arts & Science program are now taking two new courses – Politics in Canada and Global Politics – developed by Lakehead Professor Doug West. “It’s very encouraging to see the interest among students,” said Professor West. “Political science is about civic engagement and helps students realize their rights and responsibilities as citizens.” These students also have the option of transferring into political science at Lakehead’s Orillia campus and turning their diplomas into degrees.

County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall, Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson and County council members join Lakehead mascot “Wolfie” and new students to kick off orientation activities with the traditional “Thunderwolves Howl” cheer.

Lakehead welcomed its first visiting Fulbright scholar, James Hollenbeck, to the Orillia campus this fall to conduct research and teach with the Department of Sustainability Sciences. Hollenbeck is a science education professor and coordinator at Indiana University Southeast. He came to Lakehead through Fulbright Canada’s Visiting Research Chair Program which encourages mutual understanding between Canada and the United States through academic and cultural exchanges. Fulbright Canada CEO Michael Hawes called Professor Hollenbeck’s appointment a reflection of “Lakehead’s growing leadership in the area of sustainability and its commitment to developing a more nuanced appreciation for the critical social and ecological challenges that face modern societies.”

FOSSIL HUMAN SPECIES FOUND Professor Matthew Tocheri was part of an international team that made world headlines with an article in eLife about the fossil bones of a previously unknown human species they named Homo naledi. Cavers initially discovered the skeletons after squeezing through a narrow opening into the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star cave system in South Africa – part of a region known as the Cradle of Humankind. Homo naledi combines features of modern humans and Neandertals with features common to other older fossil human species. Professor Tocheri, Lakehead’s Canada Research Chair in Human Origins, also cowrote an article published in Nature Communications that analyzed the hand bones of this extinct hominin species. Their study showed that Homo naledi shares distinctive features in its wrist and palm with modern humans and Neandertals, but has long curved fingers similar to living apes that indicate its hand was used extensively for climbing.

HISTORIC PORTRAIT ON DISPLAY An important piece of Lakehead’s heritage has been put on public view – a portrait of our founding chancellor, Senator Norman M. Paterson. The large oil painting depicts Chancellor Paterson in his formal university robes. Thick brushstrokes and vivid colours capture his mood of quiet contemplation. Norman Paterson served as Lakehead’s chancellor from 1965 to 1971 and the University benefited enormously from his wisdom and generosity.

ECUADOR’S CLOUD FORESTS Orillia campus students will be travelling from the Amazon basin to the cloud forests of Mindo – two of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth – with no classroom walls to block out the surrounding sights and sounds. This spring, students who enrol in Lakehead’s “Media & Environmental Justice Movements in Ecuador” will study biodiversity in this spectacular South American country overlapping the equator. Ecuador’s struggles to fight severe ecological devastation caused by oil extraction have made it a world leader in environmental social movements. Currently, Indigenous peoples are engaged in a momentous legal battle over environmental and human health rights. Lakehead students will have the opportunity to meet local experts and learn how media can be used as a tool to protect the natural world. Highlights of the course include Amazon jungle treks, a visit to the historic city of Quito, birding in the Mindo cloud forests, and participation in a reforestation project. No prerequisites are required to enrol in this course. Contact Professor Sandra Jeppesen at sjeppese@lakeheadu.ca for more information.

Chancellor Paterson gained prominence in the business world after transforming his grain and shipping company – N.M. Paterson and Sons Ltd. – into a major Canadian enterprise. He became equally respected for his philanthropy and community leadership. In fact, his dedication to the public good led to his appointment to the Canadian Senate in 1940. When he retired in 1981 at the age of 98, he held the record as Canada’s oldest active senator. Lakehead’s new university librarian, Karen Keiller, oversaw the hanging of Chancellor Paterson’s portrait. “I’m very attached to the painting,” Karen says. “I like the boldness of it.” She also appreciated learning about one of the foremost figures in the establishment and evolution of Lakehead University. Much thought was given to the best location to hang the artwork before deciding upon the entrance area of the building named in Senator Paterson’s honour – the Chancellor Paterson Library. This dramatic portrait now reminds students and faculty alike of this Canadian statesman’s vital contributions to Lakehead University.

University Librarian Karen Keiller stands next to the portrait of our Founding Chancellor Norman M. Paterson.

ON THE MAP ANGELIQUE EAGLEWOMAN BECOMES LAKEHEAD’S DEAN OF LAW

ELP ACCREDITATION

Bora Laskin Faculty of Law supporters gathered in the John N. Paterson Auditorium on January 12 for a historic event – the announcement of Angelique EagleWoman as our next dean of law.

Languages Canada has certified Lakehead’s English Language Program. “This prestigious accreditation not only validates the fine work being done by our academic and administrative staff,” said LeighEllen Keating, director of Lakehead University International, “but it also speaks to the excellent student services and community-based activities offered by the program.”

