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Goodman Family Invests in Laurentian University’s School of Mines

Goodman Family Invests in Laurentian University’s School of Mines

October 15, 2012 - Ned Goodman, CEO of Dundee Corporation, and The Goodman Family Foundation - JODAMADA, announced today a historic gift to Laurentian University’s new School of Mines. In recognition of the Goodman family’s generosity, Laurentian University President Dominic Giroux announced that the university will name the school in the Goodman family’s honour.

Ned Goodman’s business and investment experience spans more than 40 years as a geologist, securities analyst, portfolio manager and senior executive, and he has an established reputation as one of Canada's most successful investment counselors. He was the driving force of the Dundee group of financial companies, which grew under his family’s leadership from a $300-million base to a $50-billion mutual fund entity. Mr. Goodman’s work in the mining sector helped bring investment and jobs to many remote northern Canadian communities. By providing financing to many junior companies and helping to build successful, growing companies, he helped thousands of other Canadians prosper. He described his family’s gift as a vote of confidence in the future of mining.

“Greater Sudbury has the best ore body and the largest concentration of expertise in mining supply, products and services in the world. We want to be associated with Laurentian University because it’s undoubtedly the go-to university for mineral exploration and mining in Canada. When I heard about Laurentian’s plans for a new innovative School of Mines, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. We will be encouraging our friends in industry to also support this great effort,” said Ned Goodman after a recent visit to Sudbury.

The combination of an aging workforce, competition for skilled workers, and declining enrolment in mining-oriented academic programs in most other Canadian universities is of great concern to the mining industry. These deficiencies will likely cause accelerated cost increases, delay of new projects and squeeze profit margins. Many industry leaders have reported a critical need for graduates whose technical competencies are supported by skills in commercial, cultural and environmental aspects of mining. 

A global search for the Founding Executive Director of The Goodman School of Mines is in its final stages. The position will work towards: 

  • Enhancing the skills of future professionals in mineral exploration and mining, in areas such as occupational health and safety, Indigenous relations, mining management and finance;
  • Driving the creation of executive programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in modular, short-course or distance education formats, and other delivery mechanisms as opportunities may arise;
  • Formalizing new provincial, national and international alliances with other post-secondary institutions, including an International Network of Schools of Mines with Laurentian serving as a major hub;
  • Doubling enrolment in mining related programs by 2020;
  • Improving the university experience for students in Earth Sciences and Engineering.

The Goodman School of Mines is a cross-Faculty initiative, reporting directly to the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, which will be supported by a Global Advisory Council and a $20 million endowment funded by donations from industry and by philanthropic gifts, a majority of which has now been raised. In addition, Laurentian University will be investing $5 million in the Goodman School by 2023.

The Goodman Family Foundation has placed a proviso that any financial commitment, present or future, remains confidential. The gift will be used exclusively by The Goodman School of Mines. “It will support the development of new mining-related courses and programs, improvements to the learning environment and opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, student recruitment, career and placement services, and guest speakers, and other specific use of funds to be mutually agreed upon,” explained Dominic Giroux. “Moreover, the Goodman family gift will ensure that we can attract the best and brightest students from around the world through scholarships, and promote our mining-related programs internationally.”

Mr. Goodman’s eldest son, Jonathan Goodman, PEng., CFA, MBA, a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines and a JODAMADA participant and director, will serve as an Adjunct Professor at Laurentian.

Ned Goodman was also attracted to Laurentian because he is a resident of Barrie. “I want to do everything possible to help secure Laurentian University’s new downtown Barrie campus, including attracting private gifts towards this important effort. Barrie absolutely needs it, and Laurentian has so much to offer.”  Laurentian has already pledged $14 million towards its new downtown Barrie campus, a commitment which is being matched by the City.

Laurentian University’s Next 50 Campaign, chaired by Terry MacGibbon, founder of FNX Mining, has now largely exceeded its original goal of $50 million, having raised $63.3 million so far with six months still to go before the end of the campaign.

