Winter 2017/18 Lakehead Alumni Journey Magazine

JoUrney Lakehead aLUmni magaZine | winter 2017/18

sAyinG GooDBye

as president Brian stevenson departs, it’s time to remember our shared achievements

the ALumnA Who mADe history Lyn mcLeod understands the art of compromise, but she wasn’t afraid to rewrite the rules of politics

PLus are narcissists on the loose in your office? psychology professor Beth visser has the answers

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contents

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Making Waves

on the map The latest news from Lakehead Orillia and Lakehead Thunder Bay

Whether it’s politics or education, Lyn McLeod is a force to be reckoned with

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08 Farewell to President Stevenson Celebrating a legacy of working together to change the world

Dark Personalities Lakehead Orillia Professor Beth Visser studies antisocial behaviour

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Workplace Narcissists Cert no. XXX-XXX-000

Understanding who they are and how to cope with them

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The Gary Koreen Engineering Award Lending a hand to future engineers

22 Newcomer of the Year Student Yukiya Sasagawa talks about teaching English to new Canadians

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Turning Points Alumni milestones and achievements

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WInteR 2017/18 • Volume 34, Number 1 Lakehead Journey Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Marketing and Branding 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 and Branding team.

Publications Mail Agreement number 40062450

on tHe RoAD, AGAIn!

QtY: 30,000

contAct Us Marketing, Branding and clayton Browne Web Development Director editor tracey skehan Graphic Design Melissa Kastern telephone: 807-343-8134, Fax: 807-346-7770 email: editor@lakeheadu.ca contRIBUtoRs editor tracey skehan, Jaclyn Bucik, Bonnie schiedel

senD ADDRess cHAnGes to Office of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement 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 Director Director

eXteRnAL ReLAtIons teAM Vice-President, external Relations Associate Vice-President (Toronto Office) Annual Fund and Alumni engagement Director Government Relations Director (Toronto Office) Marketing, Branding and Web Development Director

Michel Beaulieu Lou Pero Karen Boz Debra Woods chris Valliant Lou Pero Leah ching Mark tilbury nancy Angus Karen Boz chris Dasilva Keven Ford Linda Henderson nancy Luckai Josh McQuay Paul Popo-ola Ashleigh Quarrell Kara smith Jennelle therrien Yolanda Wanakamik Deb comuzzi Ann Brandt

p Fans showing their Lakehead colours at the thunderwolves vs Waterloo hockey Game in october.

Borrowing a phrase from Willie nelson seems the most appropriate summary of this message. From engagement lunches in Victoria and Vancouver, varsity events in Kingston, Guelph, toronto, and Winnipeg to a reception at the Canadian embassy in Finland, a Calgary Stampede event in July, and coffee in Kenora with one of our newest ambassadors – it’s been a tremendous opportunity to meet some of our 60,514 alumni.

Lakehead University’s third annual homecoming Weekend took place from September 28 to 30. at our yearly dinner, the alumni association recognized Ken Boshcoff and Darren Lentz

Mark tilbury Richard Longtin clayton Browne

Administrative coordinator Patricia Mccluskey Annual Fund and Jill cooper Alumni engagement Assistant Acting Annual Fund and Meghan Hanbury Alumni engagement Manager Annual Fund and Amanda Gerow Alumni engagement Associate Annual Fund and Anna sampson Alumni engagement Associate campaign operations Assistant Jennifer steers Campaign Research Analyst (Toronto Office) Mike Ding Marketing and communications Associate Jaclyn Bucik (Lakehead Orillia) Donor events Associate Alexandra Jones Donor events Manager Patti Merriman external Relations Associate Jacquie Kent (Lakehead Orillia) Gift & Database Administrator Aaron cava Marketing and Branding Associate tracey skehan Marketing and Branding Associate Melissa Kastern Acting Philanthropy Manager Kathryn Davidson Philanthropy Associate Lee-Anne camlin Philanthropy Associate Devon ottertail Web Development Manager spencer Ranta Web Developer Justin Michel stefan Hoard 2Web Designer

with alumni honour awards, Lloyed Lobo with the outstanding Young alumni award, and David heroux with the alumni Legacy award. Cathy trojan and Cam Clark were also inducted as honorary Members. other 2017 honourees – who will be recognized at a later date – are Rob Jamieson, who will receive an alumni Legacy award, and Dr. Fred Gilbert, who will be made an honorary Member. as we headed into fall, we said goodbye to Lakehead President Dr. Brian Stevenson. Since his arrival, Dr. Stevenson has consistently supported the work of the alumni association to engage, celebrate, and share. his willingness to meet with alumni in a phone booth, boardroom, or ballroom has had a tremendous impact both domestically and internationally.

Finally, the alumni association continues to expand opportunities for engagement, so be sure to check out the Upcoming events section at alumni.lakeheadu.ca to see if we’ll be in your community.

p July 2017 Calgary Chapter Stampede event (l-r): andy Crooks, Susan Suttie, and Mark tilbury.

We look forward to meeting many of you “on the Road, again!”

Mark Tilbury, Director Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement

Michel Beaulieu, President Alumni Association

on the map $1.4 Billion impact a report released on october 23, 2017 reveals that Lakehead University has an economic impact of more than $1.4 billion per year on ontario’s gross domestic product (GDP). “the results were eye-opening,” said Lakehead President Brian Stevenson, who was the impetus behind the study. “It proves how our ongoing efforts to build and strengthen relationships with our municipal and regional partners, business and industry, non-profits, and First nation and Métis communities are helping enhance economic growth and quality of life.” the study, done in conjunction with Statistics Canada, shows that the annual impact of Lakehead orillia is $122.7 million, while Lakehead thunder Bay has an impact of $1.3 billion. the figures were calculated based on the University’s operating and capital spending, student and visitor spending, alumni spending, human capital development, and research and development.

tipi erected this fall, the turtle Island Student Circle was responsible for raising a tipi at Lakehead orillia. “I think it is a step forward to having a strengthened partnership with neighbouring communities and promoting a sense of inclusiveness within the campus,” said student

p L-R: Stephen Bond, Bridget healy, and Jacky Wu are part of the inaugural cohort of Lakehead-Georgian electrical engineering students.

circle member Winston Boudreau. the tipi is the culmination of the students’ work to create a physical space on campus for Indigenous learners where aboriginal knowledge and perspectives can be honoured. “the tipi and surrounding gardens are a part of a living, growing, gathering place for learning and the sharing of ideas between students, faculty, and staff,” said aboriginal Initiatives Coordinator allysha Wassegijig.

