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Harquail Family Invests $10 Million to Advance Mineral Exploration Research

Harquail Family Invests $10 Million to Advance Mineral Exploration Research

Department of Earth Sciences will now be known as the Harquail School of Earth Sciences

*Photo left to right: James Harquail, Sofia Harquail, David Harquail, Birgitta Sigfridsson, Peter Harquail

David Harquail announced today that his family foundation is making a $10 million investment to support Laurentian University’s Department of Earth Sciences and its Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC). The University’s Board of Governors has unanimously decided to honour the Harquail family by renaming the Department of Earth Sciences as the Harquail School of Earth Sciences and associate ongoing MERC efforts with the Harquail name. A celebration of the Harquail family’s generosity will be held in the coming weeks.  

“Laurentian University is already a global leader in mineral exploration research,” explained David Harquail. “This is a step towards making Laurentian the leading centre for mineral exploration research in the world. Laurentian has mining in its DNA with its location next to mines and a cluster of mining related government departments and research agencies on campus. Success will come from the development of new concepts and tools to find the next generation of ore deposits.”

An $8.4 million endowment will be created to support new research chairs, lab equipment and supplies, technical support and scholarships for international PhD students. The balance of $1.6 million will allow for the immediate recruitment of a Research Chair in Exploration Targeting and other support.

“We are immensely grateful to the Harquail family for this transformative gift,” said Dr. Douglas Tinkham, Director of the Harquail School of Earth Sciences. “The mining industry’s exploration efforts are at a low ebb and are focused on the near term.  The university is committed to the longer term science that could lead to new discoveries. This investment helps us to build the capacity to do that science.”

“This research is fundamental because the discovery of ore bodies creates value for all of society,” said Harquail. “Mining companies deliver that value by building and operating the mines.  And that value is shared with all levels of government, the First Nations and the overall economy through the multiplier effect.  None of this can happen without that initial discovery.”

“Canada disproportionately benefits from its entrepreneurial strength in global mineral exploration. Even discoveries outside of Canada contribute to the well-being of Canadians.  Canada’s resource entrepreneurs have been among the most generous philanthropists in this country benefiting many universities, hospitals and other institutions,” added Harquail. 

The Harquail School of Earth Sciences is the fourth school in less than five years renamed in recognition of eight-figure private gifts at Laurentian University from Canadian resource entrepreneurs, following the Bharti School of Engineering, the Goodman School of Mines and the McEwen School of Architecture.

“This investment from the Harquail family is an exceptional gesture of support for our faculty, staff and students in Earth Sciences, and we believe it is also a testament to the momentum and growing national recognition of our university,” said Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

 

About the Harquail Family

The Harquail family through its Midas Touch Foundation supports charities, hospitals, education and the arts. It is managed by David Harquail and Birgitta Sigfridsson along with their children, Sofia, James and Peter. Today’s announcement is the largest commitment by the foundation to date. 

David Harquail is President and CEO of Franco-Nevada Corporation, a gold-focused royalty company listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.  Franco-Nevada has royalty interests on over 260 mineral properties around the world including many in the Sudbury basin and Northern Ontario. The company is a sponsor of the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University and Mr. Harquail serves on its global advisory board.

 

About the Harquail School of Earth Sciences

The Harquail School of Earth Sciences and its Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) comprise 14 award-winning faculty including three Geological Association of Canada-Mineral Deposits Division winners, seven staff, six post-doctoral fellows, 78 graduate and 94 undergraduate award-winning students. It has by far the highest level of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI) funding in economic geology of any department in Canada. It is housed in the ultra-modern Willet Green Miller Centre, together with the Ontario Geological Survey, the Ontario Geoscience Laboratories (Geo Labs) and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Located on the southern rim of one of the world's largest, oldest, and best-exposed meteorite impact sites, Sudbury’s massive deposits of nickel, copper and platinum group elements provide unique opportunities for mining-related field instruction, co-op education, pure and applied research. The region’s geological environments include Archean volcanic/sedimentary belts, a Proterozoic sedimentary/volcanic belt, Grenville metamorphic terrains, and lower to middle Paleozoic sequences. The School constitutes an unparalleled learning environment in ore deposits, structural geology, geophysics, mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, sedimentation and stratigraphy, and paleoecology.