For photos of the event, visit our Facebook page.

The honourable, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities,  Glen Murray. 

VALE LIVING WITH LAKES CENTRE SCIENTIST NAMED TO ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

VALE LIVING WITH LAKES CENTRE SCIENTIST NAMED TO ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

October 11, 2012 - Staff and visiting researchers at Laurentian University’s Vale Living With Lakes Centre (VLWLC) are congratulating their colleague in environmental and ecological studies, Dr. Norm Yan, who has been elected as a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada.  “It is wonderful to see Norm recognized in this way,” said VLWLC Director Dr. John Gunn. “This is the highest honour any scholar can achieve in the sciences in Canada.”  The induction ceremony for Dr. Yan will be held in November in Ottawa.  Later this fall, Dr. Yan is to deliver the 2012 Watershed Lecture at Living With Lakes.  Details about the lecture will be circulated within the Laurentian community in the weeks ahead. 

STUDY OF FIRST NATIONS’ HEALING ARTS EARNS CIHR AWARD

STUDY OF FIRST NATIONS’ HEALING ARTS EARNS CIHR AWARD

October 11, 2012 - A PhD student in Laurentian’s Inter-disciplinary Rural and Northern Health program, Caroline Recollet has been awarded the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health Scientific Director Award through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  The award is one of only three given to students working in aboriginal health research across the country.  Recollet was given the award for her presentation entitled “The Experiences of Algonquin, Ojibway and Métis Grandmothers who Practice Traditional Sacred Arts for Healing and Well-being.”  The Scientific Director Awards were given at the 12th Annual National Gathering of Graduate Students in Montreal in June

LAURENTIAN COMMERCE PROFESSOR WINS ‘BEST RESEARCH PAPER’ AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN PERU

LAURENTIAN COMMERCE PROFESSOR WINS ‘BEST RESEARCH PAPER’ AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN PERU

October 10, 2012

Laurentian Commerce Professor wins ‘Best Research Paper’
at International Conference in Peru

Professor of Business Administration Mohammad S. Pakkar was awarded a “Best Paper” citation at the International Conference on Business Performance Measurement and Management (ICBPMM) last month in Peru.  His paper was one of only two research presentations honoured as Best Paper at the 3-day international conference, attended by business scholars and theoreticians from the U.S. and Canada, Peru, Russia, Croatia, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa. The Conference was hosted by the CENTRUM Catolica Graduate School of Business, one of South America’s leading business schools. Dr. Pakkar’s paper was titled Measuring the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Decison-Making Units by Integrating the DEA and AHP Methodologies.  “I am so honoured to receive the best research paper award,” said Dr. Pakkar.  “I am also gratified by adding value and contributing to my field of specialization, Management Science.”

Mosquito trap claims to kill 90 per cent of West Nile Virus mosquitoes

Mosquito trap claims to kill 90 per cent of West Nile Virus mosquitoes

October 10, 2012 - Canadian scientist Gerardo Ulibarri is ready to start marketing a mosquito trap he says can kill 90 per cent of the pests in a few months. 

From the Toronto Star: 

Canadian scientist Gerardo Ulibarri is ready to start marketing a mosquito trap he says can kill 90 per cent of the pests in a few months.

And they’re hoping you can help.

The Mosquito DMZ, as the Laurentian University professor and his partner Kris Holland call it, is the product of six years of research in Canada and Guatemala. No governments in Canada were providing research and development, money, however, so they have opened the door to crowdfunding. “The evidence is so overwhelming, we want to repeat it again next summer,” Ulibarri told the Toronto Star. He and Holland have discovered, after five years of trap use, that their northern Ontario properties have no signs of West Nile Virus mosquitoes. 