“We want to make sure that Lakehead University is a welcoming place where Indigenous peoples, their history, and way of life are celebrated through education, respect, and diversity.”

First Lakehead-georgian students In September 2017, the first group of Lakehead University-Georgian College students began their studies

at Georgian’s Barrie campus. they are part of an exciting initiative between the two schools to allow students to earn both a college diploma and a university degree in four years. “our goal is to provide a combination of applied and practical learning experiences that will be valued by employers,” explained Lakehead orillia Principal Dean Jobin-Bevans. the degree/diploma option is being offered in two areas of study: a Bachelor of engineering (electrical) degree with an electrical engineering technology advanced diploma and an honours Bachelor of arts and Science – environmental Sustainability (ecosystem Management) degree with an environmental technician diploma. “I liked the idea of having one-on-one interaction with the faculty and learning practical skills,” said first-year engineering student Bridget healy.

t the new tipi at Lakehead orillia will eventually be painted with traditional designs and colours under the guidance of local elders. traditional helper Cliff Sharpe began the celebration with a smudging ceremony to bless the tipi and all those who attended.

Following the smudging, staff, students, and faculty participated in men’s and women’s teachings with Cliff Sharpe and Luanna harper.

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on the map

#1 Research University, Again For the third year in a row, Lakehead has been ranked “Canada’s #1 Research University of the Year” in the undergraduate university category. Re$earch Infosource, which describes itself as “Canada’s Source of R&D Intelligence,” released its rankings in October 2017. “Lakehead University is demonstrating a consistently high level of research performance among its undergraduate university peers, both in terms of research income and publication output,” said Re$earch Infosource CEO Ron Freedman. This annual ranking of Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities uses a balanced scorecard based on research inputs and outputs to determine its results. Lakehead Research & Innovation VP Andrew Dean explained that earning the title of Research University of the Year was the result of the dedication of Lakehead’s researchers and its Research Services and Economic Development and Innovation teams.

Recently, Lakehead researchers received more than $1 million in CIHR funding, nearly $900,000 in SSHRC funding, and more than $2.3 million in NSERC funding.

Student Central The grand opening of the ‘one-stop’ Student Central on September 28 marked the beginning of a new way for Lakehead students to access vital services. Student Central creates a space at the heart of Lakehead Thunder Bay where new and current students can receive a full range of enrolment services ranging from exploring program options and troubleshooting

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p A large crowd gathered for the Student Central opening ceremonies (l-r): Lakehead Board of Governors’ Chair David Tamblyn, Enrolment Associate Vice-Provost and Registrar Andrea Tarsitano, President Brian Stevenson, and Academic Provost & VicePresident Moira McPherson.

registration problems to getting financial assistance. Student Central’s beautiful design provides students with a more personalized setting to meet one-on-one with Student Central professionals. It also gives students the space they need to carry out their university business at self-service stations.

“Our exceptional, highly-trained staff are committed to supporting students right from the very start of their education and leading them on the path to graduation,” said Andrea Tarsitano, the associate vice-provost enrolment and registrar.

In Conversation Lakehead Orillia’s popular “In Conversation Speaker Series” returned to the Orillia Public Library this fall. Anthropology Professor Tim Kaiser launched the series with his October talk, “What’s Your Sign?

The Oldest Zodiac in Europe and Other Adventures in Archaeology,” followed by a November talk by Education Professor Frances Helyar discussing the “Evolution of Teacher Education in Simcoe County.” There will be five more In Conversation talks in 2018 and everyone is welcome to attend these free evening events.

Find out more by visiting: www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca You can register for a specific talk by email or phone at: info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca 705-325-2338

t Anthropology Professor Tim Kaiser

on the map

Student Visionaries

p One of the most welcoming spots in the new International Centre is the striking lobby.

It features a map of the world that doubles as a backdrop for photos and selfies.

International Centre

$1 Million Gift

President Brian Stevenson saw one of his longstanding dreams fulfilled on September 12 – the grand opening of the new International Centre at Lakehead Thunder Bay. “When we envisaged the Centre years ago, we saw a meeting place where our domestic and international students would come together, share their distinctive cultures, and learn from each other,” said Dr. Stevenson. As Lakehead’s international student population grew from 100 to over 1,000 over the past seven years, there was a need for more varied and centralized services. The new space, located near the Chancellor Paterson Library, features state-ofthe-art technology and a studentfocused environment. It is now the home of Lakehead University International staff, the English Language Centre, International Student Services, the Study Abroad team, and the International Student Lounge. “Students love the new Centre,” said International ViceProvost James Aldridge.

Lakehead’s Aboriginal Mentorship Program (AMP) received a $1 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation to continue empowering Indigenous high school students from Northwestern Ontario. AMP puts young people on the path to postsecondary education by connecting them with Lakehead University student mentors who nurture their academic potential. AMP students engage in research projects, learning activities, and trips to Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus where they use university labs and facilities. “The Joyce family has made an investment in future generations of Indigenous students by providing the AMP program with the means to continue to make their university dreams possible,” said Lakehead President Brian Stevenson. Since 2013, the number of AMP high school students has increased from 40 to 250. This life-changing donation will give the Aboriginal Mentorship Program the permanent financial stability it needs to continue its outreach.

Lakehead Orillia student Gaylen Beaudoin was a finalist for the 2017 Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize – created to give Ontario’s most creative thinkers a forum for tackling the challenges that Ontarians and Canadians will face over the next 50 years.

Gaylen is a social work student who believes that the only way to bring about change is to work together and dream big. She was one of 36 finalists and competed in the category of “Reconciliation” with her proposal that Indigenous languages should be recognized as official languages in Canada. She presented her ideas before a live audience at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay. The audience was made up of community members, policy-makers, industry leaders, and a panel of expert judges.

p 2017 Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize finalist Gaylen Beaudoin

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In Memoriam Dr. John Alexander Kennedy Naysmith R.P.F, BScF, MF, PhD

Lakehead has lost one of its “Northern Lights” – Dr. John Naysmith – one of the 40 leaders who shaped the growth and development of the University.

Dr. Naysmith passed away peacefully with his family at his side on September 11, 2017.