“We brought you here today to introduce the first female Aboriginal dean of law in Canada,” said Vice-President Academic Moira McPherson. “Angelique was at the top of our list and we are thrilled she’s coming to Lakehead.” “The position as dean is a dream come true for me,” said Professor EagleWoman, “because of the three mandates of the law school: the commitment to produce lawyers for rural and small-town practice, the focus on natural resources and environmental law, and the required curriculum in Aboriginal and Indigenous law for all graduates.” Our new dean is a distinguished law professor, legal scholar, practising attorney, and former U.S. tribal court judge. She’s also served on the U.S. Federal Bar Association. Professor EagleWoman has a BA in Political Science from Stanford University, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law (with distinction), and her LLM in American Indian and Indigenous Law (with honors) from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Currently, Professor EagleWoman teaches at the University of Idaho College of Law where she founded and directed the Native American Law program. She is a former faculty member of the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a visiting professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. She has received many awards including the William F. and Joan L. Boyd Excellence in Teaching Award and has been honoured as a Distinguished Alumni Scholar by Stanford University. Angelique EagleWoman, who will officially assume her new role in May 2016, declared that the law school will honour the legacy of its namesake – Justice Bora Laskin – by “instilling in our students a commitment to human rights, the ability to rise to the occasion when called to serve, and the dedication to the legal profession to continue to make reasoned argument, even when in the dissent.”

Languages Canada promotes quality English and French language education by reviewing and accrediting top English as a Second Language (ESL) programs across the country. Achieving this designation will help Lakehead attract more international students to its campuses as well as enable Lakehead to partner with world-class educational institutions.

INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH CHAIR A five-year Industrial Research Chair in Green Chemicals and Processes has been established with an investment of more than $814,000 from the Province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Chemical Engineering Professor Pedram Fatehi will be taking on the role of Industrial Research Chair as he leads research into ways that pulp and paper and mineral processing industries can reduce their environmental impact. “Our government’s contribution to research and development at Lakehead University will not only assist the industry in developing new ways to protect the environment,” said Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, “but will also result in job creation.”

Angelique EagleWoman

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OF ALUM ILE NI

CLIFF HANGER

SARAH HUENIKEN HITS THE HIGH SPOTS by Bonnie Schiedel

Sarah Hueniken spends her days climbing the walls – and the walls just happen to consist of ancient craggy rock and spectacularly spiky ice formations. Sarah (HBOR’97/ BSc’97) is an elite competitive climber who runs her own guiding business in the Canadian Rockies in Canmore, Alberta. Her travels take her to some pretty jaw-dropping climbing locations – from the chalky white cliffs on the Isle of Wight and sea stacks in Newfoundland to ice climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro and even a frozen Niagara Falls. With skill borne of countless hours of practice, she manoeuvers up high, sheer cliffs, often hanging upside down under the lip of a rock formation in a way that is perhaps best described as a "stretchy spider," carefully placing her hands and feet and manipulating her body to reach the summit. Considered one of the best climbers in North America, she is often among the first to make an ascent on a previously unclimbed route, earning her a spot in the record books. For

Sarah, though, climbing is mainly about the complex combination of physical skills and mental clarity. “Climbing gives you direct feedback from your actions,” she says. “You have to really learn to trust your judgment and fast decision-making. You are fully present in that moment. You have to be. I think that’s a really unique thing in life. Usually you’re in the past or in the future. Climbing gets you right there.” Sarah, who grew up in the Niagara area of southern Ontario, says that her passion for testing herself in the outdoors was sparked by an Outward Bound canoe trip in the Black Sturgeon Lake region north of Thunder Bay when she was 15. When it came time for undergraduate studies she enrolled at Lakehead, which offered a taste of adventure, the wild northern landscape she had come to love, an Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism degree with a concurrent BSc in natural science, and a chance to play for the Thunderwolves

basketball team. “There was such a sense of community right away,” she remembers. “In the outdoor rec program it would be impossible to just float through school and not make a ton of friends. You’re bonding through all your courses. You’re getting out and having adventures together. I have a lot of ‘snapshot’ memories of smiling friends in the woods, trying all these new things.” One of the new things: rock climbing. She had tried it out during the Outward Bound course, but really got into the sport at the Funky Monkey, a local climbing gym that’s no longer in operation. “That’s where I really fell in love with climbing,” she says. “I would go three times a week and just loved the learning, the movement, and the constant challenge.” After graduation, Sarah worked for several years with Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School based in Wyoming, supplementing seasonal jobs with part-time gigs like waitressing or

Outdoor Rec grad Sarah Hueniken (in blue jacket) prepares to summit Niagara Falls in January 2015. Sarah and fellow climber Will Gadd (in red jacket) became the first people to make this death-defying ascent. The two scrabbled up a frozen spray of water using custom-made equipment to handle the shifting and unpredictable

Photo Credit: Christian Pondella Photography

terrain of ice, water, and snow.

Sarah is a rock and ice climber as well as a full-time ACMG Alpine Guide with her own guiding business based in Canmore, Alberta.