As a scientist, however, Ulibarri still looks south with trepidation, to the dangerous outbreak in Texas this past summer of the neurological type of West Nile that killed 71 people.“Here in Canada, we have been lucky to be very low on neurological cases, but this tendency in the southern states is alarming to me. Because they are transported by migrating birds, any summer we could have an outbreak.” One trap, which fits in a five-gallon bucket, works in a backyard area using a naturally decomposing plant material designed to attract a specific species of female mosquito to lay her eggs.

Other larvae traps on the market use pesticides that can’t be recycled, said Ulibarri. What he discovered, almost by accident, was that the more his simulated swamp solution is used, the more it becomes irresistible to egg-laying females. The downside? “We need to make it less smelly.”

His work has been concentrating on the Culex mosquito, carrier of West Nile Virus, because of outbreaks in Ontario. Different solutions can be adapted to different species of mosquito, including those that carry the malaria virus so deadly to people in Africa. The UN Environmental Programme is interested in the Mosquito DMZ but needs something that costs about $20 a unit for use in the developing world, he said. To that end, Ulibarri and Holland have created a crowdfunding account at Indiegogo.com to raise $350,000 to get their trap into production in Canada by next summer. Proceeds from Canadian sales will help lower the costs for organizations such as the United Nations.

Ulibarri is also planning a double-blind controlled study of the traps with the Sudbury and District Health Unit next summer, although he, Holland and their friends have been trying the traps out themselves for years. Ulibarri admitted the long research time was “a bit of my fault.” He explained, “I wanted from the very beginning to make the manufacture right here in Canada. I had invitations to go to Michigan about four years ago. But this is Canadian technology, I am Canadian, I wanted to do this for Canada.”

Ulibarri also wants to develop an automatic trap that won’t require the weekly maintenance of the manual version and will encourage more people to use it.

Sudbury Family Invests in Healthy Lakes

Sudbury Family Invests in Healthy Lakes

October 2, 2012 - The Vale Living with Lakes Centre has accepted a pledge of $500,000 from Nora and Milad Mansour of Sudbury, a donation in  support of environmental remediation studies to ensure the health and sustainability of the world’s freshwater systems. 

Members of the Laurentian University community and special guests attended a ceremony held Monday evening to recognize the Mansour family’s generosity, and to celebrate the official renaming of the Vale Living with Lake Centre’s atrium as the Milad Gebrael Mansour Atrium.

 “This contribution is very special,” said Dr. John Gunn, Director of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre and Canada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Systems.  “Private investment of this size from a prominent Sudbury family is a clear sign that members of this community understand the importance of the work being done here at the Centre.  Our students, staff and researchers will all benefit from this gift, as will the broader community and the whole of Northern Ontario.          

“The leadership shown today by the Mansour family is remarkable,” said Laurentian University President Dominic Giroux.  “I have no doubt that this donation will help us achieve the outcome in our 2012-2017 Strategic Plan of having established Laurentian world-wide as the University synonymous with fresh water research.  I’m excited about this new partnership, and proud to have the Mansour name associated with the Lakes Centre. ”       

“The future sustainability of our lakes is a pressing issue—one of the most important of our lifetimes,” said Milad Mansour, President of Milman Industries Inc.  “We need to find innovative solutions to ensure their preservation, and this is the absolute best place to do it, no question.”                

“I have always taught my children that giving is more precious than receiving,” said Nora Mansour. “It is a wonderful feeling to give back to our community by supporting Laurentian University.”

The Mansours’ gift will be counted among a growing list of contributions made through the Sudbury Families initiative, a university-led recognition program that honours and celebrates local families who have shaped the growth and development of the city.

“The Mansours have been economic drivers in this city for many years,” said John Pollesel, The Next 50 Campaign volunteer and Sudbury Families co-chair. “Now they are driving efforts to ensure its long-term environmental health.  The example they have set here today will surely inspire others to aid in improving the quality of life of all Sudbury residents, Northern Ontarians and members of the global community.”

About Milman Industries Inc.

