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Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new Chair

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new Chair

Jennifer Witty to lead Board after current chair Michael Atkins completes term

APRIL 15, 2016 – The Laurentian University Board of Governors today voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Witty as incoming Chair for a one-year term, effective June 2016, when the term of current Chair Michael Atkins is complete. Ms. Witty has been a board member since 2005 and currently serves as Vice-Chair.

 

“We are fortunate to have a board member with the experience and the vision that Jennifer brings to the role,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “Michael has been a superb Chair, guiding the Board through a remarkable period of growth, and we will also benefit from his continuing contributions as past-Chair.”

 

Jennifer Witty is a proud Laurentian alumna (MBA 1999) and was an active member of the Laurentian University Alumni Association from 2000 through 2004.  She is Superintendent of Human Resources Systems with Vale Ontario Operations. As a Certified Human Resources Professional holding a Master of Business Administration, Jennifer began her human resources career in recruitment and consulting with Drake International in 1996. She moved to the mining industry in 2001 when she joined Inco (now Vale), and progressed through various roles spanning labour and employee relations, organizational development and organizational effectiveness, compensation, pension and benefits, and collective bargaining.

 

“Laurentian University faces both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, and I am honoured to lead the Board of this vital institution,” said Ms. Witty.

 

She was an elected member of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2000-2006 and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC). She is also a member of the Community Economic Development Committee.

Laurentian University’s Climate Change Division at MIRARCO Receives $5M from Green Investment Fund

Laurentian University’s Climate Change Division at MIRARCO Receives $5M from Green Investment Fund

Ontario Investment Will Help First Nations Adapt To Climate Change

March 17, 2016 - Winter roads are already beginning to melt, much earlier than when the Elders of Far North First Nations were young. Geese are about to fly north, but now they fly over places where they used to land. Life is changing fast for First Nations in the far north of the province. Understanding and describing the impacts of those changes is the goal of a Climate Change Impact Study for remote First Nations in Northern Ontario, to be led by the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) at Laurentian University. The study is one of three OCCIAR initiatives to be funded by a $5M investment from the province’s Green Investment Fund, announced today by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer, as part of Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy.  

Working with First Nations and in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, OCCIAR will allocate the $5M through three projects supporting climate change response in Ontario indigenous communities.  OCCIAR will

  • develop a Climate Change Impact Study for Ontario’s remote First Nations;
  • work with First Nation communities in preparing for the effects of climate change; and
  • help First Nations to capitalize on opportunities created by the proposed cap-and-trade program. 

 “Ensuring that First Nations have the tools they need to fight and adapt to climate change is an imperative that we must take now. Today’s investments will help northern communities most affected by climate change to take the action they need. It will also set the foundation for future planning,” said the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer.

“Climate change is already having a significant impact on First Nations communities and their environments,” said OCCIAR Director Al Douglas.  “We are seeing a dramatic reduction in the season for winter roads, which means higher costs and an increasing need to fly supplies in.  This investment will help First Nations to build capacity, to deal with climate risks and to limit climate change through carbon storage and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. 

OCCIAR is a division of the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) at Laurentian University. It provides climate science and adaptation strategies to assist communities and sectors in adapting to climate change, while serving as a resource in climate change research. The OCCIAR initiative will strengthen the capacity of First Nations to be more resilient to climate change, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

OCCIAR’s work will be done in collaboration with Laurentian’s School of the Environment through the participation of Laurentian Professor David Pearson, former Co-chair of Ontario’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Science Advisor at OCCIAR.

“This is not just about working with First Nations to help make their communities more environmentally friendly. It’s also about trying to inspire young people to see themselves with jobs that fit with the environmental values of the Elders in their community. It’s about vision and imagination as well as reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and managing carbon,“ said Dr. Pearson.

Ontario’s $325M Green Investment Fund is part of the province’s Climate Change Strategy.

Go for gold with the Goodman Gold Challenge

Go for gold with the Goodman Gold Challenge

Students will be solving real problems for real companies.

MARCH 7, 2016 - The Goodman School of Mines and Laurentian University are proud to announce the inaugural Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC), an investment management competition for undergraduate students. The competition will be held at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario from February 22 to February 25, 2017.

The Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC) is unlike any other competition in Canada; this is not a simulation.  Students will be solving real problems for real companies. They will have the opportunity to meet with three CEOs of mining companies currently trading on the TSX or TSX-V and interview them about the current and projected financial strength of their company. After thorough analysis, they will recommend to their top-tier clients, a single company for their portfolio. The competition will provide students with a chance to put their academic credentials to a vital test.

GGC offers multiple networking opportunities for all involved whether students, volunteers, industry professionals, business executives, CEOs, or sponsors through events such as: the Opening Gala, Thursday evening social, Awards Gala, sponsored lunches or student pitches.