 

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 $100 million in research income in the past five years. 

Federal Cabinet Retreat at Laurentian University a "Tremendous Success"

Federal Cabinet Retreat at Laurentian University a "Tremendous Success"

The first ever federal cabinet retreat held at a postsecondary institution has been an unqualified success, and a unique opportunity to showcase university-based research and innovation

The first ever federal cabinet retreat held at a postsecondary institution has been an unqualified success, and a unique opportunity to showcase university-based research and innovation, said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

 

“We were thrilled to be hosting the Prime Minister, his staff, the federal cabinet, their Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Ministers, staff from the Privy Council Office and Canada’s Ambassador to the United States at our campus, and in every respect, we feel that the event has been a tremendous success,” said Mr. Giroux. 

 

Laurentian was invited to host the retreat because of its proven track record of hosting high level events such as the Ontario Summer Games, the Jeux de la francophonie canadienne and numerous national and international conferences, as well as its leadership role in research and innovation, its profile as a bilingual institution and comprehensive approach to indigenous education.

 

The Prime Minister, members of cabinet, and their staff all stayed in one of the two new student residences opened at Laurentian since 2008.

 

“It has been a unique privilege to work with the Privy Council Office to host this retreat, and we were delighted by the opportunity to hold discussions with ministers, deputy ministers and their staff over the course of the visit,” said Mr. Giroux.  “Of course, it was also a pleasure to show them our beautiful 765-acre campus surrounded by five lakes, a golf course, a beach, and an extensive network of nature trails.”

Prime Minister arriving

 

Laurentian’s President, along with faculty and staff, met with several cabinet ministers during the retreat, and had informal talks about university-based research and innovation and its impact on the Canadian economy. 

 

 

Laurentian is the top-rated university in Canada for funded research in Economic Geology, Applied Geophysics, Rock Mechanics, Sports Psychology, and Social Policy, Planning and Social Prevention. Laurentian currently has nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen specialized research centres.

Rob and Cheryl McEwen invest $10 Million in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture

Rob and Cheryl McEwen invest $10 Million in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture

The Laurentian University School of Architecture will now be known as the McEwen School of Architecture

The Laurentian University School of Architecture will now be known as the McEwen School of Architecture, in recognition of a significant investment by Rob and Cheryl McEwen. A blue and gold banner bearing the McEwen name was unfurled outside the School in downtown Sudbury today, as the McEwens announced a $10 million gift. Four million dollars will be used to complete the School’s $45 million state-of-the-art facility. The remaining $6 million will enhance the student experience and maximize their capacity to become agents of change for architecture globally.   

“Investing in Laurentian’s School of Architecture is a thrilling and proud moment for us.  This School’s focus on green and sustainable design, rooted in northern landscapes and community, is creating unique opportunities for the next generation of architects,” said Rob McEwen.  “We are already seeing the impact the School has had on northern communities in its first three years, and we look forward to the innovation and excellence in design these young leaders will achieve in years to come.”

 

“We are immensely grateful to the McEwen family for this transformative gift,” said Dr. Terrance Galvin, Founding Director of the School of Architecture. “This investment will help us fulfill our mission to establish a unique and cutting-edge architecture program whose graduates will contribute to socio-economic and cultural development in the Northern latitudes across Canada and around the world.  With his vision and enthusiasm, Rob will be a superb mentor to our students.”

 

Mr. McEwen is renowned as a visionary in the mining industry and in philanthropy. After a successful career in financial services and investment management, Mr. McEwen became one of Canada’s leading executives in the mining industry.  He is the founder of Goldcorp Inc., which he grew from a small company with a market capitalization of $50 million to a global player worth more than $10 billion. He is currently the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc. (MUX on NYSE & TSX) and of Lexam VG Gold Inc. (LEX on TSX), which explore for and mine gold, silver, and copper, in Canada, USA, Mexico and Argentina. Some of Rob McEwen’s awards include the 2003 Northern Miners “Mining Man of the Year”, and the 2006 Canadian Business magazine’s “Most Innovative CEO.” He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007.   Rob and his wife Cheryl are passionate about encouraging and promoting excellence and innovation in education and health care. Their donations to furthering these objectives are in excess of $50 million.