Photo Credit: Ryan Creary 2011

counting Valentine flowers for florists. “In those first few years, I was obsessed with climbing. I had to get out. If I wasn’t climbing, I was in a really bad mood,” she laughs. “Those were the vagabond years, working to pay for my next climbing trip.” In 2000, she landed a job as associate director of outdoor programs for St. Lawrence University in upstate New York. She built and managed an indoor climbing wall, created ice and mountaineering courses and ran climbing trips. “Kudos to Lakehead for the outdoor rec and tourism program,” says Sarah. “Let’s face it, there are probably parents who say, ‘What are you going to do with that?’ There’s actually a lot you can do with it. As long as it’s where your heart is and you stick with it, you can definitely make a career.” With plenty of experience under her climbing harness belt, she moved to Canmore in 2002 to pursue her guiding certification and open her

own business. Today, Sarah leads private guiding trips in the Rockies around Canmore for climbers who want to climb a particular peak or learn a new skill like ice climbing. Another part of the business is leading women-specific trips. “I think it’s an important niche,” she says. “The intent is to help women become independent and empowered in the mountains. Give them the skills to do the things they want to do on their own, safely.” Her approach resonates with her students. “Sarah is an amazing mix of humble, strong, curious, and playful,” says Kate Higgins of Denver, Colorado, who took a women’s climbing course led by Sarah. “So often top-level athletes like her can be really self-focused, and Sarah is not like that. She’s a badass climber who has taught me many valuable skills to make me a better climber.” When she’s not running her guiding business and exploring new routes in

the Rockies, Sarah travels to remote regions from Iceland to Colorado to western China to compete or be among the first to climb a route. The climb that has garnered the most worldwide attention is, however, climbing a frozen Niagara Falls in January 2015. Will Gadd, another elite climber – who happens to be Sarah’s boyfriend – planned the expedition and managed to secure permission for the risky and unprecedented climb from the New York State Parks Department and Parks Police (purportedly the initial reaction from officials was “Hell, no.”) “There’s nobody I would have rather had there to do that climb, and nobody would have done it better than she did,” says Gadd. “Sarah is one of Canada’s top alpine climbers, and she’s very safe and practical. When you’re working on a film, as we were in Niagara Falls, you’ve got a bunch of distracted, highenergy people running around in a dangerous environment. Managing that situation takes a lot of skills and understanding, and she’s very good at that.” For the Niagara Falls climb, Sarah belayed – meaning she took in and released the slack in Gadd’s rope as he climbed – from a tiny ice cavern part way up the frozen falls while Gadd made several ascents. Then, she completed the treacherous climb, removing gear like ice screws so that nothing was left behind. While the pair were climbing ice that had formed when the waterfall spray froze beside the falls, only a metre or two away about 150,000 tonnes of water was pouring past at nearly 100 km/h. According to redbull.com, the water impact is equivalent to 4,000 18-wheel trucks hitting the ground at the same time. “I knew it would be a big deal, but I don’t think either of us were expecting just how big a deal it was,” says Sarah. “When I found myself on my

Photo Credit: Forest Woodward Photography

When she can’t get outdoors, Sarah practices her climbing skills indoors. “Ever since I was 15,” Sarah says, “I understood what being challenged in the outdoors could offer me.” phone talking to Dan Matheson on the live evening news, I thought, 'OK, this is crazy!'" “I think the Niagara Falls climb put her on the map in some ways,” notes Gadd. “Outside the climbing world she tends to be an unknown, because she doesn’t get on Instagram and tell everyone how cool she is every day, and that’s kind of how it works for athletes today! In the climbing world she’s seen as a really likeable person and as a very, very high-level climber. Climbing is often psychological – it’s cold and dangerous and difficult sometimes, especially if you’re pushing hard at the edge of the sport. I don’t know anyone who will get up and go out in worse conditions than Sarah.” Honing that mental strength is key for Sarah. “When I’m training, I want

to not just develop physical strength, but also mental tenacity, to know I can go just a little bit beyond what’s comfortable,” she says. “Just the other day I did a hard mixed route I had wanted to do for a while now,” she says, referring to The Mustang P-51, a Vail, Colorado, route that’s viewed as the most difficult in North America (she was the fourth person ever to make the climb, and the first woman). “I had a terrible cold and I had to remind myself quite often how badly I wanted it. It’s real easy to let your brain say, ‘Oh you’re tired, who cares.’ Learning to combat that negative talk with positive talk is important.” Sarah says that she feels a mix of relief and satisfaction when she completes a climb for the first time – but it’s followed fairly quickly by “What’s next?”

So, what’s next? Sarah Hueniken sees good things ahead: building some advanced climbing routes with friends, a few more challenging North American climbs, mountain biking and skiing, the occasional surfing trip. “Now that I’m 40 I feel that my mental strength has finally caught up with my physical strength,” she says. “That’s the ideal. I’m just starting to tap into that in the last couple years and it’s really rewarding.”

VIDEOS: Watch Sarah in Frozen Falls: Historic Ascent of Niagara Falls Unless We Try chronicles Sarah’s Nophobia climb in Alberta’s Ghost Wilderness area.

ORILLIA

2015 HOMECOMING The inaugural Homecomings in Thunder Bay and Orillia reaffirmed the impact that Lakehead University has had on

in Orillia Roller Skating Party

the lives of our over 56,000 Alumni. It was overwhelming to see the enthusiasm of our grads as they returned to campus to celebrate Lakehead’s 50th Anniversary.

