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Laurentian University launches Canada's first Master's degree in Science Communication

Laurentian University launches Canada's first Master's degree in Science Communication

Canada’s first and only comprehensive Master’s program in Science Communication was celebrated today at Laurentian University. The first cohort of students enrolled in this 12-month intense program began courses in early September.

The Master’s program in Science Communication delivers a multi-disciplinary experience that covers the theory underlying good communication, as well as the practical challenges of effectively communicating science and the issues involving science in society. Students currently enrolled in the 9-month Graduate Diploma in Science Communication program have been able to transition to the Master’s by completing an additional three months of study.

“This Master’s program is a natural extension of the graduate diploma that we have been offering in partnership with Science North since 2005,” said Dr. Chantal Barriault, Director of the Science Communication program at Laurentian University. “The Master’s in Science Communication will address the growing demand we have seen for our graduates. Science is woven into decisions at every level of our lives. People should be able to make informed choices without needing a science degree to do that.  That’s where our students come in.”

Barriault says trends in science research, industry, and public policy have prompted a need for trained people in this rapidly growing field. Laurentian’s graduates are specialists in communicating the work of leading researchers and scientists to diverse audiences, from young children to politicians. They are employed in a range of fields, including government and non-governmental organizations, industry, science centres, zoos, aquariums, popular science publications, and leading research institutions.

Guy Labine, CEO of Science North stated, “Science North’s core mission is to involve people in the relationship between science and everyday life by communicating science to people in a way they can understand and enjoy. When we launched the Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program 12 years ago, in partnership with Laurentian University, we saw it as a natural extension of what we do every day at our science centres. The evolution of the program to a Masters reflects the growing acknowledgement in the world of the importance of science communication. Graduates of this program can have a real impact on our understanding and comprehension of science today. All of this wouldn’t be possible without our close partnership with Laurentian University, Dr. Chantal Barriault and Dr. David Pearson, and my predecessor Jim Marchbank.”

“We are thrilled to be offering this exceptional Science Communication program at the Masters level and we look forward to building on its incredible success with our partners at Science North,” said Serge Demers, Vice-President Academic and Provost.

More information about the program can be found at https://laurentian.ca/program/science-communication.

 

About Science North

Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the province, operating the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel, a separate science centre focused on mining and earth sciences. In addition to the two science centres in Sudbury, Science North also oversees an award-winning-Large Format Film production unit, as well as an International Sales unit, which develops custom and ready-made exhibits for sale or lease to science centres, museums, and other cultural institutions all over the world. Science North, in partnership with Laurentian University, offers North America’s first and only Science Communication program. As part of its mandate, Science North provides science experiences throughout Northern Ontario including outreach to schools and festivals, summer science camps and more, and has a permanent base in Thunder Bay providing outreach to the Northwest. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information please visit sciencenorth.ca.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics, rural and northern children’s health, and occupational health and safety. 

Laurentian's Dr. Kauppi recognized for research on homelessness

Laurentian's Dr. Kauppi recognized for research on homelessness

Director of the Centre for Research in Social Justice and Policy receives Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council 2017 Impact Partnership Award

Laurentian University researcher Dr. Carol Kauppi was in Ottawa today to receive an award for her accomplishments in working with university and community partners to understand homelessness in northern Ontario. Dr. Kauppi received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) 2017 Impact Award for her research into sources of social and economic inequality and strategies for working toward social justice.

The Impact Awards recognize outstanding researchers and celebrate their achievements in research, research training, knowledge mobilization, and outreach activities funded partially or completely by SSHRC. The Partnership Award recognizes Dr. Kauppi as a champion in bringing forward the very best ideas in the social sciences and humanities, and in helping to understand and improve the world around us, today and into the future. The award comes with a $50,000 grant that will be used to extend research on hidden homelessness as it relates to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous people.

“Hidden homelessness is exactly what it sounds like.  It’s about people without a stable roof over their heads who go largely unnoticed,” said Dr. Carol Kauppi, Laurentian University Professor and Director of the Centre for Research in Social Justice and Policy. “It can affect young people who are couch surfing, seniors who cannot afford appropriate accommodations, people living in bush camps, or families living with housing hardship in overcrowded, substandard conditions.”

