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Rower Carling Zeeman Takes Silver at World Championships

Laurentian University’s young star pulls off dramatic finish at U23 race - See more at: http://142.51.1.171/content/rower-carling-zeeman-takes-silver-world-championships#sthash.VyH5HYfl.dpuf

July 28, 2013 - Single sculler Carling Zeeman of Laurentian University pulls off a dramatic finish to earn a silver medal for Canada on Sunday at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria.

Last year, Zeeman earned a bronze medal finish marking the first significant women’s sculling victory at a World Championships or Olympic event since 1996.

The young rower pulled off an amazing performance in the final 750 metres of the 2000-metre race, powering past competitors from Latvia and the Ukraine in 07:33:70. Germany’s Lisa Schmidla won the event in 07:30.84, while bronze medalist Elza Gulbe of Latvia finished in 07:33:79.

“What an incredible performance,” said Laurentian University Rowing coach and SPED Coordinator Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz. “This was Carling’s second experience at the World’s and all of us who have the pleasure of working with her are impressed constantly by her determination.”

“It was a great race; my best time,” said Zeeman. “The conditions were really hot, so it called for a few adjustments in race prep and the race plan. It paid off and I’m very happy with it,” concluded Zeeman who is a product of Canada’s rowing development program, and who was named the Laurentian University President’s Athlete of Year in 2012 and again in 2013.

Zeeman is a decorated rower having captured gold in the women’s U23 single event at the RowOntario Championships, gold in the women’s U23 single and Championship single at the Royal Canadian Henley, gold in the women’s single at the OUA Championships, gold in the women’s single at the Canadian University Rowing Championships, gold in the women’s U23 single at the National Rowing Championships, and gold in the senior women’s single at the National Rowing Championships. She has also been named Rowing Canada Aviron’s Female Sculler of the Year, Canadian University Rowing Association Female Athlete of the Year and an Ontario Universities Ahtletics (OUA) All Star.

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University is one of the fastest growing universities in Canada in the past decade, now serving close to 10,000 students. With its main campus in Sudbury, it now offers a growing number of programs in Barrie to the 1,200 students located on that campus. Laurentian has the highest post-graduation employment rates in Ontario after 6 months at 92% and 95% after two years. The University receives high recognition for its enviable class sizes, having one of the lowest average class sizes in Canada.

Major Modernization Underway at SSR

18-month renovation program will update University’s Single Student Residence

July 8, 2013 - Built in 1973, the Single Students’ Residence (SSR) accommodates close to 400 students every year. Alongside the Mature Students’ Residence, SSR was one of the earliest residences built on the Laurentian campus.

“This residence complex is so important to our on-campus population, and it’s time for a comprehensive facelift for SSR,” said the University’s Director of Capital Projects, Brad Parkes. “We are making the building more energy-efficient and making some structural improvements, as well as updating the interiors,” said Parkes.

The renovations will include fresh exterior cladding and the replacement of insulation and windows throughout the complex. The structure comprises three inter-connected sections of four stories each, with a total of 72 apartment-style units containing single and double rooms and common areas. The improvements will be carried out in stages, so that only part of the structure is under renovation at a given time. During each 8-month stage of improvements, students affected by the renovation will be given housing in other accommodation.

“As the work is happening in pre-planned stages, we’re able to ensure that everyone affected by this has suitable accommodation during renovations,” said Director of Housing and Food Services, Ben Demianiuk.

As well as the improvements to the structure, changes at SSR will include new furnishings and a “style makeover,” said Demianiuk. “We want the student spaces to meet current needs, in terms of design and function, and all suites are being re-done in contemporary colours. It’ll be spruced up, inside and out, with a more inviting and comfortable feel,” he added. Beds, desks, dressers, chairs and kitchen sets will also be replaced as part of the modernization.

Laurentian and its federated universities currently house approximately 1,600 students in a total of 8 campus residences. The newest, the 12-storey East Residence, opened last summer.

TVO’s Steve Paikin Named Chancellor of Laurentian University

June 24, 2013 - Laurentian University announced today that broadcast journalist, author and documentary film-maker Steve Paikin will become Laurentian University’s second Chancellor, succeeding Madame Aline Chrétien.

Steve Paikin is the anchor and senior editor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program The Agenda with Steve Paikin. He has produced and hosted a variety of current affairs programs for Ontario’s educational broadcaster for more than 20 years, and is also well-known as the moderator of provincial and federal leaders’ debates during several election campaigns.