50th Flag Raising in Orillia

Both of our gala dinners were sold-out events that gave Alumni the opportunity to see former classmates and professors. But these festivities were just one way that Alumni reconnected. There were campus tours and class reunions, bonfires and BBQs – not to

Getting into the groove

Fantastic Motown music at Orillia ‘60s Danc e

mention sporting events, roller skating, and the launch of our special 50th commemorative edition annual report. Thank you to our Alumni for making both Homecomings such outstanding successes. Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson President and Vice-Chancellor Lakehead University

'60s Dance at Casino Rama, Orillia

Outpost Sensational Hot Rods rock the

ce at the Thunder Bay ‘60s Dan

Thunder Bay's sold-out Gala

Gala Dinner and Dance in Thunder Bay

Winter Carnival Thunder Bay

The Fieldhouse gymnasium is transformed for the Thunder Bay Gala y

THUNDER BAY

1960s Social hosted by the Class of ‘65

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Alumni Association Awards The Alumni Association of Lakehead University (AALU) presented its annual Alumni Awards during the 50th Anniversary celebrations at the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses.

Our Alumni transform the world through their exceptional and unconventional accomplishments.

alumni.lakeheadu.ca

Dr. Kim Fedderson receiving his Honorary Alumni Membership (l-r): Dr. Brian Stevenson, Rob Jamieson, and Deb Comuzzi

ALUMNI HONOUR AWARD CAPTAIN JILL MARRACK (HBA’88, Geography) Deputy Commander, Canadian Naval Reserves and one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2013) KEVIN PAGE (HBA’80, Economics) Academic, Former Canadian Parliamentary Budget Officer, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada KEVIN FORD (BEng’78, Mechanical) Engineer, Entrepreneur, MacWorld App Developer

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Award ceremony in Thunder Bay (l-r): John Whitfield, Bill Bartley, Jill Marrack, Michael Nitz, Julie Cosgrove, Gil Labine, and Murray Walberg

JULIE COSGROVE (HBFA’04) Award-winning Visual Artist MICHAEL NITZ (BAdmin’04) Past President and Founder of SHIFT - Thunder Bay’s Young Professional Network, Founding Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Network of Ontario LUAN NGO (HBA’08, Economics) Senior Economist, Ontario Ministry of Finance CARLA WHILLIER (HBA'07, Sociology) Lawyer, Civic Leader, and Community Volunteer

LEGACY AWARD

Awards ceremony in Orillia: (l-r): Kevin Page, Luan Ngo, Carla Whillier, and Kevin Ford

BILL BARTLEY (BA’72, Geography) Alumni Association Past President, Former Board of Governors' Member, Current Thunder Bay Chapter Member

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP DR. KIM FEDDERSON Principal, Orillia Campus GIL LABINE Board of Governors' Member DR. JOHN WHITFIELD Professor Emeritus, Former VP Academic, Interim President, Founding VP Research and Development MURRAY WALBERG Current Board of Governors' Chair

AALU President Lou Pero with new Honorary Members (l-r): Gil Labine, Murray Walberg, and John Whitfield

For full bios on our award recipients, please visit: alumni.lakeheadu.ca/celebrate/awards

F OF ACU ILE LTY

Q&A with

ANDREW DEAN RESEARCH & INNOVATION VP

LAKEHEAD IS CANADA’S #1 RESEARCH UNIVERSITY IN THE UNDERGRADUATE CATEGORY. HOW DID WE ACHIEVE THIS RANKING? When Lakehead decided to shift from a regional to a truly comprehensive university, we knew we needed to increase our research capacity. We hired and encouraged researchintensive faculty and added new faculties – like the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Our association with the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute also enriched our research funding. But the biggest factor in being ranked Canada’s #1 research university was the jump in Lakehead’s graduate student numbers. There’s a direct correlation between research productivity and graduate enrolments and vice versa.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE LAKEHEAD RESEARCHERS ENGAGED IN? We cover the full spectrum – everything from using microscopic bacteria to remove arsenic from

drinking water to developing more efficient electric vehicle motors. Lakehead University is always exploring new areas of inquiry such as the rise of health infomatics. We are also a leader in collaborating with Aboriginal communities in the areas of forestry, archaeology, and health research – as well as other types of community-based research like enhancing food security.

WHY ARE LAKEHEAD’S RESEARCHERS BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY? We always ask ourselves, “How do we attain value from our knowledge? How do we increase Canadians’ standard of living?” Partnerships allow our research to have a real impact – whether it’s on a community, an industry, or a sports team. Partnerships are also important because the economy has fundamentally changed. Gone are the days when someone gets a university education, finds a job at a well-established company, and stays there for life. For that reason, Lakehead uses partnerships to educate students about innovation and entrepreneurship.

WHAT EFFECT IS LAKEHEAD’S RESEARCH HAVING ON NORTHWESTERN AND CENTRAL ONTARIO? University research is transforming our regions into more knowledgebased environments. Research is also a major economic driver. In Northwestern Ontario, Lakehead is generating a positive economic impact in areas like mining and forestry. We are also working with the City of Thunder Bay, and other community partners, on projects such as flood control. In Orillia and Central Ontario, we’re part of local sustainability initiatives including setting up weather monitoring stations and protecting the health of lakes. Also, research brings international students, graduate students, and professors to our communities to live, work, and spend money.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS LAKEHEAD’S VP OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION? I’m most proud of how Lakehead has integrated research into our students’ learning experiences – from the undergraduate to the graduate level.