Dr. Kauppi’s work has examined various forms of homelessness and extreme poverty among a number of vulnerable groups including women, young people, families, and seniors in key cultural groups of northeastern Ontario. The research program linked to the award will focus on Indigenous populations in particular as part of an effort to implement 15 calls to action issued by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The research will relate knowledge of hidden homelessness to underlying issues pertaining to housing hardship among Indigenous populations of northeastern Ontario, and work toward identifying solutions to improve relations between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

“All orders of government have been paying more attention in recent years to rising poverty and homelessness, and that is a positive step,” said Dr. Kauppi. “But if we are going to create good public policy and make investments that help as many people as possible, we need a more accurate understanding of how many Canadians are affected, and in what manner. I’m grateful to SSHRC for this recognition and looking forward to continuing this much needed research with a bilingual tri-cultural, interdisciplinary team in Sudbury.”

Dr. Kauppi is preparing to expand her research into hidden homeless on a national scale. With a grant from SSHRC, she will lead a group of researchers from Laurentian University, the University of Sudbury and the Sudbury and District Health Unit. They will conduct a series of workshops on the issues, bring colleagues from across the country together, lead a national conference, and publish a book on hidden homelessness and reconciliation.

“I congratulate Dr. Kauppi on her work and on this SSHRC award,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University. “Laurentian University is proud, not only of its leadership role in research, but in the dedication of our people to work in partnership with community and government stakeholders to develop projects that will improve people’s lives. Dr. Kauppi is a stellar example.”

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics, rural and northern children’s health, and occupational health and safety. 

Update: New collective agreement reached between Laurentian University and staff union

Update: New collective agreement reached between Laurentian University and staff union

September 1, 2017

 

The Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU) and Laurentian University have reached a new collective agreement. Union members voted 93% in favour of the 3-year contract extension negotiated a full 10-months before the LUSU’s current agreement was due to expire.

“This agreement is good news for our employees and the entire Laurentian community. I want to thank our partners at LUSU for their hard work and cooperation,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Laurentian University Interim President and Vice Chancellor. “Reaching this agreement almost a year before the expiry of the current collective agreement reflects both the quality of the relationship between the University and LUSU, and our mutual interest in organizational stability as we finalize the University’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan.”

The 3-year contract extension will remain in effect until June 30, 2021. Under the terms of this agreement, LUSU members will receive economic wage increases of 1.8% on July 1, 2018, 1.5% on July 1, 2019 and 1.5% on July 1, 2020.  Members will increase pension contributions above the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) from 8.2% to 9.9%. Laurentian will continue to equally share the cost of pension contributions. New workforce management language is incorporated to reflect the University’s commitment to no redundancies and allow for flexibility in transferring incumbents to other positions.

“LUSU members are proud of their work to ensure quality operations across every aspect of the Laurentian campus,” said Tom Fenske LUSU President. “We are also proud of the solid relationship that has developed between our union and the University administration. This relationship has allowed us to complete the latest contract process well ahead of schedule and we all look forward to continuing that partnership to the benefit of the entire Laurentian community.”

LUSU represents approximately 280 staff members at Laurentian University. They include: clerical and secretarial employees, technologists, technicians, computer staff, maintenance personnel, library staff including library technicians and assistants, operating engineers, printing services employees and security.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  

Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.

With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics, rural and northern children’s health, and occupational health and safety. 

More than $500,000 in federal funding granted to support mine waste management and forensics research projects

More than $500,000 in federal funding granted to support mine waste management and forensics research projects

Laurentian University will receive $508,765 in federal infrastructure funding for a pair of projects expected to produce ground-breaking results in the fields of mine waste-management and forensics. The funding, from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, was announced by Federal Minister for Science Kirsty Duncan during a visit to the Laurentian University campus in Sudbury. Minister Duncan announced more than $52-million in research innovation projects at 51 universities across Canada.

 

Projects at Laurentian University

Mining

One of the projects funded by this announcement is a new field and lab analysis facility that will help Nadia Mykytczuk and her team find solutions to the high financial and environmental costs of mining. Dr. Mykytczuk’s work, which focuses on developing alternative mine waste management technologies, especially for a colder northern climate, contributes to making the mining industry cleaner, safer and more efficient.