Cheryl McEwen is Vice-Chair of UHN Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, which raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Canada’s largest medical research hospital complex. She is the founder and President of “Make my Day Foods” the creator and manufacturer of the Veggie Puck, an organic, raw, frozen and nutrient-dense mixed vegetable serving ready to be blended into a daily smoothie. Cheryl is the Co-Chair of the Grand Cru Culinary Wine Festival, which is recognized as one of Canada's top fundraising events. This event annually assembles the finest wine and gourmet cuisine and the brightest minds in medical research. Grand Cru has raised net proceeds of more than $21.2 million for medical research since its inception in 2005. Cheryl is also very active in the strategic growth of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine.

“We are honoured to accept this generous investment by the McEwens in our School of Architecture, and proud that the School will be associated with Rob and his family,” said Steve Paikin, Chancellor of Laurentian University.  “It is a great gesture of support for our School and our students, and we believe it is also a testament to the momentum and growing national recognition of our university,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  

The McEwen School of Architecture welcomed its charter class in September 2013.  It will launch its Master of Architecture graduate program in 2017.

 

About the McEwen School of Architecture

Laurentian’s School of Architecture is the first new school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years. It is also the first school of its kind in Northern Ontario and the first in Canada outside Québec to offer courses in French. The McEwen School provides an immersive educational experience that conveys the inherent necessity of pairing technical expertise with a full understanding of the spirit of landscapes, and the people who inhabit them, in order to design smart, sustainable and functional buildings. In only three years, students have already won numerous national and international awards, including a first place win at the Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway in May 2016.

As the 12th School of Architecture in Canada, the School was conceived as a venue for students from the North to be able to study architecture in their region; it will also encourage recent graduates to stay and become a part of the growing design community in the North. The McEwen School will be recognized for its research and design with wood, its research into indigenous architecture, as well as its expertise in studying the Sudbury Basin as a source for design.

The McEwen School is housed in a magnificent new $45 million complex in downtown Sudbury designed by LGA Architectural Partners totalling 77,000 sq ft including two century-old repurposed buildings formerly owned by CP Rail and CP Telegraph, and a final phase of 52,000 sq ft which will officially open this Fall serving more than 260 students. A highly competitive program, enrolment will rise to 400 students by 2018, when it will have 25 faculty and staff.

Ontario Supporting Geoscience Research

Ontario Supporting Geoscience Research

Initiative to Help Stimulate Mineral Development in Northern Ontario

Ontario is supporting a groundbreaking research proposal that will help lead to future mining innovations and create jobs in the North.

The province's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing $5 million over seven years to support Laurentian University in its proposal to form a research consortium to better understand how and where base and precious metal deposits formed. This research could lead to improved success in finding ore bodies for future mining development.

Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $1 billion through the NOHFC to more than 7,463 projects, leveraging more than $3.97 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 28,100 jobs in Northern Ontario.

Investing in research and innovation is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quotes

“The ground-breaking innovation at Laurentian University and in Sudbury's renowned mineral sector ‎are key to maintaining Ontario's reputation as a leading mining jurisdiction. Continuing to invest in research and innovation initiatives like this one in Sudbury will help to grow the economy and create jobs across all of Ontario’s Northern communities.”

-Glenn Thibeault MPP for Sudbury

 

“Ontario’s capacity to compete globally in the mining sector depends on how well we can harness our research and innovation strengths. Laurentian University’s research consortium supports Ontario’s renewed Mineral Development Strategy, which is providing a blueprint to ensure Ontario remains a global leader in mineral development for years to come.”

-Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC

 

“Laurentian University is proposing to lead a consortium of Canadian researchers from academia and Canadian and international research centres, government and industry to make Canada a world leader in metal endowment research to enable new mining opportunities.”

-Dr. Rui Wang Vice President, Research, Laurentian University

 

Quick Facts

  • Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested $211 million in 1,210 projects that have helped create or retain more than 3,800 jobs in the Sudbury area.

  • Investments in strategic, applied research projects are an important part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario [pdf].

  • Ontario is on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18, which will also continue to lower the province’s debt-to-GDP ratio.

  • Laurentian University ranks #1 in Canada in National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding in Economic Geology and in Applied Geophysics, and #1 in Ontario in Mining and Mineral Processing.