RECENT RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS • In 2015, Lakehead is ranked Canada’s #1 research university (in the undergraduate category) in Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities annual ranking

• Lakehead receives $2 million for four new Canada Research Chairs in the fields of green chemicals, Indigenous mental health, freshwater ecology, and human origins

• Lakehead receives $22 million in external research funding in 2014-15 • Fulbright Canada establishes Visiting Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Sustainability Solutions at Lakehead’s Orillia campus

• A breakthrough in mineral analysis earns Lakehead and its partners an Institution of

Engineering and Technology (IET) Innovation Award at a 2014 gala in London, England

• The Research Centre for Sustainable Communities opens on the Orillia campus in 2013 • Lakehead is ranked Ontario’s #1 research university (in the undergraduate category) in the 2013 Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities annual ranking

• The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration is founded to foster economic prosperity in Northern Ontario through sustainable mining practices

LAKEHEAD IS PROUD TO BE RANKED RESEARCH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR IN THE CATEGORY OF UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITIES BY RE$EARCH INFOSOURCE

WE’RE CREATING LEADERS. MEET COLETTE LEPAGE – MANAGER, NASA’S HIGH BAY CLEANROOM Success is hard work. I knew a degree would open doors so I enrolled in Lakehead’s post-diploma engineering degree program. And it wasn’t easy. I am grateful that my professors were dedicated, compassionate, and went far beyond the call of duty. Seeing the exciting research at Lakehead sparked my desire to work in an innovative field when I graduated with my BEng in Chemical Engineering in 1999. Today I manage the world’s largest ISO 7 cleanroom at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Right now, we’re working on the James Webb Space Telescope – the largest ever constructed.

lakeheadu.ca/research-and-innovation Thunder Bay | Orillia

CANASEDAAR’sCH

#1 RE SITY UNIVER 2015

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PAYING IT FORWARD The William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society

The William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society was launched on October 2, 2015, to celebrate the people who are making postsecondary education possible. The Legacy Society recognizes donors leaving a gift in their estate to Lakehead University – and connects them to special events, presentations, and seminars throughout the year. Legacy gifts – gifts made after one’s lifetime – help students of all backgrounds and are essential to ensuring Lakehead University’s sustainability. They can include portions of assets such as savings, investments, real estate, retirement plan benefits, life insurance policies, and personal property. Every donor is able to choose the specific area their gift will be used to support.

Bill Tamblyn relaxes at home with his son David in 1969.

Fittingly, the Society is named after a man who was passionate about Northwestern Ontario and Lakehead University – our first president, William (Bill) Tamblyn. Bill was an engineer, businessman, and community leader. “My father was very energetic and driven by curiosity,” says his son David Tamblyn, a current member of Lakehead’s Board of Governors. Between 1965 and 1972, Bill oversaw the establishment and dramatic expansion of Lakehead University. In a 1966 report to the Board of Governors, President Tamblyn noted: “Lakehead University was created to fill the void of higher education facilities which has limited the opportunities of young people and indeed the entire potential of Northwestern Ontario for so many years.” Although David was just five years old when his father became Lakehead’s president, he has many memories of the early years of the Thunder Bay campus – including its construction. “I remember a bulldozer sinking into the mud without a trace when the lake behind the Centennial Building was being dug,” David says.

Under Bill Tamblyn’s leadership, Lakehead transformed from a small college with less than 500 full-time students into a flourishing university with 3,000 full-time students. Bill’s enthusiasm was contagious. “We saw the school as our seventh sibling,” David says. The Tamblyn’s links to the University deepened when David (BA’84, HBA’86, BEd’88) and four of his brothers and sisters became Lakehead students themselves. Before Bill Tamblyn passed away in 2009, he lived to see the opening of a second campus in Orillia, Ontario, and the evolution of Lakehead into a truly comprehensive research university. His vision of young people being able to study in their own communities had been realized. This is the vision the William G. Tamblyn Legacy Society is building upon. Already, donors are using legacy gifts in their long-term tax and estate planning to benefit themselves, Lakehead, and the community in life-changing ways. “That’s why,” says David, “I believe this new endeavour will become an integral part of Lakehead’s future development.”

Contact Lee-Anne Camlin at 807-346-7792 or rlcamlin@ lakeheadu.ca to learn more about the William G. Tamblyn Society.

Your Will is a Gift It allows you to leave a larger gift to Lakehead University than would be possible during your lifetime. In your will, you can choose to leave Lakehead University a specific piece of property, securities, cash or a percentage of your estate. By planning today, you can have a tremendous impact on our students in the future.

“We included Lakehead University in our will because we believe in the transformative power of education.”

0 I would like more information about leaving a Legacy gift to Lakehead University 0 I have made a provision in my will to Lakehead University Name _________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City/Town_________________________________________Prov.__________________ Postal Code_________________________Tel.__________________________________ Email_________________________________________________________________

Dr. Bill Heath, Professor Emeritus, Lakehead University Ms. Betty Heath, Lakehead Alumna

EXCEPTIONAL. UNCONVENTIONAL.