Students will be competing for shares worth the equivalent of four (4) ounces of gold and a paid summer internship with a financial investment company.

According to, Bruce Jago, PhD, PGeo, Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines, they anticipate 14 universities to take part in the challenge and aim to be the most sophisticated, prestigious and realistic investment management competition in the country.

For more information on the Goodman Gold Challenge, visit  our website or contact Éric Lavergne-Giroux, GGC Event Coordinator at goodmangoldchallenge@laurentian.ca.

Laurentian University Honours Dr. Roy-Charland with Research Excellence Award

Laurentian University Honours Dr. Roy-Charland with Research Excellence Award

Laurentian University Professor of Psychology Dr. Annie Roy-Charland has been named the recipient of the University’s 2015-2016 Research Excellence Award.

The annual award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in research and students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community must support nominations.

Dr. Roy-Charland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology as well as the department’s Graduate Coordinator. She is a graduate of the Université de Moncton, where she completed her B.Ps. in Psychology, M.A.Ps in Clinical psychology, and her Ph.D. in Clinical psychology.

“Over the past eight years at Laurentian University Dr. Roy-Charland, has reached exceptional standard in research,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Laurentian University’s Vice-President Research. “With an impressive profile, Dr. Roy-Charland has contributed to many areas of research, including development of reading and literacy, emotional competences and facial expression recognition as well as children’s health in indigenous communities.”

The Research Excellence Award Committee bestows the award when there is evidence of “outstanding performance” by a faculty member. It is marked with a stipend of $15,000, which can be paid as a sabbatical research grant.

“It is a great honour to receive this award. Laurentian University’s research intensity has expanded in recent years and I am truly grateful for the diverse culture that provides a level of flexibility in my research. I am thankful to Laurentian for this incredible recognition,” said Dr. Roy-Charland.

Dr. Roy-Charland will be presented with her award at the 2016 spring convocation.

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan click the link below 

Strategic Research Plan.

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives

MARCH 3, 2016 – Laurentian University is proud to announce that Craig Fowler will assume the role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian University.


Mr. Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives and foster innovation and economic development in the communities we serve. In its Strategic Plan, Laurentian University has set a goal of increasing total annual funded research from $21.9M in 2010 to $30M by 2017.

 

“We are thrilled by the experience and vision that Craig brings to this portfolio,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  “Craig’s expertise in bringing together major funding partners in large-scale collaborations, as well as his intimate knowledge of Laurentian, will serve us well in our own research objectives.”

 

Fowler served as Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations at Laurentian University since August 2012. Prior to joining Laurentian, Mr. Fowler served in a number of senior roles at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, including as Director of Scientific and Research Collaborations and as Director of the Research Branch. He led the development of the Ontario Innovation Agenda, and also worked with the Ontario Research and Innovation Council which guided the development of the province’s Research and Innovation support programs. Mr. Fowler directed over $1.5 billion in research and innovation programming, and led Ontario’s international research and innovation outreach activities through several multi-million dollar agreements with China, India, Israel, Catalonia, Illinois and California. He subsequently led the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services for the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and served as Director of Risk Management at the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat.

 

Mr. Fowler completed his undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and his master’s degree in Economic Development at the University of Waterloo. He began his career in economic development with the town of Richmond Hill.

 

“Laurentian has ambitious goals for its research portfolio and I am excited to bring my experience in supporting research and innovation to this new role,” said Mr. Fowler. 

 

Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux announced this appointment at a luncheon of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce which was featuring Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada, as guest speaker. During his talk, Davidson highlighted how today’s businesses must be nimble, responsive and visionary in the face of emerging challenges. Partnering with universities helps companies and communities gain this competitive advantage. He spoke about universities' role in providing the skills, new knowledge and innovation Canada needs to compete, open up new markets and get fresh ideas to market faster. He illustrated how higher education is building prosperity through research, innovation and experiential learning, and how the potential of universities can be harnessed to make Canada's businesses, communities and regions stronger.

 

“Craig Fowler’s appointment in this new role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian aligns directly with the vision articulated today by Mr. Davidson at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. It also echoes the perspectives offered earlier this week by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary with Canada’s new Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, as he helped launch Laurentian’s 2016 Research Week,” explained Dominic Giroux.

 

Karen Hourtovenko, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement. “One of the three goals in the Chamber’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan is to create strong change agents. We want to nurture community champions and foster positive actions for community prosperity. The Chamber is delighted to see Laurentian University once again step up its efforts to enhance partnerships, innovation and economic development, and we look forward to working with Mr. Fowler in his new role”.

 

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan, click the link below

Strategic Research Plan.