Mr. Paikin has strong ties to Laurentian University and to the City of Greater Sudbury. He is married to Francesca Grosso, who was raised in Sudbury; his father-in-law, Dr. Roberto Grosso, was a former Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian. In 2012, Mr. Paikin received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Laurentian. The Grosso and Paikin families spend summers in the Sudbury District and maintain many links to the region.

“Steve Paikin is extremely well-suited to serve as Laurentian’s Chancellor, and we are thrilled that he has accepted this appointment,” said the Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, Michael Atkins. “Mr. Paikin is an accomplished and highly-respected individual of exceptional energy, credibility, and integrity. His professional reputation and his dedication to excellence personify our purpose at Laurentian.”

“I am truly honored to be chosen for this important position and I was overjoyed to accept Laurentian University’s invitation,” said Paikin. ”My wife Francesca was also delighted by the invitation and said that her father would have been tremendously proud. Roberto did so much to help build Laurentian University in its early years, and our family wishes he could be with us to celebrate this wonderful news.”

Paikin also said that he has been impressed by Laurentian University’s achievements and its ambitious goals for the future. “In my interactions with people at Laurentian over the past few years, I’ve been struck by the vision and the drive shown by this university, by the quality of its leadership, faculty and staff. There is an outstanding team there, and Dominic Giroux has proven to be a transformative President. I’m really looking forward to working with all members of the university community and its partners in Greater Sudbury and Barrie, to advance Laurentian’s mission,” he said.

Paikin first joined TVO in 1992 after working more than three years as a city hall reporter for Toronto radio station CHFI, and then as a news reporter and anchor with CBC in Toronto for seven years. Since that time he has consistently set new standards of excellence in current affairs. As host of The Agenda, now completing its seventh season, Mr. Paikin plays a vital role in engaging Ontarians in the issues shaping the province. One of the most intelligent and respected interviewers and moderators in Canadian media, Mr. Paikin has elevated the level of discourse on subjects such as politics, religion and culture, science and technology, the economy and the environment, both in terms of balance and accessibility. “No subject affecting Ontarians should be seen as too complex for discussion on The Agenda,” says Paikin. “Nor should partisan opinion shape the discourse.” Mr. Paikin has served as moderator of federal and provincial leaders’ debates five times, and has written four books about Canadian politics, including his latest, Paikin and the Premiers, available in September 2013. He has also produced a number of feature-length documentaries, including the award-winning “Return to the Warsaw Ghetto.” In 2012, Mr. Paikin was presented with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“All of us at TVO congratulate Steve on his appointment as Chancellor of Laurentian University,” said Lisa de Wilde, Chief Executive Officer of TVO. “Steve’s integrity and commitment to public service are inspiring, and through The Agenda he has helped make Ontarians smarter, more aware and more informed. As Laurentian’s Chancellor he will make a wonderful role model for young people, motivating them by example to strive for excellence in everything they do.”

Serving in a volunteer capacity, Laurentian’s Chancellor acts as an ambassador for the university. He presides over convocation ceremonies and other important events, represents the university in an official capacity at external events from time to time, engages in profile-raising and advancement activities, champions Laurentian and higher education, and provides advice to the President.

Paikin’s appointment was unanimously endorsed by the University’s Senate and Board of Governors, after a request for nominations from the University community. His installation as Chancellor for a five-year renewable term will be held on October 26th during Fall convocation ceremonies in Sudbury.

Longtime Wikwemikong Teacher Awarded Native Education Honour

June 23, 2013 - A respected Elder and lifetime member and resident of Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Rita Corbiere has been named the recipient of Laurentian University’s 2013 Mnaaj'in Gechi-wiidookang Nishnaabe-Gchi-Kinoomaagziwin,” the Native Education Person of Distinction Award.

Ms. Corbiere was given the honour at a ceremony celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21^st at Laurentian University.

A lifelong educator, Rita Corbiere worked for 40 years as an elementary school teacher in Wikwemikong, and for the past decade she has worked as a research collaborator with several Aboriginal health research projects in the community. She also serves her community as an Elder. Ms. Corbiere is a survivor of the residential school system, having spent 5 years attending the Spanish Residential School.

“Throughout a working lifetime, Rita Corbiere has demonstrated her passion and her commitment to educating future generations in her community of Wikwemikong,” said Acting Vice-President and Provost, Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek. “She has been a role model to young people through her achievements in teaching, community education, research and mentorship.”