BUILDING OUR LEGAL COMMUNITY

For information call Lee-Anne Camlin, Philanthropy Associate 807-346-7792 Email: rlcamlin@lakeheadu.ca Lakehead University . 955 Oliver Road . Thunder Bay . ON . P7B 5E1 All requests remain confidential with no obligation

THE DR. ARTHUR MAURO $250,000 Scholarship Challenge Now your gift will go twice as far! Thanks to former Lakehead University Chancellor Dr. Arthur Mauro and the Mauro Family Foundation, all gifts made in support of scholarships to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $250,000. But only until April 30th, 2016! Your gift in support of student scholarships will ultimately help improve access to legal services in Northern Ontario and throughout rural Canada. To find out how to make your gift go “twice as far,” please visit law.lakeheadu.ca For further information, contact: Jennifer Childs, Philanthropy Director Email: philanthropy.dir@lakeheadu.ca Tel: 807-343-8899

Dr. Arthur Mauro

“Becoming a big brother or big sister is a humbling experience because you see the impact you have on a child’s life.” – Erica Beuermann

LEAN ON ME REACHING OUT TO KIDS TRANSFORMED ERICA BEUERMANN by Kathy Hunt

Erica Beuermann graduated with her Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) less than a year ago, but she’s already helped Lakehead’s Orillia campus win a national award and landed a job at one of Canada’s largest and oldest voluntary agencies – the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Her final year at Lakehead was a time of transformation – personally and professionally. Erica was one of three HBSW students who completed work placements with the Orillia branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in 2014-15. “Often,” Erica says, “it’s kids who are vulnerable who really benefit from having a big brother or a big sister. Maybe they don’t have many friends or they’ve just switched schools or maybe they have a lot of siblings and don’t have one thing that’s their own.” Erica was part of a new volunteer engagement program for Lakehead University students that allowed Big Brothers Big Sisters to double the number of children served through its school-based programs. An accomplishment that earned Lakehead

the 2015 Scholastic Partnership Award from the Big Brothers Big Sisters national organization. During her BBBS placement, Erica worked in three different elementary schools where she was a big sister to a student in each school, led Go Girls programs to encourage self-esteem in grade six and seven students, and ran afterschool programs. “Sometimes kids just need consistency – something or someone they can count on. We could be doing the simplest activities – playing Uno, colouring, spending time in the library – and it’s like Christmas Day for them.” As a big sister, Erica quickly formed strong bonds with the children she had been matched with. “I would walk into one of my schools and my little sister would run into my arms and hop up and down because she was so excited.” The many responsibilities Erica took on helped her think on her feet. “When Erica first started with us, she was somewhat reserved and shy,” says James Maxwell, executive director of

BBBS Orillia. “But soon she jumped above and beyond with her dedication and enthusiasm. She surpassed our expectations – and her own.” Originally from Stratford, Ontario, Erica had always aspired to a career focused on helping people. One of her goals was to work with children and youth in school settings, which made the Big Brothers Big Sisters placement a great fit. Her current position with the Canadian Mental Health Association marks an unexpected juncture in her professional development. She works at the CMHA Crisis House in Barrie – a safe house for adults in crisis situations. “It’s an intense environment and very fast-paced,” explains Erica, “but I’ve been surprised at how well I’ve adapted.” Erica credits her Lakehead experience – especially her time with Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia – with giving her the ability to make this transition. “As a Lakehead student, Erica says, “I discovered the importance of asking questions, networking, and not turning down opportunities."

T EA RADS R G G

TYSON PAMAJEWON

KEEPING FIRST NATIONS FAMILIES TOGETHER by Tracey Skehan Tyson Pamajewon became a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) protection worker to help keep Aboriginal children in their communities. Tyson, a member of the Shawanaga First Nation north of Parry Sound, says that, “Growing up, I saw relatives whose children were taken away because their parenting practices differed from those of mainstream Canadian society.” He also witnessed his community grapple with this devastating situation in creative ways. “When I was a child in the late '70s, the chief, council, and elders became more proactive. If things weren’t going well in a particular home, they’d say, ‘Let’s think about solutions.’ Often, this meant other community members pitched in to take care of children.” By 2007, Tyson had a three-year Bachelor of Law and Justice and was ready to play a hands-on role. He joined Animikii Ozoson Child & Family Services in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began learning the ropes of being a frontline child protection worker.

A more collaborative approach to child welfare had been evolving over the past 40 years. “This shift,” Tyson explains, “was given legal force by section 213 in the 1990 Ontario Child and Family Services Act which mandates consultation with bands and Native communities.” Despite these changes, there were still policies that Tyson believed needed to change – such as placing children in foster care if their living space was considered too small. “I was shocked,” Tyson says, “my grandparents raised seven kids plus themselves in a 14 x 14-foot cabin – it was a big open space with bunk beds. As long as the basic needs of children are met, they should stay with their families.” Tyson continued his career with the CAS when he moved back to Ontario and was hired by the SimcoeMuskoka Child, Youth and Family Services as a member of their First Nation, Métis, and Inuit team. He was also thinking about his long-term goals. “I knew I wanted to upgrade my education credentials and eventually progress into the leadership ranks of the CAS.” In 2014, this led Tyson to apply to Lakehead University’s one-year Honours Bachelor of Social Work program at the Orillia campus. But his excitement over his acceptance was quickly overshadowed by financial realities. His wife was on maternity leave and they had four children between the ages of seven months and eight years. “Contrary to popular belief,” Tyson says, “First Nations peoples don’t