Forensics and Metabolomics

The federal investment will also fund an advanced mass spectrometry facility that will help define the potential and the limits of what can be concluded in toxicological analysis of skeletal remains and to explore the fundamentals of metabolism. The facility will be used to identify selected chemical compounds, such as toxins and their metabolic by-products in decomposed remains, animal tissues and environmental samples (water, soil, etc), and to measure the concentrations of those compounds. The facility will also be used to explore how metabolism changes with disease, exercise, and even working deep underground.

 

It was great touring @HSNRI this morning with @KirstyDuncanMP @ScienceMin . @MarcSerreMP @Dominic_Giroux Thanks for having us! pic.twitter.com/uvVT2oJuXx

— Paul Lefebvre (@LefebvrePaul) August 15, 2017


The importance of federal infrastructure investment

Laurentian University remains a research leader in Northern Ontario, thanks in large part to investment from our federal partners. Previous CFI investment has funded projects such as the lab shared by Dr. James Watterson and Dr. Thomas Merritt. Among other applications, Dr. Watterson’s research is developing and characterizing methods for analysis of micro samples of blood that are stored as dried spots to assist in forensic investigations of drivers suspected to be impaired by drugs.

Sports Psychology prof to lead international society

Sports Psychology prof to lead international society

Congratulations to Laurentian Professor Dr. Robert Schinke, Canada Research Chair in Multicultural Sport and Physical Activity, who was elected president of the International Society of Sports Psychology earlier this summer.

At 51, Schinke is the prestigious society’s youngest president, and the first Canadian to occupy the post. In his new role he will lead a worldwide effort to help increase sports psychology capacity in developing countries.

In his current research, Schinke is investigating the sport-related challenges new Canadians experience in the country’s sport system.

Since 2000 he has worked extensively with world champion professional boxers featured on HBO, and is currently preparing the Canadian male and female national boxing and karate teams for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Recently, one of his former Ph.D. students was awarded the Governor General's Gold Medal for her dissertation project and subsequently named the International Society of Sport Psychology's Developing Scholar Award Recipient for 2017.

CROSH 'driving prevention through research'

CROSH 'driving prevention through research'

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) unveiled Canada’s first mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health research

Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn, Laurentian University President and Vice Chancellor Dominic Giroux and Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) unveiled Canada’s first mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health research (Mobile-CROSH) today.

“With our investment of $500,200, Mobile-CROSH will allow researchers and university students to connect with geographically-isolated workers in northern Ontario communities. This will lead to even better prevention of occupational injuries and disease,” stated Labour Minister Kevin Flynn. “This is a ground-breaking approach to occupational health and safety research, and we are proud to be able to launch this initiative.”

Mobile-CROSH, (M-CROSH) is a custom designed vehicle, a 40-foot mobile lab which includes a clinic room, meeting area, and lab space; to support field research in mental health and quality of worklife, mobile equipment design for accident prevention, vibration-induced injury prevention, fatigue mitigation, heat stress prevention, sleep hygiene to improve sleep quality and quantity, and evaluation of intervention programs; to name a few.

M-CROSH will serve as a bridge to communities, often excluded from occupational health and safety research due to their northern geography.  It will increase collaboration between research Centres, workers, industry, and health and safety agencies.

The research conducted by M-CROSH will be vital and the results will benefit workers throughout Canada.  “This mobile lab will be a critical element to CROSH’s Field – to Lab – to Field research approach”, said Leo Gerard, International USW President and Chair of the CROSH Advisory Board.  “By bringing the research lab to northern worksites, workers can play an active role in improving their own workplaces.”

CROSH Research Chair, Dr. Tammy Eger and Director, Dr. Sandra Dorman agree: “M-CROSH will change the way occupational health and safety research is conducted.  It will connect workers to current best practices through CROSH collaborations with other research Centres and Safe Workplace Association partners”.

A number of communities across Northern Ontario will see M-CROSH roll into town as the inaugural Driving Prevention Through Research tour kicks off this fall.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics, rural and northern children’s health, and occupational health and safety. 

Laurentian University students win top spots at prestigious mining competition

Laurentian University students win top spots at prestigious mining competition

Teams from the Bharti School of Engineering walked away with $30,000 in prize money for their first and second place finish at the Ontario Mining Association’s Mined Challenge held in Toronto.

Laurentian University today congratulated two teams of students from the Bharti School of Engineering for winning top honours at a major mining competition in Toronto. The teams were awarded first and second place at the Ontario Mining Association’s Mined Open Innovation Challenge.