He was a Professor Emeritus of Forestry and a mentor to countless young people. He and his beloved wife Etoile (Toie) are also generous Lakehead donors and supporters.

The Jean McNulty Recital Hall located on the ground floor of the William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts is named in honour of Toie’s mother.

A kind and gentle man, Dr. Naysmith strengthened Lakehead

Dr. Graham Borradaile Lakehead University is saddened by the passing of Professor Emeritus Graham Borradaile on May 7, 2017. Dr. Borradaile was a brilliant geophysicist, author, philanthropist, and culinary adventurer. He retired from Lakehead’s Department of Geology in December 2011. Throughout his long career at Lakehead, Dr. Borradaile had a great impact on the undergraduate and graduate students he worked with. His legacy will live on through the training and mentoring he provided. Dr. Borradaile most enjoyed travelling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, repairing antique clocks, and collecting stamps.

Intensely intellectual and complex, he was a scholar, professor, husband, father, and grandfather who loved and was loved.

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University through his service, including as the Director of the School of Forestry and the founding Dean of Lakehead’s Department of Forestry from 1988 to 1995. He taught for another 10 years after retiring and made many other contributions to the forestry industry. Dr. Naysmith was named a Fellow of the University in 2011.

In 2016, he was honoured through the creation of the Naysmith Scholar Award. A student in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry or Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management program who has completed their third year is chosen annually as the Naysmith Scholar. This student must demonstrate the values and principles that Dr. Naysmith embodied such as leadership, a willingness to listen, and the ability to motivate and inspire others.

On October 28, 2017, a celebration of Dr. John Naysmith’s life was held in Lakehead’s Avila Chapel. Anyone who would like to honour his legacy with a gift to the Naysmith Scholar Award can go to alumni.lakeheadu.ca/donate

p Professor Emeritus Dr. John Naysmith

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Alumni Honour Award Ken Boshcoff (HBA’72) Ken has served on countless Lakehead University boards and committees, taken part in many AALU fundraising projects, and advocated for the establishment of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Darren Lentz (BSc/HBOR’94, BEd’96, MEd’07) Darren is a hands-on educator recognized for his commitment to the outdoors and innovative teaching practices. In 2017, he was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by The Learning Partnership.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award Lloyed Lobo (BEng’05) Lloyed is an entrepreneurial powerhouse who, together with former classmate Alex Popa, runs Boast Capital – a consulting firm that helps small businesses recover R & D tax credits.

Alumni Legacy Award David Heroux (GDipB’80, HBCom’84) David reconnected with his alma mater soon after returning to Thunder Bay in 2001 to work with RBC Royal Bank. He’s been an active member of both the AALU and the Board of Governors. David was also AALU president from 2008-10.

Robert Jamieson (HBOR/BA’94) In 2012, Robert Jamieson became the first person living outside Thunder Bay to become AALU president. Under his leadership, two new alumni chapters were launched and the AALU went through a successful rebranding.

Honorary Membership Dr. Fred Gilbert Dr. Fred Gilbert, Lakehead’s fifth president and vice-chancellor, spearheaded the establishment of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Lakehead Orillia. He also made Lakehead a leader in advanced learning technology.

Cameron (Cam) Clark Cam is a long-time Lakehead Board of Governors’ member and a former board chair who led the development of the 2013-18 Strategic Plan. His guidance supported the University’s evolution during a crucial period.

Cathy Trojan During Cathy’s almost 30-year career as a Lakehead University financial assistant, she was often the first point of contact for alumni and donors. Even though she retired in 2014, Cathy is still one of Lakehead’s best ambassadors. t 2017 Alumni Award Winners (l-r): Cam Clark, David Heroux, Cathy Trojan, Ken Boshcoff, Darren Lentz, and AALU President, Dr. Michel Beaulieu

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changing

the world together The Legacy of President and vice-chancellor Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson

A New Leader – A New Vision When Dr. Brian Stevenson arrived in 2010 to become Lakehead’s sixth President and Vice-Chancellor, he and his family were embraced by the Orillia and Thunder Bay communities with open arms.

In his installation speech, the new president threw down a challenge.

“Lakehead University is more than the sum of its parts,” he declared.

“It is you and me and together we can change this world.”

“We received so many welcome gifts, including two dozen fresh Persians,” he says. But these iconic Thunder Bay pastries didn’t last long. “My daughters Cecilia and Isabel devoured almost all of them in the space of a few hours.”

His warm reception was one of the many signs that he’d found a new home. Dr. Stevenson came to Lakehead after serving as the University of Winnipeg’s provost and vice-president (academic), bringing with him a background in internationalization, business, and politics.

t A Community-Spirited Family.

Dr. Stevenson and his daughters Isabel and Cecilia gathered early on the morning of May 31, 2015, in downtown Thunder Bay. The President was there to represent Lakehead University in the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Torch Relay.

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changing the world together

An Ambitious Agenda As president, Dr. Stevenson’s most difficult balancing act would be maintaining the exceptional quality of Lakehead’s education and research while contending with reduced operating grants and growing expenses. It was a tricky situation compounded by a demographic decline in universityaged students in Northwestern Ontario.

To tackle this problem, a comprehensive strategy focused on opening Lakehead’s doors to more students from Northwestern Ontario, Central Ontario, and from across the globe was developed.

It was an approach that resonated with Dr. Stevenson’s deeply-held conviction that a university is an agent of social and economic mobility.

“Once you realize that 54% of Lakehead students are the first in their family to go to university, you know that we are real agents of change,” he says. Seeing these young people reminded Dr. Stevenson of his own experience. He too was a firstgeneration graduate whose life was transformed through postsecondary education.

Programs like Humanities 101, Reach Up!, and Active U, which

p Connecting with Children. In 2012, Dr. Stevenson launched Active U – a unique Lakehead University day camp for children in grades 4 to 6 that combines athletics and education to inspire young minds.

link community members and future students to Lakehead, flourished under Dr. Stevenson’s leadership. “I’ve talked to many students who’ve told me that they would not have gone to university if Lakehead hadn’t been close by,” he says.

His priority on increasing access to education sparked a partnership between Lakehead Orillia and Georgian College’s Barrie campus.

An MOU signed in 2016 laid the groundwork for to up 20 new combined and integrated programs between the two schools.

In fact, the first group of Lakehead -Georgian students in the engineering and environmental sustainability programs began their

studies in September 2017 – they will earn both a diploma and a degree in just four years.