Laurentian celebrates opening of new Executive Learning Centre

Laurentian celebrates opening of new Executive Learning Centre

State-of-the-art facility supported by significant gifts from donors

JUNE 27, 2016 –  A ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration today marked the official opening of the $3.1M Executive Learning Centre at Laurentian University. 

 

The state-of-the-art facility, recently constructed on the third floor of the University’s Fraser Building, is a mutli-media connected lecture theatre with a dedicated lounge and five seminar rooms, all equipped with the latest presentation and communication technology. 

 

The Executive Learning Centre (ELC) will house programs and workshops offered through Laurentian’s Faculty of Management and the Goodman School of Mines. The tiered lecture theatre provides seating for 68 people and is also equipped to connect distance learners to classroom technology. The ELC is the new location of all regular meetings of the University’s Board of Governors and Senate.

 

Significant gifts from key donors have helped fund the creation of the Executive Learning Centre.  These include $250,000 from BMO, $100,000 from Paul Parisotto and $100,000 from, and Don and Jackie Rastall.

 

“As a proud alumnus of Laurentian University, I am delighted to support this exceptional facility,” said Paul Parisotto (BA Economics, ’83), Chairman of Noront Resources Ltd, president and CEO of Coniston Investment Corp, and a member of the Goodman School of Mines International Advisory Board.  “It will be a focal point for executive education and life-long learning at Laurentian.”

 

“This remarkable facility is one of the crowning features of our campus transformation, and will be a point of pride for the University and the broader community,” said Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor.  “It would not have been possible without the support of the generous donors who have shared our vision, and we thank them sincerely for their investment.”

 

The Executive Learning Centre is part of Laurentian’s $63M campus modernization program, an historic investment in student-focussed spaces and facilities. 

Laurentian University secures international accreditation for its business programs

Laurentian University secures international accreditation for its business programs

Laurentian University secured international EPAS accreditation for its on-campus Bachelor of Business Administration program, as well as for its Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration.

JUNE 22, 2016 – Laurentian University secured international EPAS accreditation for its on-campus Bachelor of Business Administration program, as well as for its Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration, Canada’s only business degree in Sports Administration. As of May 2016, 98 business programs in 72 universities in 33 countries had the EPAS accreditation, mostly in Europe.

 

EPAS is an international program accreditation system operated by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). It aims to evaluate for accreditation the quality of management programs that have an international perspective and appropriately high quality.

 

“The international EPAS accreditation of our undergraduate business programs is a significant milestone for the Faculty of Management in light of our commitment to excellence in developing socially responsible leaders for the global business world. It’s a visible assurance of quality for current and future students, alumni and employers. As a bilingual university working in a very competitive higher education environment, it was important for us to be globally recognized for the excellence of our programs,” explained Dr. Stephen Havlovic, Dean of the Faculty of Management.

 

This decision followed a three-year process which culminated in a Peer Review Team visit in March by world-acclaimed business education leaders from Morocco, the United Kingdom and France. It involved an in-depth review of the two programs through an intensive comparative evaluation of 25 university-level standards and 56 program-level standards.

 

“We are very proud of the success of Laurentian’s Faculty of Management in securing EPAS accreditation, which really sets it apart from other business schools worldwide. This accreditation process was an exceptional opportunity for self-reflection, benchmarking and continuous improvement. Students are the first beneficiaries of this new international accreditation,” commented alumnus Tom Blake, Chairman of Sprout Wellness Solutions and Chair of the Dean’s External Advisory Council.

 

The Faculty of Management serves 1,921 students including 213 at the graduate level. Enrolment has increased by 16% in the last three years alone. Laurentian’s Bachelor of Business Administration is offered on campus in English and in French and on-line in English, for full-time and part-time students. Students can choose from a wide-range of program options including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources management, international management, marketing, and operations management. Co-op and internship opportunities are also available.