During the competition, teams of students were asked to draw up plans to expand operations at a mining site where new ore deposits had been discovered. The challenge was to tap into the new, deeper resources using innovative technologies and practices, without negatively affecting health, safety, the environment, and a nearby community. The finalists presented their proposals to a group of judges made up of mining industry executives, as well as a live audience.

The first place prize of $15,000 was awarded to Laurentian students Joshua Fortes, Alex MacInnes, Adam Grinbergs, Liam Dunn, Muhammad Syed, and Justin So. Team leader Joshua Fortes was overjoyed with the victory saying, “This was a real group effort. We believe our proposal will be a great benefit to the mining industry and the communities located around mining facilities. We are humbled and honoured to have our plan chosen by the judges. I also want to congratulate all of the teams for their hard work and creative solutions.”

The second place prize of $10,000 was granted to another group of Laurentian students. The proposal presented by Sarah Bulanda, Peter Gazaes, and Patrick Lamontagne also won the Audience Choice Award at the competition, garnering the team an additional $5,000 in prize money.

The Mined Open Innovation Challenge aims to drive enhanced mining industry performance in health and safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and productivity. Laurentian University is a proud partner in this Challenge, along with the Ontario Mining Association and the mining/engineering schools at the University of Toronto, and Queen’s.

“I am so proud of all our award winning students,” said Dr. Osman Abou-Rabia, Laurentian’s Dean of Science, Engineering, and Architecture. “Their success at the Mined Open Innovation Challenge is a credit to the team members’ creativity, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit. They truly represent the qualities and talents that the Bharti School of Engineering continues to foster and develop.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. 

Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre opens at Laurentian University

Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre opens at Laurentian University

Unique Centre designed for people of all backgrounds to gather, learn, and promote Indigeneity

Laurentian University opened its Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) today as part of National Aboriginal Day celebrations. The ISLC brings together students, faculty, staff, and the community to enhance Indigenous education, advance understanding, and support the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. Equipped with a unique round-room gathering space, seminar room, counselling areas, ceremonial spaces, student lounge and a kitchen, the Centre will become a “home away from home” for many Indigenous students.

“Laurentian University has placed itself at the forefront of promoting Indigenous education and research, and also of fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages understanding and cooperation between students of all backgrounds,” said Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek, Associate Vice-President Academic and Indigenous Programs.  “The ISLC is the physical embodiment of that commitment. We hope that the Centre will bring our students together to find solutions that will make all our communities better places to live.”

The ISLC features 7500 sq. ft. of space that signifies an important and visible presence of Indigenous peoples at Laurentian University. The Centre was designed with input from the Indigenous community including the Laurentian University Native Education Council, who were instrumental in advocating and supporting its development. The spectacular round-room, inspired by the wigwam (the traditional building of the Indigenous peoples of this area) has four entry points that face each of the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West), and is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-media system. Its flexible configuration can accommodate large groups for a range of activities, including teaching, meeting, lectures and special celebrations.  The room features an environmentally and sustainable green roof, and has views and access to outdoor teaching spaces and the surrounding landscaped area.

The Centre also features several specialized spaces for a range of activities including classrooms, counselling services and an area where students from remote Indigenous communities will be able to contact friends and family back home free of charge. The ISLC has two areas specially designated for smudging as well as an area for the preparation of traditional Indigenous cuisine.

“The best way to reconcile our sometimes painful past as a country and move forward to forge better communities for everyone is to encourage true understanding and collaboration between students of all backgrounds,” said Dominic Giroux, President of Laurentian University. “The ISLC provides an exceptional venue to bring people together and to promote a better understanding of Indigenous peoples, history, cultures and traditions.”

The Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre is the latest innovation to be implemented at Laurentian University following the Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2016. Laurentian recently inaugurated the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute to encourage the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews, knowledges and perspectives across all aspects of academic research. And as of September 2017, all undergraduates in the Bachelor of Arts program will also be required to take a minimum of six credits from the more than 100 courses offered with indigenous perspectives.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health.

First graduating class from Canada’s newest architecture school awarded degrees during 2017 Spring Convocation

First graduating class from Canada’s newest architecture school awarded degrees during 2017 Spring Convocation

Renowned Canadian architect Marianne McKenna also receives honorary doctorate during the McEwen School ceremony

Students in the charter class of Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture were awarded their diplomas today during an afternoon convocation ceremony. The McEwen School began welcoming students in September 2013, making it the first new school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years.