As a classroom teacher, Ms. Corbiere incorporated Anishinaabe experiences and ways of knowing in her lessons, thus providing culturally relevant education. She has taught in various grades from 3 to 8 and served seven years as a principal. After retiring in 1996, she continued her work in education, serving as an advisor the Wikwemikong Board of Education's Anishinaabemowin curriculum committee. As well, she has served on the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization's community history committee, and is a member of the Kina Gbezhgomi Aboriginal child youth and family welfare advisory group.

Rita Corbiere has a BA in Native and Environmental Studies from Laurentian University and a BEd from the North Bay Teachers’ College.

Laurentian Budget Delivers on Strategic Plan

June 21, 2013 - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a six year balanced budget to 2018-19, including a 2013-2014 operating budget of $136.9M, which will fund several of the University’s key strategic plan outcomes over the next year. The budget approval followed a series of seventeen consultation sessions with more than 150 people from across the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie.

“This is an exciting time for Laurentian as we embark on the second year of our 2012-17 strategic plan,” said Dr. Robert Kerr, Vice-President Academic and Provost of Laurentian University. “We will see many milestones realized this year, including the hiring of 23 faculty members.”

Faculty hires will include Canada Research Chairs in Geochemistry and Environmental Microbiology and additional faculty positions in the Faculty of Management to support international accreditation. Other milestones to be met in the year ahead include the opening of the School of Architecture this September, the launch of a $44.6M Sudbury campus modernization program, and the Voyageurs Men’s and Women’s hockey teams taking to the ice this season.

The campus modernization program will see many improvements across campus over the next two years including the construction of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. Renovations and updating of more than 50 classrooms and labs, and the creation of a multi-million dollar, one-stop student services area are also planned. In addition $16.7M will be invested in capital projects by 2018-19, including: a new Subway opening this fall as part of the planned expansion in food service, a redesign of the Great Hall scheduled for 2014, major renovations to the Single Student Residence that have begun and will be completed by 2015, along with other investments to address deferred maintenance.

“In many respects it will feel like a new campus to students in a few years,” said Vice President, Administration, Carol McAulay. “We are very excited about the new classrooms, teaching labs, residence upgrades and additions to food service options.”

“The Board is pleased with the alignment of resources for the next six years with the University’s Strategic Plan. Laurentian is bold, ambitious and driven, and the approved investments support the aspirations and outcomes we have set for the future. We are also proud that we have balanced our budget for the third year in a row,” added Michael Atkins, incoming Chair of the Board of Governors.

Budget highlights include:

$136.9M budget, up $4.8M or 3.6%;
Balanced budget for a third consecutive year;
$4.5M or 4.8% increase in academic invesments and academic supports;
Opening of the School of Architecture in September 2013;
Re-introduction of men varsity hockey, introduction of women varsity hockey (self-funded);
$3M in increased scholarships and bursaries by 2018-19 to reflect increased enrolment, tuition and average entry grade;
Increased investments in Information Technology (+16%) and Library Acquisitions (+14%) to better meet student needs;
Implementation of Graduate Expansion Plan including year 2 of the new master in Orthophonie, new masters in Sciences infirmières and Indigenous Relations in September 2014;
Expansion of programs supported by the new Goodman School of Mines, including at least six new mining-related undergraduate minors or majors and new module and executive programs;
Introduction of Bachelor of Social Work program in Barrie, relocated from Orillia;
Enhanced investments in staff training and professional development rising to 1% of payroll;
$14M capital commitment for downtown Barrie campus, matched by the City of Barrie;
$44.6M for the modernization of the Sudbury campus by 2015, including the creation of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre;
$7.7M for the rehabilitation of the Single Student Residence to be completed in three phases by September 2015;
$1.4M for improvements to food services by 2014, including a new Subway in 2013 and a re-designed Great Hall in 2014;
$7.6M in additional investments by 2018-19 to address deferred maintenance.

Laurentian Outpaces Other Universities in Fall 2013 Confirmations

June 20, 2013 - While the number of students confirming attendance in first-year university programs is up by 2.5 percent across Ontario this year, Laurentian University has seen a dramatic increase of 21 percent in fall 2013 confirmations.

Figures released by the Ontario University Applications Centre (OUAC) show a dramatic spike in confirmations for college students transferring into programs at Laurentian this fall. The OUAC reports an increase of 26.6 percent in college transfer students confirming Laurentian for fall 2013, and an increase of 48.8 percent for those transfer students who will be granted advanced standing at Laurentian, based on their previous studies and work experience. Confirmations by college transfer students at all universities across the province are actually down 0.1 percent over last year.

“The numbers we’re seeing represent a tremendous vote of confidence in the quality and choice of academic programs being offered at Laurentian University,” said Acting President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Kerr. “We believe our commitment to academic excellence and to student success is sending a strong message to students and their families across Ontario,” he said.