 

“Achieving international accreditation for the Faculty of Management was a desired outcome in the University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan. I am very proud of our colleagues who have worked tirelessly over the past three years to achieve this global recognition. With brand new classrooms, a new state-of-the-art Executive Learning Centre, a new departmental structure, new undergraduate and graduate program offerings, new faculty hires and now with this new prestigious international accreditation, the best is yet to come for the Faculty of Management,” concluded President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

Laurentian University Balances Budget for Sixth Consecutive Year

Laurentian University Balances Budget for Sixth Consecutive Year

Laurentian University Board of Governors approved the University’s 2016-2017 operating budget

The Laurentian University Board of Governors today approved the University’s 2016-2017 operating budget of $150.5 million, an increase of $2.7 million or 1.8% over last year.

New investments will support international accreditation in the Faculty of Management, the expansion of the School of Architecture, graduate programs, bilingual engineering programs, enhancements to Research Services, and to the University’s web presence and digital strategy.

More faculty members were recruited, including four new research chairs in Earth Sciences, Franco-Ontarian History, Indigenous Health, and Bio-Mining, Bio-Remediation and Science Communication.

The University is completing major capital projects including the new School of Architecture, improvements to labs in the Faculty of Health and to student areas in the Alphonse-Raymond Building, an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre and one-stop student services. Since 2011, Laurentian will have completed $153 million in capital investments.

“We are making strategic investments that will keep us on a steady course in the years ahead,” said Vice-President, Administration Carol McAulay. “We have worked to create room for future success, while being mindful of demographic trends of the university-age population.”

Ontario universities are preparing for a projected decrease of 9% in the 20- to 24-year old population by 2023. Over the same period, Ontario’s 25- to 44-year old population is expected to increase by 10%. Faced with this shifting demography, Laurentian has been adapting its program offering and enhanced its focus on student retention.

“There is no substitute for excellence. For a fifth consecutive year, we have the highest post-graduation employment rates among Ontario universities. The Faculty of Management secured international accreditations this week. Students from our new School of Architecture are already winning global competitions, as they did last month in Norway. Our average entry grade has risen from 79% to 82% since 2009, and the number of students entering Laurentian with an average of more than 85% has nearly doubled. Our Tri-Council funding has increased by 22% since 2009, while it has been stagnant nationally. With this approved budget, we have made a number of difficult choices in order to achieve the important outcomes articulated in our 2012-2017 Strategic Plan”, concluded Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor.

Other budget highlights:

·    Investments up 4% in academic areas, 1.5% in academic supports and 1.4% in non-academic areas

·    Seven additional faculty positions

·    Non-salary budget of the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering will double

·    $335,000 more in Research Services to help advance the 2012-17 Strategic Research Plan

·    $238,000 more to enhance web presence and digital strategy

·    $187,000 more in Graduate Studies to support graduate expansion

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

Laurentian University and CSPGNO strengthen French language services and continuum of studies

June 14, 2016 – Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO) and Laurentian University today announced the creation of a school of academic innovation which will be housed at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé in the city of Greater Sudbury.

 

Beginning September 2016, this school of academic innovation will be a focal point where Laurentian University professors and students will engage in activities aimed at:

  1. pursuing various research initiatives proposed by Laurentian and CSPGNO;
  2. facilitating the training of Laurentian students and CSPGNO staff;
  3. establishing intervention projects carried out on site at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé;
  4. disseminating results of various research projects and studies within the educational community.

 

The school of academic innovation will benefit from a wealth of expertise provided by Laurentian University professors and students in the following areas: physical activity, education, speech-language pathology, nursing and social work. 

 

Quotes

“This new collaboration between Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario and Laurentian University improves the services offered to our students and raises their awareness of the possibilities they have to pursue their postsecondary education in French.”

Marc Gauthier, Director of Education, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario   

 

“The establishment of this new school of academic innovation allows students in many programs offered in French at Laurentian University to acquire additional community experience which enriches their training and also increases their collaborative and inter-disciplinary skills.”

Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University

 

Laurentian strengthens Indigenous education leadership through the expansion of course offerings

Laurentian strengthens Indigenous education leadership through the expansion of course offerings

Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content.

May 26, 2016 – Laurentian University has announced new requirements that will transform the structure and the content of its Bachelor of Arts programs.  Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content to promote understanding of the histories, cultures and realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

 

“Laurentian University is at the heart of Indigenous education in northern Ontario and embraces its role in the reconciliation process,” said Dr. Sheila Coté-Meek, Associate Vice President, Academic and Indigenous Programs. “The University is a culturally responsive, welcoming institution for Indigenous students but also one where doors are opened to Indigenous thought and culture for students and faculty from all backgrounds.”