Tyson (centre), his wife Angie (far right), and their children visit Santa Claus. L-R: Aleigha, Kiiwedin, Wesean, Dannis, and Mnidoo

automatically receive educational support. Most communities have only a small pool of money.” Since Tyson had already received funding for his undergraduate degree, he was turned down. Fortunately, student bursaries were available through Lakehead’s Financial Aid office. “For people to generously donate to student scholarships and bursaries,” says Tyson, “was an act of kindness beyond words. It allowed me to concentrate on my courses.” After graduating from Lakehead in June 2015, Tyson returned to the Simcoe-Muskoka CAS. Although his job is challenging and has many emotional and mental stressors, “it gives me,” says Tyson, “the fulfillment of advocating for those who can’t.”

Tyson Pamajewon (HBSW’15)

BUSINESS BREAKTHROUGH Lakehead Becomes an AACSB-accredited School

“It’s like winning the Stanley Cup,” says Dean Bahram Dadgostar. The Dean of Business Administration’s elation stems from Lakehead’s recent accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The AACSB, founded in 1916, is the longest-serving global association dedicated to advancing management education worldwide. Less than 5% of

the world’s 15,761 business programs hold AACSB accreditation.

“They provided valuable advice and consultation.”

Earning this certification was a lengthy and rigourous process that took over five years, but the support and perseverance of the Business Administration faculty, students, alumni, and staff, paid off. “There was also incredible engagement from the Northwestern Ontario business community,” says Dean Dadgostar.

When three AACSB deans from the United States and Canada arrived at Lakehead to conduct the intensive final evaluation, they were impressed with what they saw. Lakehead was officially granted its AACSB status in November 2015.

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Now, Lakehead University has joined the ranks of leading business schools across the globe – including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Although our designation is new, Lakehead has always been committed to providing the best education to our students in the fields of business administration, commerce, and management. “Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration delivers a quality business education in a small-class environment that leads our graduates to success,” notes Lakehead President Brian Stevenson. Receiving this seal of approval, however, doesn’t mean that the work has stopped. Every AACSB-accredited school is on a five-year review cycle to ensure that they continually improve and maintain superior standards.

FA R W I L L Y O U G O ?

the perfect getaway - it’s in our nature.

“AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees,” says Robert D. Reid, executive vice-president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “The entire Lakehead team are to be commended.”

Congratulations to the Faculty of Business Administration for their dedication. Each and every one of their students – past and present – can now proudly say that they graduated from an AACSB-accredited school.

2016-03-24 4:25 PM

AT LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY WE’RE DEFINITELY NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL Fewer than 5% of business programs worldwide have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – and Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus is one of them.

Not all business schools are created equal. Our Faculty of Business Administration’s Thunder Bay campus has joined the ranks of elite business schools by earning its AACSB certification. This globally-recognized hallmark of excellence guarantees a challenging and relevant curriculum delivered by the most highly-qualified faculty.

“Our graduates become innovative business leaders through mentorship, challenging consulting opportunities, international exchanges, vibrant student organizations, and national and international business competitions.” BAHRAM DADGOSTAR, DEAN FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

business.lakeheadu.ca 23

PO TUR IN NIN TS G KEEP IN TOUCH

1960s JOAN CROWE (BSC’69/HBSC’70) received the 2015 John Goldie Award from the Field Botanists of Ontario. Joan is a strong advocate for the environment who has published extensively in the area of botany. She also taught plant biology at Lakehead University and was acting curator of the University’s Claude Garton Herbarium between 1990 and 1993.

and strength and conditioning coach in Australia, New Zealand, and Western Canada. He completed a Sports Biomechanics MSc at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia in 2008 and a PhD in Strength and Conditioning at AUT University in 2013. He’s also been a coach with the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. Find out more about Travis at: www.nextevolutionSC.com

1990s

2010s

Degree(s)

PATTY HAJDU (BA’96/HBA’07) became the first woman elected to the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding in October 2015. A few weeks later, she became part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet when she was sworn in as Minister for the Status of Women. Prior to becoming a federal MP, Patty was executive director of Shelter House, Thunder Bay’s largest homeless shelter.

RYAN CLARK (BEng’11) has designed and released JIGMOD – an electronic circuit building system. A successful 2015 Kickstarter campaign raised $10,842 to launch JIGMOD. Ryan has a Bachelor of Technology from the RCC Institute of Technology and is a senior technical engineer/officer with Bruce Power. Find out more about JIGMOD at www.jigmod.com

You may update your address online at alumni.lakeheadu.ca. You may also fax this form to 807-343-8999 or mail it to: Alumni and Community Relations Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1 Name Telephone Address

Year(s) of Graduation Employer Employer Telephone Employer Address

Position Spouse / Partner’s Name Spouse / Partner’s Education Spouse / Partner’s Occupation

Started a new job? Have you married? Begun a family? Received an award? If so, we want to hear from you! Take a moment to tell us what is new and exciting in your life… or just to share your comments and story ideas for the Lakehead Alumni Magazine. Use a separate page if necessary.

ROB JAMIESON (HBOR'94/BA'94), past president of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University’s board of directors, has stepped down to take on a challenging new role – president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association. Rob joined the OPP in 1995 and is based in Barrie, Ontario.