Particularly close to Dr. Stevenson’s heart has been a commitment to Indigenous students, a group of Canadians that is much less likely to attend university because of social and economic barriers. The trailblazing Achievement Program and Aboriginal Mentorship Program were developed to overcome these barriers by offering educational programming and support – on and off campus – to elementary and high school students.

A University Transformed “The sheer creativity factor of building up parts of the university has been the most rewarding aspect of my time at Lakehead,” Dr. Stevenson says.

t Building Bridges for Students.

Dr. Stevenson and Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes spearheaded an innovative partnership between their respective institutions that expanded college transfer opportunities for Central Ontarians.

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cover story: Changing the world together

p Anniversary Celebration. Lakehead Orillia celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016. Since opening, undergraduate enrolment at this campus has increased by over 30%, providing vital postsecondary opportunities for Simcoe County residents.

p An International Legacy. In 2017, Dr. Stevenson realized his dream of opening an international centre for Lakehead students and faculty. James Aldridge, vice-provost, international, and Dr. Moira McPherson, provost & vice president, academic, joined him for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The renewal of the University has encompassed establishing new programs, opening the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law – Ontario’s newest law school in 42 years – and internationalizing the University.

Since 2010, the number of international students has soared from less than 100 to over 1,000 – making the University both more culturally diverse and financially stable. The many milestones that have been reached in a short space of time have required the dedication of every member of the Lakehead University community.

The scope of Dr. Stevenson’s vision placed heavy demands on his time and energy. “I could not have done this without the support of my family,” he says. “My wife Judy has provided me with insights into our communities and given me the

freedom to work extra-long hours and travel frequently. My daughters have also shared me with the job.

They’ve been very understanding when I couldn’t pay attention to them because I was on the phone, in a meeting, or out of town. All three of them have been pillars of any successes I’ve had.”

As Dr. Stevenson departs, he leaves behind a university that is not only striving for excellence, but achieving it. In October 2017, Lakehead made headlines on two major fronts.

A new study revealed that the University’s total annual impact on Ontario’s GDP is more than $1.4 billion and Lakehead was chosen as Canada’s #1 research university in the undergraduate category for the third year in a row. Construction has also started on the $25-million Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Science (CASES).

“Lakehead University doesn’t just transform its students,” says Dr. Stevenson. “It transforms its faculty, its staff, and everyone it comes into contact with – including this president. Together, we have changed the world.”

t Saying Farewell. Hundreds of wellwishers said goodbye to Dr. Stevenson, his wife Judy, and their daughters Cecilia and Isabel at a celebration of achievements reception in Thunder Bay. It was an occasion to recognize Lakehead’s shared accomplishments during Dr. Stevenson’s presidency.

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2017 honorary degree reCipients

kevin page

BoB dhiLLon

rUdoLF wahL

Kevin Page is the current chief executive officer of the new Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa.

Bob Dhillon is president and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp., as well as its founder and largest shareholder.

Mainstreet achieved a 1,270% total return on investment from Sep. 2013 - Sep. 2014, making it Canada’s highest performance real estate company.

Rudolf Wahl is an independent prospector and member of the Thunder Bay Prospectors and Developers Association; the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada; and director of Tashota Resources Inc. His exemplary work earned him the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding discoveries in Northwestern Ontario and the 2014 Bernie Schneider’s Discovery of the Year Award for discovering a potentially highgrade niobium deposit. He has identified over 30 properties with gold, base metal, strategic metals, and diamond potential in the Marathon area.

Doctor of Laws honoris causa

He was the Jean-Luc Pepin Research Chair in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa from 2013-2016 and was Canada’s first parliamentary budget officer from 2008-2013.

He has 27 years of experience in the federal public service, mostly with the Department of Finance, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and the Privy Council Office.

Doctor of commerce honoris causa

Mainstreet’s assets are valued at over $1.5 billion, consisting of more than 10,000 apartment units in Western Canada.

Bob directly supported Lakehead University’s international outreach to India and was instrumental in helping Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration develop connections in India.

2017 FeLLows oF the University

Doctor of science honoris causa

proFessors emeriti • Dr. ruby farrell

Department of Indigenous Learning

• Dr. Kim fedderson

Department of English

• Professor rhonda Kirk-Gardner School of Nursing

dr. inderJit nirdosh

dr. James FrankLin

Dr. Inderjit Nirdosh, Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering, served as faculty advisor for the Lakehead University Student Chapter of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering from 1989 until retiring in 2012 and led the Chapter to numerous top national honours.

He has solicited funds to establish several undergraduate and graduate bursaries for Lakehead students.

Inder organizes the Raag-Rung Music Circle concerts, bringing top-ranked artists to Thunder Bay to fundraise for scholarships at Lakehead University and Confederation College.

Originally from North Bay, Dr. James Franklin is focused on unravelling the reasons for the exceptional mineral endowment of the Canadian Shield.

James received his PhD from the University of Western Ontario and then joined Lakehead where he was the University’s first economic geology professor from 1969-75.

He has volunteered to teach short courses for Lakehead’s Society of Economic Geologists’ student chapter. James has maintained strong links with the geology department, acting as a mentor to both faculty and graduate students.

Fellow of the University

Fellow of the University

• Dr. William Parker

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

• Professor Gerald Phillips Faculty of Business Administration

• Dr. m.A. (Peggy) smith

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

• Dr. connie nelson

School of Social Work

• Dr. Anne marie Walsh School of Social Work, Orillia Campus

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Lakehead

Annual fund

sUpporting oUr stUdents. right here. right now.

share it forward

The Lakehead Annual Fund supports and invests in our students by directing your gifts to: • • • •

sChoLarships to recognize academic excellence BUrsaries to ensure university education is accessible for all students Enhancing the stUdent eXperienCe Support for our dedicated stUdent athLetes

students Making connections There are 17 students on this year’s Calling Program team at Lakehead University, ranging from first year all the way to master’s students. Each of them is an enthusiastic ambassador of the Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement Office who takes the time to have meaningful conversations with alumni and supporters.

Dedicated to their role, they all agree that there is nothing better than chatting with alumni who have fond memories of Lakehead and are positive about their time on campus.

“I love talking with alumni who have graduated from my program,” says Taylor (HBSc Forestry, 3rd year). “They have colourful stories about what the faculty was like in the early years. It’s amazing to hear how things have grown and changed.”

support our students.