Laurentian professors honoured as "Student's Choice"

Laurentian professors honoured as "Student's Choice"

Annual awards honour enthusiasm, engagement, effective teaching

FEBRUARY 26, 2016 – Two Laurentian University professors have been honoured with the 2015-2016 Students' Choice Teaching Awards.  From among more than 150 nominations, this year's Students' Choice award recipients are Aaron Langille, a Master Lecturer in Mathematics and Computer Sciences, and Marie St-Onge, an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing.  The awards were announced by the Centre for Academic Excellence.

 

The Students’ Choice Teaching Awards were created in 2013 to allow students to recognize faculty members for exceptional efforts to stimulate interest and support effective learning.  The Centre for Academic Excellence solicits nominations each spring to select one instructor in French-language programs and one in English.

 

Aaron Langille has been teaching at Laurentian University since 2006.  He earned his B.Sc in Computer Science at Laurentian, graduating in 1998, and is currently working on a PhD in computational ecology.  "I am thrilled to be receiving the 2015 Student's Choice Award for Teaching.  It is very humbling to read some of the students' nomination comments but it is equally exciting to know that my enthusiasm and passion for teaching has had an impact on them," said Aaron Langille. "I also want to acknowledge the support I've received every term from my terrific teaching assistants, colleagues, friends and family."

 

Marie St-Onge has been with the School of Nursing since 1982 and teaches first- and second-year courses. "It is a distinct honour to be recognized by the students we teach.  To share my enthusiasm with the students, to see them engaged and absorbed as they succeed in their course of study, is a most gratifying experience for me, as it is for any teacher," said Madame St-Onge.

 

“Achievement in learning is supported and enabled by the achievements of our faculty, and we are pleased to recognize all faculty for their tremendous efforts.  What they bring to the classroom is the result of extensive training, preparation, and a great sense of dedication,” said Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor. 

Laurentian University appoints Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies

Laurentian University appoints Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies

Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lesbarrères as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lesbarrères as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies effective July 1, 2016 for a five-year renewable term. 

Dr. Lesbarrères has been acting Dean since the new Faculty of Graduate Studies was established in March 2014, reflecting the growing importance of the University’s 38 master’s and PhD programs. Prior to this role, he held the position of Director of Graduate Studies. 

“Dr. Lesbarrères has an impressive track record at Laurentian,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice Chancellor. “Under his direction since August 2011, Laurentian has seen growth in graduate student enrolment and in the number of programs offered. With David at the helm, we will continue to expand our reach and enhance opportunities in graduate studies.” 

Dr. David Lesbarrères came to Laurentian in 2004 following a PhD in Angers, France and a Post-Doctoral fellowship at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Helsinki. He was Department Vice-Chair of Biology from 2005 to 2008. Since 2007, he has been a graduate coordinator at Laurentian University for the M.Sc. in Biology and is now on the executive of the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies. 

“I am proud to champion the Graduate Studies programs at Laurentian,” said Dr. Lesbarrères. “Our faculty and students are becoming internationally recognized for leading expertise in diverse areas and I look forward to seeing these successes multiply as we expand our program offerings in the coming years.” 

In its graduate expansion plan, Laurentian has identified the need to accelerate opportunities for graduate studies in three areas of excellence (environmental sustainability, mining innovation and exploration, rural and northern health) and in two areas responding to regional needs (Indigenous relations and governance, sustainable northern economic development). The University has identified enrolment growth from 589 students in 2014-15 to 859 in 2018-19. 

Programs to be expanded include Master’s programs in Architecture, Interdisciplinary Health, Geology, Biology, Humanities and Orthophonie, and PhD programs in Boreal Ecology, Rural and Northern Health, Natural Resource Engineering, and Mineral Deposit Geology, among others. 

Laurentian University appoints founding Dean of Education

Laurentian University appoints founding Dean of Education

Dr. Lace Marie Brogden to lead French, English Schools of Education

FEBRUARY 23, 2016 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lace Marie Brogden as the university’s Founding Dean of the Faculty of Education.  Dr. Brogden’s appointment will be for a five-year renewable term, beginning July 1, 2016. 

 

As Dean, Dr. Brogden will have responsibility for leading the two schools within the Faculty, the English-language School of Education and the French-language École des sciences de l’éducation.  The Faculty currently includes more than 60 full- and part-time faculty, and a total of 780 students. 

 

A respected academic and experienced administrator, Dr. Brogden has been Director of the Baccalaureate Program at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Education since 2010.  Before joining the Faculty of Education, Dr. Brogden worked as Evaluation Coordinator in the Official Minority Language Office of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Education.  She also spent five years as a French Immersion teacher in Regina’s public school system. Dr. Brogden received a PhD from the University of Regina in 2007, and a Master of Arts in Education from San Diego State University in 1996.  She completed her undergraduate degree, Baccalaureat en éducation élémentaire française, at the University of Regina in 1989.

 

“Through the new Faculty of Education, we aim to promote high-quality research, teaching and learning, while attracting outstanding students and faculty,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Brogden to this important new role at Laurentian and we look forward to the flourishing of these schools under her leadership.”