“I am very proud of all the students graduating this year. They are now truly part of Laurentian University history,” said Terrance Galvin, Director of the McEwen School of Architecture. “This school was the product of many years of hard work involving the entire Greater Sudbury community. I know that this charter class will make us all proud by using their design talents to enrich their communities for years to come.”

Planning for Laurentian University’s school of architecture began in 2007 and was helped along through much cooperation and financial contributions from all orders of government and the community. It was later renamed the McEwen School of Architecture in honour of generous philanthropists Rob and Cheryl McEwen.

Classes began in September 2013 with McEwen students involved in many high-profile projects. In only three years, they received many prestigious national and international awards for their design work, including taking first place at the 2016 Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway. The school’s new state of the art facility, located in the historic CP Telegraph building in downtown Sudbury, opened its doors in January 2017. The building reflects the McEwen school’s vision for architectural design by incorporating original elements with modern and high-tech features, while also casting a spotlight on Indigenous design and heritage.

Making the Spring 2017 convocation even more special for the charter class was the presence of renowned Canadian architect Marianne McKenna of KPMB Architects. The award-winning designer was invited by Laurentian to receive an honorary doctorate for her contributions to the worlds of architecture, education, and advocacy.

“When I spoke to this year’s graduating class, I told them to be proud of their past accomplishments while always looking forward to their next achievements,” said Dominic Giroux, President of Laurentian University. “The same is true for the McEwen School of Architecture. We are very proud of all we have accomplished over the last decade. But now we are looking ahead to the next steps including new research, and most notably the new Masters in Architecture program that begins in the Fall.”


View Graduation Ceremony

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates. With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $200 million in research income in the past five years. 

Laurentian honours four distinguished Canadians for improving lives and communities

Laurentian honours four distinguished Canadians for improving lives and communities

Nurse, Indigenous educator, noted architect, and dedicated philanthropist to receive Honorary Doctorates at 2017 Spring Convocation

Laurentian University will award honorary doctorates to four distinguished Canadians during its 2017 Spring Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury. This year’s recipients have dedicated themselves to helping people and improving their communities through the fields of healthcare, education, architecture, and law.

“The honorary doctorate recipients this spring have contributed to the betterment of society through their wisdom, dedication, and commitment,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice Chancellor, Laurentian University.  “Their selfless contributions and achievements have touched the lives of many and we are thrilled to welcome them as part of our Laurentian Alumni family.”

Among those who will receive honorary doctorates are; noted nursing researcher and advocate Louise Picard, Indigenous Elder and educator Rita Corbiere, internationally renowned architect Marianne McKenna, and Toronto lawyer and philanthropist Perry Dellelce.

“These distinguished Canadians have spent their lives doing good for others,” said Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin. “I am delighted to award these honorary doctorates to these outstanding people who have excelled in their own fields while also turning their talents to improving the world around them.”

The following individuals will be awarded Honorary Doctorates at Convocation ceremonies to be held at Laurentian’s Sudbury campus:

 

Louise Picard

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 2:30 pm

Doctorate of Letters (honoris causa)

Headshot of Louise Picard

Louise Picard has played key roles in public health as a nurse, researcher, evaluator, educator, administrator, mentor, leader and innovator since graduating from Laurentian University’s School of Nursing. Louise began her career as a public health nurse doing home visits. In 1977, she played a key role in establishing genetic counseling services at the Sudbury and District Health Unit (SDHU), a model adopted across northern Ontario and internationally. After completing her master’s degree, she was coordinator, and later director, of the Sudbury Public Health Research, Education and Development (PHRED) program. From 1998 until 2005, she was director of the Resources, Research, Evaluation and Development (RRED) Division at SDHU. Louise’s passion for research is evidenced by her Teen Prenatal Study of health outcomes for pregnant adolescents and two provincial reports on francophone health status for which she played a lead role. Louise is recognized for her ability to encourage various sectors and disciplines to work effectively together. She initiated discussions that led to the creation of the Public Health Research Initiative Grant, now renamed the Louise Picard Public Health Research Grant. In addition, she has received the Ontario Public Health Association Honorary Membership Award and was named the Nursing Practice award recipient by the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario Sudbury and District Chapter. She is also recipient of one of Laurentian University’s 50 Years of Alumni Recognition Awards.