Right Here. Right now. donate.lakeheadu.ca 12

“When I talk to graduates from the past few years it’s always interesting to learn about their experiences, what it’s really like starting your career,” Nicole (BScN, 3rd year) tells us. “I’ve received some very helpful advice.”

For the second year, student callers are also spending time contacting alumni to invite them to attend engagement events including those organized by Alumni Chapters and for varsity

athletics away games. “It’s fun to make these calls. They’re so surprised to hear from us just to invite them to come out to an event” says Maegan (HBA Sociology, 1st year).

Calling began in the fall and will continue into the spring of 2018.

If you haven’t heard from one of our students, please update your information using our online form on our website alumni.lakeheadu.ca or by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-832-8972.

Lakehead Annual Fund – enhancing the student experience A portion of the funds raised through the Lakehead Annual Fund in 2016-17 was used to enhance student spaces at Lakehead Thunder Bay and Lakehead Orillia.

The Academic Support Zone is located on the main floor of the residence building in Orillia and offers a number of free academic support services to students including tutoring support and writing support. It also houses the Orillia Academic Success in Science Centre which provides a variety of science tutoring services. The Student Success Centre also uses the new space for career and employment advising (i.e. resumé and cover letter review, job search strategies, and more) as well as student engagement opportunities (i.e.

Orientation Leader Program and EXCEL Leadership Program).

Academic Support Zone

A refresh of the Faculty of Education Library in the Bora Laskin Building took place this past summer. This space is not only open to students but is accessible to alumni and community members. The updates have made the facility more inviting.

Renovations to this room made possible by donations to the Lakehead annu aL Fund LAKEHEAD

Annual Fund

Support for our StuDE

share it forward

ntS. rigHt HErE. rigHt

now.

Faculty of Education Library - Bora Laskin Building

student Internships

student Financial support

Once again this year, thanks to the Lakehead Annual Fund, two students were hired in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities by leveraging matched monies available for research students.

The Lakehead Annual Fund provided funding for multiple endowed scholarships, bursaries, and awards this year. This financial support recognizes academic excellence as well as ensuring that a university education is accessible for even more Lakehead students.

support our students.

Right Here. Right now. donate.lakeheadu.ca

13

Lyn mcLeod

Broke all the rules

By Bonnie Schiedel

25 years after making political history, she’s still changing Canadian society At one o’clock in the morning, during the 1992 leadership convention for the Ontario Liberal party, Lyn McLeod won on the fifth ballot and thought, “My life has changed forever.” She had become the first female leader of an Ontario political party.

Twenty-five years ago, a woman in power still raised eyebrows. “How can I vote for her?” one young man was heard to say to another convention-goer. “She looks like my mother!”

Today, of course, provincial parties are regularly led by women, but Lyn was Ontario’s trailblazer.

Despite this sudden ascent, she was no stranger to authority. She’d been a Liberal MPP, minister of energy, and minister of natural resources before winning the party leadership, as well as a Lakehead District School Board trustee for 17 years.

Throughout her long career, Lyn has focused on listening, learning, and giving back. Even after leaving provincial politics in 2003, she continued to engage in conversations that make a difference. p In 2014, Lyn was admitted to the order of ontario for her public service contributions and community work.

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breaking all the rules

She began a new conversation in June 2017 when she was appointed Lakehead’s chancellor – a role that will allow her to advocate for the University. “It’s a real joy reconnecting with people in the north,” says Lyn, who now lives in southern Ontario. “I enjoyed every minute of the Thunder Bay and Orillia convocations last spring.” At these ceremonies, she conferred degrees on each of the graduating students.

Lyn’s ties to Lakehead stretch back decades. In the early 1980s, she went back to school as a mature student to earn psychology degrees (HBA’84/MA’86). “I wondered, ‘What does raising four children qualify you to do?’ I decided psychology would be a good fit.”

She was fascinated by the changes the discipline had undergone in the 20 years since she’d taken psych courses as a University of Manitoba undergrad (she also holds a degree in English and French literature). Armed with her master’s degree, Lyn found a job she loved as a clinical psychologist at Thunder Bay’s McKellar Hospital working with children, adolescents, and their families. She also joined Lakehead University’s Board of Governors. Just a year later, though, her path took an unexpected twist.

“It was a very exciting time in Ontario politics if you were a Liberal, and aspects of provincial policy were having a direct impact on the work I was doing,” she says. “I decided that contributing at a policy level was just too appealing to pass up.”

In 1987, Lyn successfully ran as MPP for the Fort William riding (now Thunder Bay-Atikokan), becoming part of a landslide Liberal majority. She was immediately named minister of colleges and universities. “It was certainly a challenge.” She pauses, then adds with characteristic optimism, “An interesting challenge.”

“People said that women are fine on social issues, but they’re not very good on economic issues – they’re not tough enough to do the job.”

Lyn came out of her first cabinet meeting to face a media scrum.

When a reporter from the Hamilton Spectator newspaper asked what her plans were, she replied, “Well, I think I’ll have to find out what the university and college system needs.” The next day’s headline read: “New Minister Has No Plans.”

According to her daughter Dana Wright, Lyn’s response was very much in keeping with her management style. “Mom is a consensus builder. When there were disagreements around the dinner table—and there were many!—she listened to all perspectives and looked for a middle path.”

Sue McCartney, a former constituency office staffer, witnessed this leadership approach too. “Lyn was one of the first politicians to try to bring universities and colleges into a closer working relationship,” she says. “We take it for granted now, but believe me, in those days they each had their own turf, so it was quite groundbreaking.”

Sometimes, defining traits like Lyn’s deep commitment to preparedness and her delight in sharing in the lives of her constituents were tough to balance, but she made it work. “I remember visiting mom in Toronto when she was a cabinet minister,” recalls Dana. “She would have a stack of briefing books as tall as she was. That was her nightly homework after working a 10- or 12-hour day.

She had boundless energy. And even though she was passionate about her work, there was never any question that if we needed mom, she was there for us.”

Lyn valued working for residents both individually and on a broader scale.

Helping a family get funds to renovate their bathroom so that their wheelchairbound teenage son wouldn’t have to live in a health-care facility and talking to the minister of health about a new hospital for Thunder Bay were equally important to her. t “Lyn is very curious, intelligent, and conscientious,” says her former staffer Sue McCartney. “She never flew by the seat of her pants.”