 

“I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with both Schools in the Faculty of Education, which together serve such an important role in Northern Ontario,” said Dr. Brogden.  “It is a unique opportunity to work in French and in English, in both concurrent and consecutive B. Ed. programs, and I am excited by the prospects ahead.”

Laurentian creates a new mining innovation and technology research hub

Laurentian creates a new mining innovation and technology research hub

Laurentian Mining Innovation and Technology (LMIT), will coordinate and promote all mining-related research.

FEBRUARY 19, 2016 – Laurentian University has announced the establishment of a new mining innovation and technology research initiative, LMIT, which will synchronize and optimize research and innovation activities in all aspects of mining and mineral exploration at Laurentian University. 

 

The new initiative, Laurentian Mining Innovation and Technology (LMIT), will coordinate and promote all mining-related research conducted at Laurentian’s award-winning research centres, including the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), the Vale Living with Lakes Centre (VLWLC) and the Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO).

 

Laurentian University already ranks first in Canada in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in Economic Geology, first in Canada in NSERC funding in Applied Geophysics and first in Ontario in NSERC funding in Mining and Mineral Processing. A second prestigious Canada Research Chair was created in 2013 at VLWLC, while a Research Chair in Occupational Safety and Health was established at CROSH in 2015.


Laurentian University now offers a one-stop approach to its mining and mineral exploration research, which is unified under LMIT.  This integration and synchronization will help to generate new opportunities for mining-related research, while coordinating Laurentian’s relationships with external partners in mining research and innovation.

 

President and CEO of MIRARCO, Mr. Vic Pakalnis has been appointed Associate Vice-President of LMIT.  “We are sharpening our focus on mining research while solidifying Laurentian’s position as the pre-eminent mining research leader in Canada,” said Pakalnis.

 

The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities applauded the initiative, “Our government supports and encourages innovative research collaborations at Ontario’s post-secondary institutions, and Laurentian University has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the creation of Laurentian Mining Innovation and Technology,” said Minister Moridi. “This initiative will drive research and innovation in the field of mineral development and mining and will help grow Ontario’s knowledge-based economy.” 

 

“The outstanding talent and vision of Laurentian’s research teams and this strategically prioritized approach have positioned Laurentian as a global leader in mineral exploration and mining research and innovation. We are excited by the prospect of LMIT augmenting the excellence of our mining research,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University.  “The establishment of LMIT will also allow Laurentian to more effectively work with our community and industry partners to align with the recently renewed Ontario Mineral Development Strategy (2015).”

 

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan click the link below Strategic Research Plan.

Laurentian University awards food service contract for 2016-2021

Laurentian University awards food service contract for 2016-2021

Enhancements to include ‘self-serve pantry,’ app for pre-orders, and more Tims

FEB 17, 2016 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has approved the awarding of a new five-year contract for campus Food and Beverage Services to Chartwells Canada, for a term commencing June 1st, 2016.  Chartwells is one of North America’s largest food service providers in the post-secondary education sector, and currently serves more than 50 colleges and universities across Canada. 

 

“Food and beverage service under Chartwells will bring a few changes and some new benefits to students, staff, faculty and visitors to campus,” said Ben Demianiuk, Director of Housing and Food Services.  “We will have enhanced full-service cooking from scratch in the Great Hall dining facility, and next fall we will also offer a self-serve pantry, where people have access to a full, stocked pantry, somewhat like a home kitchen,” said Demianiuk.  “We’ll also have a labelling icon system that will identify reduced sodium, non-dairy and other menu choices.”

 

Chartwells has also committed to capital spending to enhance and add food service locations on campus, which will include

  • Renovations to the Tim Hortons in the Arts Building
  • Addition of a Tim Hortons express within Residence
  • The addition of aboriginal and international cuisine

 

Along with the self-serve pantry, Chartwells will create an interactive space offering cooking lessons and other activities. It will also introduce a mobile app allowing customers to pre-order their meals and pick them up at specified locations, which is expected to reduce line-ups at peak times.

 

The contract was awarded based on a rigorous and very competitive review, which followed a request for proposals issued last fall.  Proponents were scored on a list of weighted factors, including food choices and quality, speed of service, sustainability initiatives and commitment to local food. 

 

“The review committee was impressed by the Chartwells commitment, and we are confident of the benefits this new service provider will bring to students, and to all members of the university community,” said Vice-President, Administration, Carol McAulay.  “We also want to acknowledge all of the hard work that Aramark has done in recent years, to help us improve and expand our food service options on campus.”

 

Since 2012, Laurentian University has seen a transformation in campus food services, with the addition of Starbucks, Subway, Toppers Pizza, the LUL Café Bistro, the Tim Hortons Kiosk (Fraser Auditorium) and the renovation of the Great Hall dining assembly.

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