 

Laurentian has been working to strengthen Indigenous education leadership by updating academic programs to reflect Indigenous history and realities, and foster meaningful inter-cultural engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.  “We now offer over 100 courses with more than 50% indigenous content and additional courses are in development,” said Dr. Coté-Meek.

 

The University’s Faculty of Arts is one of the strongest in Canada with respect to its critical mass of tenured or tenure-track Indigenous faculty members.  Laurentian has also recently broke ground on an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre that is a physical embodiment of its commitment to Indigenous education. The Centre will provide the space for scholars, students and community members to engage in research endeavours in social sciences and humanities, and in innovative capacity building to support Indigenous communities. Consistent with the Calls for Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it will become a platform “to advance understanding of reconciliation.”

 

“We are proud of the tremendous work done within the Faculty of Arts to bring indigenous content into its programs and courses,” said Robert Kerr, Vice-President Academic and Provost.  “The new requirement approved by Senate means that more students who graduate from Laurentian will have a good understanding of Indigenous history and culture.”

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Chief Justice of Canada, Chief Executive of Anglo American among recipients

MAY 26, 2016 – Six distinguished Canadians from the fields of law, mining, engineering, journalism, education and social activism will be awarded Honorary Doctorates by Laurentian University at Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

Among the recipients of Honorary Doctorates this Convocation season are the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin (May 31, 10:00 a.m.) and Suzanne Tessier, the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering. 

 

“It is a privilege for us to pay tribute to these outstanding Canadians who have led the way in their respective fields,” said Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin.  “Each of them has inspired and enlightened so many others, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

 

The full list of Honorary Doctorate recipients follows:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C (May 31, 10 am, Sudbury, ON)

Born and raised in Pincher Creek, AB, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin is the 17th and current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Appointed on January 7, 2000, she is the first woman to hold this position and is the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. The Chief Justice also chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

 

Mark Cutifani (June 1, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

A champion for workplace safety in mining, Mark Cutifani is the current Chief Executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies. He is also a member of the Board and Group Management Committee, a non-executive director of Anglo American Platinum, Chair of Anglo American South Africa and Chair of De Beers. Mr. Cutifani is the former COO for Inco and Vale’s global nickel business.

 

Suzanne Tessier  (June 1, 7:00 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Sudbury-born Suzanne Tessier was the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering (B.Eng ’79) and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Laurentian’s Bharti School of Engineering. One of her great passions has been encouraging girls and women to consider science and engineering as career choices, and mentoring new women engineers in the mining industry. She was elected to the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors in 2014.

 

André Picard (June 2, 10:00 am, Sudbury, ON)

As a public health journalist for The Globe and Mail, André Picard’s work has shone a light on health policy in Canada. Considered one of the country’s leading voices on health policy, his work includes articles on the treatment of thalidomide survivors and on the death toll of asbestos. He is a best-selling author and the recipient of the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism, the Canadian Policy Research Award and the Atkinson Fellowship for Public Policy Research. 

 

Dr. Charles E Pascal (June 2, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Dr. Charles Pascal is a Canadian educator with expertise in early and higher education, public policy and leadership development. In 2007, he was appointed Ontario’s Special Advisor on Early Learning. In June 2009, he released his seminal report With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early Learning in Ontario, which has informed policy and practice across and outside of Canada.  Dr. Pascal also serves as Chair of the Ontario Council of Regents for the province’s colleges of applied arts and technology and has held several Ontario Deputy Minister positions including the Premier’s Council on Health, Well-Being and Social Justice.

 

Joseph Roberts (June 23, 2:00 pm, Barrie, ON)

Joseph Roberts is a social activist, author, motivational speaker and CEO. Born and raised in Barrie, Mr. Roberts overcame personal struggles with addiction, poverty and homelessness.  He created a foundation dedicated to youth drug prevention after entering an alcohol and drug intensive treatment program.  As a motivational speaker, Mr. Roberts has reached thousands of young people.  He is currently leading a campaign to end homelessness among youth.  He was named to the Maclean’s Magazine’s Honour Roll in 2003 and has won several awards for his public service.

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