Photo credit: Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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BReaKInG aLL the rules

She didn’t seek reelection in 2003, instead turning her attention to her long-term interests of education and health. this includes her current position as vice-chair of new Path, a children’s mental health services agency, and her participation in the community sponsorship of a Syrian refugee family.

p Lyn McLeod plucked up the courage to return to school as a mature student. after getting undergraduate and master’s degrees at Lakehead, she went on to lead ontario’s Liberal Party.

“Mom and dad raised all four of us with a very strong sense of public service,” says her daughter. “they would remind us how lucky we were and that we had a duty to serve.”

Dana, a high school teacher, brings in her mother as a guest speaker to her grade 12 politics class. “the students can be quite overwhelmed by what a ‘real person’ she is. there’s still this idea that politicians are very separate from the rest of us.” Dana adds that having Lyn talk to students shows them that they too can get involved in civic life.

Lyn stepped down as party leader after the 1995 provincial election, but handily won her third and fourth terms as MPP, serving as education critic until 1999.

every summer, Lyn, her four daughters, u their partners, and her eight grandchildren meet at their much-loved camp on Lake Shebandowan, built in the 1960s.

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Lyn has continued developing partnerships between colleges and universities in her postpolitical career. Besides acting as Lakehead’s ninth chancellor, she’s on the Board of Governors at Georgian College in Barrie, ontario, near Lakehead’s orillia campus.

“Being able to foster collaborations between postsecondary institutions is one of the reasons I was eager to become chancellor,” she says, pointing to the growing partnership between Lakehead and Georgian and their combined degree-diploma programs. Lyn is also a past chair of the Confederation College Board of Governors and she was the founding chancellor of the University of ontario Institute of technology. a lifelong traveler, Lyn recently came back from a tour of Iran. annual treks to northwestern ontario are also on her itinerary.

She and her family return here each summer to their Lake Shebandowan camp. “I start getting meal-planning emails from her in april about dinners that will take place in august,” laughs Dana.

What was it like, being the first female leader of the ontario Liberal Party? Before running, Lyn says she had been remarkably free from stereotypes that limited women’s progress. once she entered the race, though, biases popped up. “there was this physical stereotype of what a leader looks like,” she says. “and people said that women are fine on social issues, but they’re not very good on economic issues – they’re not tough enough to do the job.” Ultimately, she believes the only way to dispel these stereotypes is by having increasing numbers of successful women doing things women traditionally haven’t done.

For a time, Lyn worried that losing the 1995 election would be a setback for women in high-ranking political roles. “that doesn’t appear to be the case, so I’m relieved about that.” today, she says it’s important to encourage good people to run for office, male or female. her advice: have a very clear sense of what you want to do, and prove yourself by helping your community before running for office.

Lyn is looking to the future with her usual enthusiasm. “I’m excited to be an ambassador for the University.” already, she has become a galvanizing voice for Lakehead University students and the people of northwestern and Central ontario.

vArsity sPorts We’re on the road again and looking forward to seeing you!

having “Fans in the Stands” can be a tremendous advantage for a visiting team. We encourage you to attend games in your town as much as possible. the coaches and players appreciate your cheers!

Mark Tilbury, Director Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement

Tom Warden, Athletics Director

varsity away games: 2017-18 schedule of dates, second semester Date

vs

city

varsity sport

Friday, January 12 *

York Lions

Toronto

Men’s Hockey

Friday, January 12 *

Western Mustangs

London

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Friday, January 12 *

Guelph Gryphons

Guelph

Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, January 13 *

Guelph Gryphons

Guelph

Men’s Hockey

Saturday, January 13

Western Mustangs

London

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Saturday, January 13

Waterloo Warriors

Waterloo

Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, January 13

Brock University Open

St. Catharines

Men’s and Women’s Wrestling

Sunday, January 21

Guelph University Open

Guelph

Men’s and Women’s Wrestling

Friday, January 26

Windsor Lancers

Windsor

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Friday, January 26 *

McMaster Marauders

Hamilton

Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, January 27

Windsor Lancers

Windsor

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Saturday, January 27

McMaster Marauders

Hamilton

Women’s Volleyball

Saturday, January 27

Western University Open

London

Men’s and Women’s Wrestling

Sunday, January 28

Guelph Gryphons

Guelph

Women’s Volleyball

Thursday, February 1

Ryerson Rams

Toronto

Men’s Hockey

Friday, February 2

Windsor Lancers

Windsor

Men’s Hockey

Saturday, February 3

Western Mustangs

London

Men’s Hockey

Friday, February 9

Brock Badgers

St. Catharines

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Saturday, February 10 *

Brock Badgers

St. Catharines

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

* Alumni event confirmed for this game. Visit alumni.lakeheadu.ca for up-to-date event information.

At the time of printing the Nordic Skiing schedule was unavailable.

Go to Thunderwolves.ca for current information.

Want to receive an invitation to these events?

Make sure we have your up-to-date email address and/or phone number. Contact the annual Fund and alumni engagement office by calling 1-800-832-8076 or by emailing alumni@lakeheadu.ca.

for a complete listing of varsity games, visit thunderwolves.ca We look forward to seeing you on the road, and at home in the thunDerDome!

17

the heart oF darkness Professor Beth visser stuDies the AntisociAL siDe of humAn nAture

By Jaclyn Bucik

Photo credit: Rebekah Littlejohn

ever wonder what kind of person is sitting next to you? Just ask Dr. Beth Visser. a psychology professor and researcher in Lakehead orillia’s Interdisciplinary Studies department, Dr. Visser investigates cognitive abilities, multiple intelligences (like musical intelligence and mathematical intelligence), sexualization, and dark personalities. her fascination with the human mind began while studying psychology at the University of Waterloo. “I had this great professor who brought enthusiasm and passion to every class, and I absolutely loved it,” she says. after finishing her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Visser did a master’s and PhD at Brock University specializing in social/personality psychology.

It was while at Brock that she would meet psychology professor Dr. angela Book. Dr. Book would become a mentor and frequent collaborator who shares in Dr. Visser’s passion for understanding the dark personality traits – psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism.

Dr. Visser wanted to know how human beings could be so bad. “as someone who often gets emotional watching a sappy commercial on

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television, it’s hard to grasp how someone else can’t care,” she says.