Milman Industries Inc. provides a wide array of products as well as services.  Located at two sites, Milman Industries Inc. features thirteen companies to serve the customer’s needs from hoses to diesel or electric locomotives, scrap metal recycling, railway equipment and track repair to sea and rail transloading on the onsite spur.

About The Next 50 Campaign

To ensure that Laurentian continues to drive creativity, innovation and prosperity, the university has launched The Next 50 Campaign—the most ambitious fundraising campaign ever undertaken in Northern Ontario—which aims to raise $50 million in new investments.  The campaign, which will continue through to April 2013, secures funds in support of Laurentian’s key projects, including the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre; the School of Architecture; a School of Mines and an expanded endowment fund to increase opportunities for researchers, graduate students, and student athletes to excel through the creation of chairs, fellowships, and scholarships.

 

Architecture Faculty Hiring Begins

Architecture Faculty Hiring Begins

September 25, 2012 -  Laurentian University’s School of Architecture this week began the process of interviewing and selecting faculty for the September, 2013 launch of the charter class.  Candidates for faculty positions are being interviewed by the selection committee over the next 6 weeks.   As part of the selection process, candidates have agreed to present talks on architecture projects and architectural approaches.  The series will be open to the public and will be held weekly, each Monday at 5:30 pm at the Laurentian Architecture Project Office in downtown Sudbury.

“We are very pleased with the calibre of the applicants, and the range of experience they represent,” said Laurentian School of Architecture Founding Director, Dr. Terrance Galvin.  “We have candidates from schools and from architecture firms in Canada and the U.S., and we have people coming in from Kuujjuaaq in northern Quebec, to Connecticut.  This is a very good start, and an exciting step in the process of building our school,” he added.   

Visiting candidates for positions in a faculty of architecture typically deliver talks for the selection committee, according to Dr. Galvin.  “We’re just taking that tradition and extending it into the community, so that anyone interested in learning about architecture will have the opportunity to hear and to enjoy these discussions,” he said.

Laurentian Architecture faculty are expected to begin their work in early January. 

The hiring of architecture faculty is among 24 faculty positions to be filled at Laurentian during the current academic year. 

 

Laurentian Architecture Receives Fednor Funding

Laurentian Architecture Receives Fednor Funding

September 21, 2012 - A $5-million dollar investment by the federal government’s regional development program in Laurentian University’s School of Architecture will help to fund construction of the new state-of-the-art facility at the historic crossroads of Downtown Sudbury.   

The funding announcement was made this morning at the downtown project office of Laurentian Architecture by Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement, the Minister responsible for FedNor.   

“By helping establish Canada’s first school of architecture in more than 40 years right here in Northern Ontario, our Government is delivering on its commitment to develop a competitive and diversified economy, create jobs, and support long-term growth and prosperity,” said Minister Clement.   

The $5-million is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program.  It will help to support the construction of a new, 65,000-sq-ft landmark building at the intersection of Elm and Elgin Streets in the heart of Sudbury.  The funds will also support the renovation of two historic buildings at the site, both of which will be incorporated into the design of Canada’s newest School of Architecture.   

“This forward-looking investment by the Canadian government, along with the support previously affirmed by the Ontario government and the City of Sudbury, brings us close to our target for the capital cost of this ambitious project,” said Laurentian Vice President, Administration and Project Steering Committee Chair, Carol McAulay.  “With capital funding almost fully in place, and the design work underway, we are on track to welcome our first Architecture students in the fall of 2013,” she added.   

“We appreciate the federal government’s support of the vision for our School of Architecture,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “This represents the latest in a series of federal government investments in Laurentian University, which include significant investments in support of our Vale Living With Lakes Centre, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.   With the new School of Architecture moving ahead to a fall 2013 launch, Laurentian and its partners are building a solid foundation for the future growth and development of Sudbury and Northern Ontario.”  