 

Perry Dellelce

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 2:30 pm

Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa)

Headshot of Perry Dellelce

Born and raised in Sudbury, Perry Dellelce is Managing Partner and co-founder of one of Canada’s largest standalone corporate finance transactional law firms, Wildeboer Dellelce LLP. Perry’s willingness to give to the ongoing prosperity of Ontario and Canada is remarkable. Perry has served in volunteer leadership roles for the Sunnybrook Foundation, Western University, the University of Ottawa, the University of Notre Dame and the Canadian Olympic Foundation. He has given of himself to drive improvements in healthcare, education, arts and culture and athletics to the benefit of all Canadians. In addition to his community service in Toronto and across Canada, Perry is a passionate advocate for Laurentian University. He was one of the most active volunteer cabinet members of Laurentian’s The Next 50 Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Northern Ontario. Perry also spearheaded the Sudbury Families Campaign, which was directly responsible for securing $15 million in contributions from prominent members of the Sudbury community. He proudly proclaims his passion for Laurentian University and the City of Greater Sudbury each year as founder and co-chair of Toronto Celebrates Sudbury, a gala fundraising event which brings together Sudbury expatriates living in Toronto for an evening of reminiscence and celebration in support of various Sudbury-based causes. Perry Dellelce is recipient of the Albert Citation and the Purple and White Award from Western University, was inducted into the Honour’s Society of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and has been honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the College of Business – University of Notre Dame.

 

Rita G. Corbiere

Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 10:00 am

Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa)

Headshot of Rita Corbiere

Ms. Rita Corbiere is an Anishinaabe Elder and a remarkable educator whose wisdom has been generously shared with many learners. Ginii Kwe (Wild Rose) is Ojibway/Odawa and is a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, where she has mostly lived. She has touched many students as an educator, has led by example and has set her students on a good path by providing leadership in Indigenous ways of knowing, in health and in education. Rita’s education began in Wikwemikong where she was a student at the local school, followed by five years in residential school at the Spanish girls’ school. She then completed her Bachelor of Arts in Native and Environmental Studies at Laurentian University and her teacher training at North Bay’s Teacher College. Rita had a remarkable career as a teacher for several decades and was an elementary school principal for seven years. She is a proud speaker of the Anishinaabemowin language and a strong supporter of the language revitalization initiative in Anishinaabe territory. Rita has spent the last decade collaborating with Laurentian University, where she has made significant contributions to the academic literature in her capacity as Elder, research collaborator and co-author. She continues to be an active member in many community-based research projects, contributing as an Elder, advisor, co-author and co-presenter.  Her role has been critical in integrating Anishinaabe perspectives in academic research and helping to frame research in ways that acknowledge and contribute to Anishinaabe knowledge. Rita Corbiere is the recipient of the Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Laurentian University Native Education Person of Distinction Award.

 

Marianne McKenna

Thursday, June 1, 2017 – 2:30 pm (convocation for the charter class of the McEwen School of Architecture)

Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa)

Headshot of Marianne McKenna

Marianne McKenna founded KPMB Architects with her partners in 1987 as a hybrid model of practice based on gender equity, collaboration, diversity and excellence. Today KPMB is globally recognized as an award-winning Canadian practice. Born in Montreal, and educated at Swarthmore College and Yale University, Marianne has devoted her career to design excellence in architecture. In 2010, Marianne was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and in 2014, one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Canada by Maclean's. In 2012, she was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada for creating "architecture that enriches the public experience." Marianne is internationally acclaimed as the architect of the Royal Conservatory TELUS Centre and its iconic Koerner Hall, which has been praised by artists ranging from Chick Correa to Yo-Yo Ma. Her distinguished projects include the Rotman School of Management at the University Toronto, the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre at the University of Waterloo, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, described by the Chicago Tribune as a “spatially complex design that promises to teach valuable lessons of collaboration.” Currently Marianne is working on projects for the Brearley School in New York, historic Massey Hall in Toronto, and the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity in Banff National Park, Alberta. Marianne's love of architecture extends to teaching, mentoring, and advocacy. In the fall of 2016, she was the Lord Norman R. Foster Visiting Professor at Yale University and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for Metrolinx.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $200 million in research income in the past five years.

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