She and Dr. Book are currently looking at psychopathy and victim selection to determine if people with psychopathic tendencies are better at identifying vulnerable members of society. “We’re going to be examining psychopathic prisoners versus non-psychopathic prisoners – as well as everyday people with psychopathic traits – to understand how some people exploit others.”

“i remember watching the first season of the television show survivor, and thinking, ‘at what point did we start admiring the manipulator, the exploiter?’”

While many of her colleagues have focused their research on criminal psychopathy, Dr. Visser wants insight into the general population: “What do people who are really manipulative, exploitive, and deceptive look like in the community?” she asks. She recalls her first job at 15 years of age when she was hired to sell newspaper subscriptions using high-pressure phone sales tactics. “I couldn’t

even do that – so, how do scammers convince elderly people to hand over their life savings?” according to Dr. Visser, antisocial personality traits exist in normal population samples to a certain degree. these are individuals who may lack genuine emotion and empathy or who are more likely to lie on their income tax, feel entitled to more than their fair share, and exploit situations to get ahead in life. Some may have felt they had to hide those tendencies, but Dr. Visser believes that many are openly antisocial.

“I remember watching the first season of the television show Survivor, and thinking, ‘at what point did we start admiring the manipulator, the exploiter?’ there was a permissive attitude that because it was within the context of a reality television game show, the characters’ behaviour was oK and acceptable.” these behaviours seem to have leaked out into our larger society and Dr. Visser thinks we need to unravel the reasons behind this trend. Understanding why some people treat others with cruelty is essential if we want to live in a world that embraces kindness.

Is there a narcissist lurking in your workplace?

Researcher Beth Visser decodes the clues

By Jaclyn Bucik Q: Dr. Visser, what is a good definition of a narcissist?

A: In the general population (people who wouldn’t meet the criteria for having Narcissistic Personality Disorder), narcissists tend to be extraverted braggarts who love being the centre of attention.

They are self-serving, grandiose, and entitled, but can be quite charming and charismatic.

Q: Is it easy to spot a narcissist?

How can you identify them?

A: Narcissists (again, not those with a personality disorder) can be found pretty easily because they aren’t hiding – they’re the ones who dominate conversations and bask in everyone’s admiration.

They may become bored if talk turns to other people.

Q: Do you have to be a leader, or someone in a position of power, to be a narcissist or can an everyday person be one?

A: Anyone can be narcissistic! Even without any exceptional skills and abilities, narcissists are happy to discuss their own superiority.

Narcissists are drawn to power and leadership, though, and are quite comfortable in the spotlight, so they are likely to aspire to these positions.

Q: Is there such a thing as healthy narcissism?

A: There are some positive aspects to narcissism. Narcissists project a sense of confidence that is very appealing. In situations that don’t call for humility, narcissists will come out looking pretty good – at least in the short term. If the narcissist actually possesses exceptional attractiveness, wealth, intelligence, wit, or some other skill, people might be quite tolerant of their tendency to brag and feel entitled to special treatment.

Q: In the workplace, can narcissism be destructive?

A: Yes. Narcissists are good at self-promotion, but they might have exaggerated their job qualifications. They alienate people by taking credit for the work of others and breaking the rules. Co-workers and subordinates can become resentful of the narcissistic leader, especially once the initial charm has worn thin. Also, a narcissist is unlikely to truly care about the organization and the people who work there – meaning that people are likely to get hurt when there is a narcissist in charge. Research

has shown that narcissists can become aggressive when they are criticized.

Q: Do you have any strategies for dealing with a narcissist in the workplace?

A: I think a better strategy is to be very cautious in hiring narcissists who have exaggerated their qualifications – fact check resumés and references.

Realize that confidence isn’t necessarily an indicator of skill.

Once a person is hired, having written workplace policies and documenting any transgressions can be protective.

Q: How does our culture support narcissists?

A: I think we have more opportunities to express our narcissistic tendencies these days. Social media and blogs can be outlets for some people to elicit attention. Bragging has become much easier – we can take pictures of ourselves for friends, family, and strangers to admire almost immediately. Reality television and YouTube channels can also provide narcissistic individuals with opportunities to attain fame and attention.

19

the gary koreen engineering award recalls. “When I visited last year, 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.

p Gary and Mary Margaret Koreen are giving back to Lakehead.

“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

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

“i think my tuition was $200 or $300 – today, you wouldn’t get a week at any university for that amount.”

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

20

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

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 the 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-PeeChee plants into one large modern facility. Following numerous joint ventures manufacturing and marketing nestlé products, nestlé 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 lives 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.”

enGIneeRInG aWarD

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.

Your legacy is enriching my future.

Gary and Mary Margaret Koreen’s generosity is already having an impact – the first award recipient will be chosen 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.” q this new award opens up exciting opportunities for engineering students.

The support I received through the estate of Florence Shuttleworth-Higgins has allowed me to focus more on my studies, bringing me closer to my career goals and dreams. ~ marinda tran, Third-Year Music Student Recipient of the Florence Higgins Music Scholarship, Lakehead University

For information on how to include a charitable gift in your will to Lakehead University contact Lee-Anne Camlin at: T: (807) 346-7792 E: rlcamlin@lakeheadu.ca All requests remain confidential with no obligation

eXCeptionaL. UnConventionaL.

21

yUkiya sasagawa inspires new Canadians By tracey Skehan

When international student Yukiya Sasagawa (BaSc’17) arrived in Canada, he was determined “to do something very meaningful,” he says, “something that used my full abilities.”

Fate intervened when a friend employed by the Barrie Public Library thought Yukiya would be the perfect person to lead their just-established english language program for immigrants.

“When she told me, I thought she was putting me on,” Yukiya says, “but I really wanted to do it.

Language is strongly connected to the culture of a place – without it you are isolated.” his volunteer work earned him a 2016 newcomer Recognition award from the County of Simcoe, but it was seeing his students blossom that made Yukiya most proud. “one woman,” he says, “had a 10-year-old son who was fluent in english and she wasn’t able to communicate with him in the language he used daily. She was at home alone all day until she found the library’s english Conversation Circle.” as a newcomer himself, Yukiya understood what it was like to find yourself in a completely unfamiliar environment.