Overall, confirmations for fall 2013 by secondary school students at all universities in Ontario are up 3.2 percent over last year. Laurentian University confirmations by secondary school students increased 15.4 percent over last year.

“Laurentian is becoming a leading ‘university of choice’ and the fall 2013 confirmation figures are a testament to this success,” said Chris Mercer, Laurentian University Chief of Staff. “The success of our students and alumni, and the expertise and accomplishments of our faculty are part of the attraction of Laurentian. In addition, we will be welcoming our first cohort of Architecture students this fall, and having men’s and women’s hockey teams has certainly expanded our student base as well,” Mercer added.

The University is also celebrating a marked rise in the numbers of students who’ve made Laurentian their first choice in the fall 2013 confirmations. Among secondary students, 7.6 percent more have deemed Laurentian their first choice. Among community college students 15% percent have named Laurentian as their first choice, while there is a 39.2 percent increase in college transfer students with advanced standing who are making Laurentian their first choice. Students applying for a place at university through the OUAC typically apply to at least three institutions, ranking their choices from one to three.

Laurentian has seen steady increases in enrolments over the past three years, and currently has a student population of close to 10,000, enrolled in programs in Sudbury and in Barrie.

More information about applications and confirmations at universities across Ontario for Fall 2013 can be found at www.ouac.on.ca

Laurentian Appoints New Executive Director for Human Resources and Organizational Development

June 5, 2013 - Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Terez Klotz as the University’s new Executive Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development. Ms. Klotz was named to the position after a nationwide executive search, and will commence her role in August.

Klotz brings 30 years of experience in human resources and organizational development in education, health care and in provincial government ministries. She is currently Director of Talent Management at the University of Calgary.

She has previously served as Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development at the University of Victoria. She has also worked in leadership positions with the Calgary Board of Education, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Greater Victoria Hospital Society/Capital Health Region, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Calgary, a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Regina, a Master of Public Administration at the University of Victoria and began a Doctorate of Education on leadership in postsecondary contexts at the University of Calgary. She also holds a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

“We are delighted to have found a candidate with such a wide range of experience in this field, and we are confident that Terez will be an excellent addition to our Executive Team,” said Laurentian University President Dominic Giroux.

“Laurentian University’s commitment to ongoing staff development, second language training, leadership mentoring and succession planning is impressive,” said Klotz. “I’m excited by the opportunity to lead these initiatives.”

Laurentian has committed to investing $1.8 million in professional development and training for its staff and faculty by 2017-18 as part of the University’s Strategic Plan.

President Giroux also added his thanks to the University’s current Executive Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Bernie Beaulieu, who will be leaving the post on June 30th. “Bernie has made an enormous contribution through his leadership of this important file,” said Giroux.

Laurentian’s Executive Director of Financial Services, Normand Lavallée will add the title of Acting Executive Director of Human Resources until Ms. Klotz begins in the post in August.

New Graduate Programs to be Launched at Laurentian

May 29, 2013 - New master’s programs in Nursing in French (Maîtrise en sciences infirmières) and Indigenous Relations have been approved and will commence in September of 2014.

In its graduate expansion plan, Laurentian had 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). This is a significant step towards meeting two of these five opportunities.

“Forty percent of northeastern Ontario is comprised of French-speaking people,” said Dr. Robert Kerr, Vice-President, Academic and Provost. “Laurentian is expanding and the Masters of Science in Nursing will provide increased opportunities for French-speaking health professionals to access and pursue graduate education. It will allow our undergraduate Francophone students to pursue graduate education in an area of high demand.”

The Master’s in Indigenous Relations will train graduate students to enhance the capacity of Indigenous peoples to participate as leaders in the economic, political, social and cultural life of Canada and the world. The establishment of a research chair in Indigenous Relations and Governance will support Laurentian University’s leading role in the promotion of Indigenous learning across Canada and beyond.

“This is about building capacity and creating opportunities for generations to come,” said Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs, Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek. “These initiatives represent a new level of opportunity for those students who will become successful policy-makers and leaders in the new economy.”

In addition to the above new programs, new research chairs are also being pursued in areas of significant strength for the University or in response to regional needs: Sustainable Northern Economic Development and Franco-Ontarian History, along with externally-funded research chairs in Cancer Research and Aboriginal Health.

Laurentian University continues to advocate for an increase in the provincial allocation of graduate spaces, in order to further enhance access to these programs of study.

