Lakehead University wants you to “think for yourself”
by Scott A. Sumner
Thunder Bay Business
Lakehead University want you to think for yourself and knows it’s students do just that!
“This the second year of the branding. I will think for myself showed some of our current students last year and sent the message this is a place where you can think for yourself. This year I think for myself shows some people who has been at Lakehead, graduated and have
thought for themselves based on the foundation of the education and making a difference by doing things. We are starting to illustrate some of our success stories,” said Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. “ Our first graduates we showcase in the campaign are in
the entertainment business. We have the CEO of Live Nation Mike Rapino. Shy- Anne Hovorka, an Aboriginal singer and Duncan Weller son our former VP. Duncan won the Governors General Award for children Literature Illustration. They are on the posters.”
“The university and I am proud. It is nice to be associated with people who are making such a difference.You have to think individually. It is your critical judgement to think through what makes sense. These individuals are risk takers,” said Gilbert.
Lakehead University is showing some growth this year. “ Our student numbers are up by a little this year because of the Orillia campus. We had a target for 700 for Orillia and are closer to 800. We are in the 8000 students range in total. Turning out good students with strong
performance is what it is all about.”
Branding initiative showcases graduates who have succeeded by being
independent thinkers, a cornerstone of the Lakehead University
educational experience.
(October 21, 2009 – Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University is bolstering its “indie” reputation as a university that encourages its students to be innovative and independent thinkers. Its strategic branding campaign, “I think for myself,” portrays a series of ads, online initiatives, and aligned promotional material featuring key graduates who reflect on the role of their Lakehead education and how it shaped
their actions leading to their success.
The ads include: Michael Rapino (B Admin 1989), CEO, Live Nation; Shy-Anne Hovorka (BEd 2003, HBA Music 2000), singer-songwriter and six-time nominee for the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award (APCMA), and Duncan Weller (BA 1989), Governor General’s Award winner for Children’s Literature (Illustration).
“Lakehead University provides a special educational experience at its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, from its inquiry-based learning to the opportunity for a more intimate learning environment. This gives students the chance to blossom individually and exercise their
curiosity and critical thinking to their fullest,” says Dr. Frederick Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. “The ‘I think for myself’ campaign highlights Lakehead success stories that are testaments to this reality– former students who went out into the world and shaped
very creative lives and careers built on the experiences they had at Lakehead University.”
The campaign, which commences October 2009 and runs until the end of March 2010, will appear in transit, print, and online, with outdoor poster support. The University has aligned all its student and parent touch points via iwillthinkformyself.com, mylakehead.ca, Facebook, and
marketing materials such as the University Admissions Handbook. All carry the same theme – that independent thinking enriches the educational experience and creates lifelong opportunities.
According to Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, “The branding campaign is a strategic platform that positions Lakehead as an institution for those who wish their post-secondary education to support their individuality – not force them to conform to the
standards of others. Lakehead students tend to be individualists, and this is encouraged by the professors Lakehead attracts.”
Dr. Gilbert adds, “All the Lakehead graduates whom we contacted were enthusiastic about being invited to participate in the branding campaign, and gave us a rich depository of stories to tell. The University can look forward to telling more such stories of its past, current, and future students, as well as those of its outstanding professors and researchers, in the years to come.”