22

he grew up in Japan’s niigata Prefecture where his father has a small agricultural machinery business. after studying english at a college in tokyo, Yukiya’s course coordinator suggested he further his education at Georgian College – one of the school’s partner institutions. eager to see more of the world, Yukiya enrolled in Georgian’s General arts & Science program where one class in particular would have a profound impact on him – a political science course taught

by Lakehead University Professor Doug West.

In June 2017, Yukiya graduated with his Lakehead Bachelor of arts and Science degree and returned to Japan where he’s been hired as a high-tech precision toolmaker.

While he waits to start his new job, Yukiya continues to be a vital community member. “Right now I’m working in the family business, going on walks with my grandfather, and teaching english to primary school children.”

“professor west asked students questions, engaged us in discussions, and let us think for ourselves. i became fascinated

by Canadian culture and aware of the role the liberal arts plays in understanding society – because of that course i transferred to Lakehead orillia after getting my diploma.”

Read more about how our students, researchers, and alumni are changing perceptions and changing lives in Lakehead’s 2016/2017 annual Report.

pathways.lakeheadu.ca

tUrning points 1970s Joseph n. Agostino (hBA’75/mA’80) has retired as psychometrist/ behaviour consultant with the Cochrane temiskaming Resource Centre in timmins, ontario. he maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys walking excursions with his wife Donna, reading, attending live theatre, upgrading his computer skills, researching his family genealogy, and writing articles on a variety of issues. he is also a reviewer for the Journal of aging & Social Policy. his article “Family relationships and the elderly” was recently published in the active Senior’s Digest magazine, and his Ma thesis research “Closure in a Visual Motor task” and review article “Closure as it relates to perception, thinking, and problem solving tasks” have been accepted for publication in the journal etC: a Review of General Semantics. Joseph and Donna moved to Bracebridge, ontario, in September 2015.

1980s michael rapino (BAdm’89), the Ceo of Live nation – the largest live entertainment company in the world – has been receiving attention for his company’s taking Care of our own program. Its goal is to help any of Live nation’s 20,000 employees who are facing a crisis or need financial aid. taking Care of our own also has a crowd-funding platform that allows employees to set up a campaign for themselves or an immediate family member. “We are committed to matching up to $5,000 raised through this platform,” Michael said in an interview with Samaritan Magazine. Since Michael launched the program four years ago, it has raised more than $120,000 (USD).

Letizia tremonti (BA’85/Bed’86), an educator at St. Martin Catholic elementary School in thunder Bay, was recognized as an outstanding principal by the Catholic Principals Council of ontario. “there have been many wonderful moments over my 31-year career,” Letizia said in a press release, “but being nominated for Principal of the Year by my colleagues is one of my greatest moments. It has been an absolute honour to work with such a dedicated, committed, and outstanding group of individuals.”

1990s two Lakehead grads received the Prime Minister’s award for teaching excellence at the Canadian Museum of nature in ottawa on May 3, 2017.

When tom Doherty (BA’94/hBA’94/ Bed’06) received his award, he gave Prime Minister Justin trudeau a big hug. tom currently works as the student retention lead at the Keewaytinook okimakanak Board of education in Balmertown, ontario. he is on a leave of absence from St. John School in Red Lake, ontario, where he taught kindergarten to grade 9. Kathy cepo (Bed’99) teaches science and chemistry to students from grades 9 to 12 at St. Joseph’s Catholic high School in St. thomas, ontario. mark spoorenberg (hBA’97/BA’00/ hBA’02) is the chief operating officer of Clearly Contacts – one of the world’s largest online retailers of prescription eyeglasses. Mark has spent over 15 years improving supply chain operations across Canada, and spent the past four years finding solutions to the unique challenges facing online retailers. In his spare time, Mark, his wife, and their two children enjoy the many outdoor activities that Vancouver has to offer.

2000s Dr. Jane Dyment (PhD’05) was named the 2017 australian teacher educator of the Year – a national award sponsored by the australian teacher education association (atea). “our judges were struck by Janet’s fantastic work in online teacher education,” said atea President Joce nuttall. the teachers Mutual Bank sponsors this annual award and the winner receives a $3,000 bank account. Since 2005, Jane has been living in australia where she is the Curriculum and Pedagogy Senior Lecturer and Deputy head of School at the University of tasmania’s Faculty of education. From 19992003, Jane was a lecturer with Lakehead’s Department of outdoor Recreation, Parks & tourism.

KeeP In touCh

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 Journey Magazine.

Connect with us for more information or to submit your story: P: 1-800-832-8067 e: alumni@lakeheadu.ca W: alumni.lakeheadu.ca

23

turning points

Margaret (Margie) Hibbard (née Nuttall) (HBCom’02) launched a new service in January 2017 that helps people in emotional need.

SendOutSupport is a mental health app that enables users suffering from issues like depression, PTSD, and bereavement to reach out instantly to a support network of mental health professionals, family, and friends. The S.O.S. app delivers instant real-time support to give people a safety net.

You can find out more by visiting www.sendoutsupport.ca

2010s Katelyn Fraser (HBASc’10) rejoined Lakehead Orillia in June 2017 as the campus’s international engagement specialist. Along with her interdisciplinary studies degree from Lakehead, Katelyn recently

completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Alberta.

Most recently, she worked as the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network’s project coordinator.

Last June, Ian McRae (HBASc’16/ BEd’16) graduated from Lakehead Orillia’s education program and then in December 2016, he moved to Pangnirtung, Nunavut, with his partner, Erica Beuermann (HBSW’15) – a fellow Lakehead grad. Ian is now working as an elementary school teacher and Erica is working as a community outreach mental health worker. Ian credits his involvement as a student leader and a Lakehead University Student Union executive with helping him become who he is today and daring to take this unconventional journey.

In Memoriam Reverend Charles (Chuck) Ernest Spicer (BA’65) died September 3, 2017, at the age of 74. Chuck will be deeply missed by Karen Spicer, Allison and Paul Tomka, and his cherished grandson, Jamison Tomka, as well as many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and members of the congregations he was involved with over the years.

Chuck was called to serve as a minister with the United Church of Canada in Winnipeg and Ottawa and then as chaplain at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. A memorial service was held at Rideau Park United Church on September 8, 2017.

Those who wish to do so may make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimerottawa.ca) or to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health (theroyal.ca) in Chuck’s memory.

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Discover the unconventional journeys our students, researchers, and alumni are taking in our 2016/2017 Annual Report.

pathways.lakeheadu.ca