Laurentian Honours Six Outstanding Canadians

May 27, 2013 - A former mayor of Barrie, the long-time CEO of Science North, and a renowned advocate for minority language rights are among the people being awarded Honourary Doctorates from Laurentian University this spring.

“Our honourary doctorate recipients this year come from varied walks of life, but all of them have made their communities better through their passion and commitment. In so doing, each of them has contributed to the common good of our society, and we are most pleased to recognize their individual contributions,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Together, these people represent a kind of mosaic of generosity, dedication and achievement.”

Janice Laking will be awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Laws at Laurentian’s Convocation ceremonies in Barrie on Wednesday, May 29^th at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Laking taught high school in the Barrie area while raising a family of seven children, and while serving as a long-time City Councillor. In 1988, she left the teaching profession to commit herself to a career in public service, and was elected Mayor of Barrie later that year. Laking led the City for the next 12 years, during which she spearheaded several significant community development and infrastructure projects.

“Janice Laking has been a tremendous builder in this community, and all of us who live and work in Barrie can appreciate the impact she has had,” said Laurentian’s Associate Vice-President of Administration and External Relations, Craig Fowler.

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

June 4, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Arnie Aberman, Consulting Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). As Consulting Dean at NOSM, Dr. Aberman’s expertise was instrumental in designing the structure and operation of the school. He also contributed to the development of the business plan and the governance model at NOSM. Dr. Aberman is a former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and has been awarded the Order of Canada.

June 6, 2013, at 10 a.m.

Ronald F. Caza, minority language rights advocate, partner with Ottawa law firm Caza Saikaley srl/LLP. Born in Chelmsford, Ontario and a graduate of Laurentian University, Ronald F. Caza has practised legal advocacy in both official languages for more than 20 years, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigators. In 2001, he successfully argued the Montfort case, which established that the Ottawa hospital was essential to the survival of the Franco-Ontarian community of the region.

June 7, 2013, at 10 a.m.

James Marchbank, former Chief Executive Officer, Science North (1987-2011). In his leadership role with Science North from its earliest days, James Marchbank oversaw the successful establishment and growth of this interactive science museum, which has become one of Ontario’s leading attractions. Mr. Marchbank is credited with leading the organization to its current stature as Canada’s 2^nd largest science centre. Science North also maintains an IMAX theatre, and digital Planetarium, as well as the earth sciences centre Dynamic Earth.

June 7, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.

Philanthropists/volunteers Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia. Through their generous donations, Ron and Nancy established the Clark Bursary Fund in 1989. The fund is coordinated through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) to help young people who receive or have received services from Ontario Children’s Aid Societies to achieve their academic and career goals. Since 1989, more than 400 bursaries with a total value of more than $3M have been awarded to students in financial need. The Clarks have received the Child Welfare League of Canada Outstanding Achievement – Community Service by a Volunteer Award.

Media interviews can be arranged in advance through Laurentian University’s Communications Department.

Laurentian University Receives  Health System Research Fund Program Award

May 22, 2013 - Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci announced today that Laurentian University has received a Health System Research Fund Program award (HSRF). The research program will focus on transforming health policy, systems and practice to improve health equity for vulnerable and special health needs populations in northern Ontario.

Laurentian University will receive $3.4M over three years. The program involves researchers at Laurentian's Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) as well as the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

"People in this region have poorer health status and face unique challenges due to culture and geography," said Dr. Wayne Warry, Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research. "This applied research aims to improve access, delivery, and quality of care across ages, genders, ethnicities and cultures."

The program has a research focus on rural, remote, Aboriginal and Francophone populations and examines health professionals and telemedicine as a means to improve quality of care. Specific research projects will develop a culturally safe model of health care for Aboriginal adults and seniors; adapt and implement an Aboriginal child and youth health measure to inform evidence-based decision-making; and assess the quality and provision of medical care to Francophones.

"This is a very exciting time for Laurentian University's research community," said Bartolucci. "This funding will provide our scientific teams with the financial stability and the research capacity required to tackle key challenges facing our health care system."

Laurentian's CRaNHR was one of 11 successful programs funded, from a group of almost 200 applicants. The HSRF Program Awards provide strategic three-year investments to policy relevant programs in health research that focus on identified government priorities.

Faculty investigators include Drs. Alain Gauthier, Dr. Kristen Jacklin, Roger Strasser, Wayne Warry, Elizabeth Wenghofer and Nancy Young. This program will also support student engagement in Health Research (Ma and Ph.D. - Sophia Kam).

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Rower Carling Zeeman Takes Silver at World Championships

Rower Carling Zeeman Takes Silver at World Championships