Lakehead University Launches 50th Anniversary Celebrations!
by Scott A. Sumner
Dr Brian Stevenson President, Lakehead University
“ Today is the beginning of a year of celebrations for Lakehead University for our 50th Anniversary. This is an institution that has been here for 50 years and has had a huge economic impact, cultural impact and impact on the social fibre of Thunder Bay and NW Ontario. We have had had a direct impact of at least $6 billion over 50 years so the university has had a very positive impact on the community. We want the community to celebrate these 50 years with us.”
“ I regularly hear stories from people who say if there hadn’t been a university in Thunder Bay they would have not of gone to university. The economic driver in Ontario more and more is through knowledge based economies, so having a university educated population is important for our economy going forward.”
“ We started as a technical institute in the 1940’s with a series of programs geared towards the economy and we have followed on that tradition. Since 1965 we have become a fully comprehensive university so we have everything from medical, law, engineering, business,
forestry, science and education- a whole wide variety of programs that
directly links into the economy, the culture and social fibre of N W
Ontario.”
“ On July1st we will celebrate the actual day when the Lakehead University Act came in place. In October we will have our very first home coming event to attract part of those 55,000 to 60,000 alumni we have across the country and around the world. We hope to have that homecoming event, which will have sports and cultural activities and outreach programs, every year. There will be many events in between those as well.”
Keith Hobbs Mayor of Thunder Bay
. “ The economics Lakehead University brings to Thunder Bay are great and over 50,000 students world wide have graduated from this university and left their mark on society. Four of my immediate family members graduated from Lakehead University and are doing fantastic out in the world, so the education is second to none here.” “ We are trying to build a vibrant strong community. If we can keep our children here and provide jobs, that is what it is all about. Lakehead University gives our children a step up. Our varsity teams also provide country wide recognition and helps put Thunder Bay on the map.” Visit their website 50.lakeheadu.ca