For more information on the School of Architecture, please visit www.laurentianarchitecture.ca

New Starbucks, Bistro At Laurentian University Sudbury Campus

New Starbucks, Bistro At Laurentian University Sudbury Campus

September 14, 2012 - Laurentian University today announced the opening of two new food and beverage locations at its Ramsey Lake Road campus, part of a long-term plan to create dynamic new social spaces for students, staff and faculty, and to enhance campus life.

“We’ve looked at the University setting as a series of neighbourhoods, and we are responding to the needs of these areas with new services,” said Laurentian VP, Administration, Carol McAulay.  “The additional food and drink options will be a reflection of the needs expressed by our university community,” she added. 

The new Starbucks location is at the western end of the campus, between the Library and the Engineering building.  It will offer a range of snacks, coffee, blended and bottled beverages, and will provide 32 additional seating spaces adjacent to the Library.  Renovations to the Rotunda of the Library have also created 4 new quiet study rooms and a fifth room was created on the second level.

The East Bistro is located on the ground floor of the new East Residence building, officially opened in late August.  East Bistro will offer a range of hot and cold beverages and a menu of fresh food choices, including salads and Panini (grilled sandwiches).  The Bistro provides comfortable seating as well as an array of armchairs around a fireplace. 

The university’s main cafeteria location in the Great Hall will also undergo a makeover in the year ahead.  As part of a long-term $2-million food services modernization plan, the University will begin renovations in the Great Hall in the spring/summer of 2013.

“We’re really responding to what we’ve heard from students, in providing a broader range of food and beverage options, and at the same time creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for our students, staff and faculty to relax, read and socialize,” said VP McAulay.  “The overall plan is to enhance the student experience on campus, but we hope that all members of the broader Sudbury community will enjoy the benefits of these improvements,” she added.

Laurentian Architecture to begin work at Elm and Elgin site

Laurentian Architecture to begin work at Elm and Elgin site

September 9, 2012 - Work on Laurentian University’s new School of Architecture will be proceeding in the weeks ahead at the historic intersection of Elm and Elgin Streets in downtown Sudbury.  The transfer of title for the property took effect on November 6, 2012.  Laurentian University purchased the site from the City of Greater Sudbury as the home of Canada’s newest School of Architecture, which will welcome its charter class of students in September 2013.

The first cohort of students will be studying in renovated space in the CPR Freight Shed, while faculty offices will be located in the CP Telegraph Building.   Both structures were erected on the site in the early 20th century and will be incorporated into the design of the new School, which is scheduled to be completed in 2015.  

“This is an exciting juncture for the Architecture project, and we are anxious to begin the work of preparing the buildings for occupancy next fall,” said Laurentian Architecture’s Founding Director, Dr. Terrance Galvin.  “Phase One of the renovation work will give us our studio and seminar space for the first two years of the School’s operation,” said Galvin.

Bids have been received for Phase One of the Laurentian Architecture construction project from a list of Ontario contractors who were successful in the pre-qualifying process.

“We were pleased to see several northern Ontario companies qualified to bid, as well as some firms from other parts of the province,” said Brad Parkes, Director, Capital Projects at Laurentian University.  The successful bid for the Phase One contract is expected to be announced in mid-December. 

The renovations to the Freight Shed in Phase One will include upgraded insulation and new finishes to the interior, new siding and roofing, as well as updated electrical, mechanical and ventilation systems.  The brick and mortar of the Telegraph Building will be freshened, and many of the interior surfaces re-finished, while the original wooden staircase will be refurbished.  Laurentian Architecture and its design team have worked with Sudbury’s Local Heritage Committee in planning the renovations of the CP Telegraph Building, and all changes will respect the integrity of this historic downtown landmark.

To mark the occasion of Laurentian Architecture’s beginnings at Elm and Elgin Streets, there will be a ground-breaking and “welcome ceremony” at sunrise on Friday, November 23rd, 2012.  The event will include a blessing of the land, under the auspices of the Whitefish Lake First Nation and Chief Steven Miller.

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