2000s

The Alumni Association and its affinity partners may contact you occasionally to promote programs and services that generate revenue for Lakehead University. If you do not wish to be contacted, • call 1-800-832-8076, or • complete the online form on our website, or • check the box below and mail this form to the Office of Alumni Relations or fax it to: (807) 343-8999

I do not wish to receive ANY materials advertising Lakehead University affinity programs.

alumni@lakeheadu.ca

ALLISON MCDONALD (BEd’03) has cowritten “Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips For Helping Your Child Develop A Lifelong Love of Reading,” published by Scholastic. Allison is a preschool teacher and grad student at Missouri State University as well as the creator of the early education blogs “Teach Mama” and “No Time For Flash Cards.” She also writes for Scholastic Parents' “Raise A Reader” blog and “PBS Parents' Adventures in Learning” blog. TRAVIS MCMASTER (HBK’06) is a research fellow with AUT University’s Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand. Travis has worked as a fitness consultant, applied researcher,

KATE PRINCE (BEd’10) is a canoe builder with Headwaters Canoes in Wakefield, Quebec. As well as building and repairing custom-made wood canvas canoes, Kate is a professional teacher and experienced canoe guide with a background in environmental studies.

PASSAGES DAVID FRY (MA’77) passed away at the age of 63 in Halifax on October 22, 2015. He was head coach of the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club in the 1970s and '80s. He spent 16 years as head coach of the Dalhousie University Swim Team where his teams won 30 Atlantic University Swimming titles. He was Dalhousie’s Coach of the Year a record five times and was twice chosen Canadian University Swim Coach of the Year. He coached his swimmers to two Olympic teams and many national titles and also had a successful 30year teaching career. Donations may be made to the Swim Nova Scotia David Fry Memorial Scholarship: www.swimnovascotia.com

PROFESSOR DAVID LEWIS

PASSAGES

David Lewis, a distinguished academic and diplomat died on May 15, 2015, at the age of 83. He was an associate professor (1968-75) and chair (1968-70) of Lakehead’s Department of Languages. Professor Lewis began his diplomatic career in 1958 working at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. A lifelong advocate of the value of education, he accepted a new challenge in 1968 – immigrating to Canada and becoming chair of Lakehead’s Department of Languages. He came at a watershed moment. The funding scheme for Ontario universities had been revised and contentious academic decisions had been taken (like the removal of a language requirement for university graduates at most Canadian universities). “As chair of the department, he redesigned the different offerings, designed new programs, introduced new courses, and strengthened the teaching methods,” explained Professor Emeritus Alain Nabarra. Professor Lewis also developed international programs to enhance the educational experience of the students including student and teacher exchange programs and courses given by Lakehead in Mexico and France. “David Lewis strongly believed that a university education was not complete if you did not have – directly (travel, study abroad) or indirectly – experiences in other cultures and ways of life,” said Professor Nabarra. “Under his tenure as chair, strong ties between the department and the community-at-large were also developed, particularly through formal and informal meetings and projects involving teachers and students of languages at all educational levels – primary, secondary, postsecondary.”

ADAM WOOD It is with great sadness that faculty, staff, and friends at Lakehead University mourn the tragic death of alumnus Adam Wood on Friday, January 22, 2016, in La Loche, Saskatchewan. From 2007 to 2012, Adam Wood shared his talents, leadership, and passion for the outdoors as a student and instructor with the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University, graduating with a Concurrent HBOR/BEd in 2012. Whether it was attending leadership workshops, dog-sledding in the back-country, or learning to construct his own cross-country skis, Adam demonstrated a love of the outdoors, and an uncompromising quest to learn. Adam embodied a profound dedication to social and environmental issues and for several years served as the president of the Outdoor Recreation Student Society. He was actively engaged in a number of projects, ranging from food security to sustainability, in the City of Thunder Bay and throughout the region. Adam also worked for the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, teaching outdoor skills to first- and second-year students. In 2015, Adam moved to La Loche to begin his teaching career. Adam viewed himself as an agent of change, and sought ways to improve the lives of everyone around him. Those of us who had the pleasure of getting to know Adam are blessed with countless memories. Our sincere condolences to the Wood family, to the Janvier and the Fontaine families, and to the community of La Loche. – The School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Faculty of Education

PROFESSOR KEITH WOOD Former Psychology Professor Keith Wood passed away on January 8, 2016, at Peace Arch Hospice in White Rock, British Columbia. Professor Wood joined Lakehead University’s Department of Psychology in 1972 where he taught until 1983. During that period, he was the director of the Summer Family Life Program, and eventually the director of Continuing Education. He also created a fifth-year course in thanatology – the study of death. One of his graduate students summarized Professor Wood as intelligent, steady, witty, and unwavering in his support and generosity. While on sabbatical, Professor Wood spent a postdoctoral year at Harvard University in Boston with a focus on thanatology. Upon returning to BC, he accepted a psychologist position with what was then the Workers' Compensation Board. In the latter part of his career, Professor Wood served as clinical director with Peace Arch Community Services. He is survived by his adoring wife Dr. Gwen Warren and his sister Marjorie (Peter Lewis).

Keith Wood BA, MA, PhD

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