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Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Mechatronics students create prototype to demonstrate real world application

(May 6, 2025) - A team of senior Engineering students from Laurentian University has developed an innovative solution to a longstanding local engineering conundrum: how to safely and systematically dismantle towering industrial stacks like Sudbury’s iconic Superstack.

Inspired by the ongoing decommissioning of large smokestacks across North America, Laurentian Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering students Tyler Marcon, Alex Giguere, Quinn Roos, and Emmanuel Mukwakwami designed and prototyped a robotic system capable of disassembling reinforced concrete stacks from the top down. Their project, which formed part of Professor Markus Timusk’s Capstone Design course, earned top honours in the course’s annual project awards.

“There are existing demolition methods, but many involve significant human risk,” said Marcon. “We wanted to propose something safer, more autonomous, and engineered specifically for large-scale structures like the Superstack here in Sudbury.”

The team’s design centers around a dual-cutting system using diamond wire technology—commonly used in the mining and jade industries—that can carefully slice blocks of concrete while minimizing dust, noise, and structural instability. A full-scale version of their design could operate autonomously, gradually cutting and pushing debris inward over an estimated two-year demolition timeline.

Professor Timusk praised the project for its creativity, execution, and real-world relevance. “This project hit all the marks for a successful Capstone: open-ended design, creativity, integration of engineering principles, and teamwork,” he said. “It’s a truly standout example of what our students are capable of when tackling problems that matter to our community. We’re grateful that a panel of industry professionals joined us to give their thoughts on each project.”

The students showcased a working prototype that visually demonstrates the sequence of operations in their design, using foam and a heated wire to mimic diamond-wire cutting. 

The project was completed in collaboration with co-instructor Greg Lakanen, who supports the Capstone program’s hands-on, real-world approach to engineering education. While Vale has already determined the method through which the Superstack will be demolished, the novel concept may inform future research or industrial practices for stack demolition.

For this group of students set to graduate in the next few months, some of whom already have job offers, they begin their careers with exceptional references, hands-on experiences, and valuable connections to the industry. 

Faculty of Management Expands Global Reach with New International Agreements

Faculty of Management Expands Global Reach with New International Agreements

Opportunities for students to travel abroad with unique experiences

(May 5, 2025)— Laurentian University’s Faculty of Management is proud to announce multiple new international agreements aimed at deepening academic collaboration and expanding global opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers. These partnerships emphasize a commitment to fostering international experiences and specifically enabling these opportunities for our growing population of francophone students. 

“We are here to prepare globally minded business leaders,” said Dr. Parvinder Arora, Dean of the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University. “Our students will now have greater access to international learning experiences, while our faculty will benefit from new research collaborations and academic networks.”

The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are designed to enrich the student learning experience and position Laurentian’s Faculty of Management as a hub for international business education and applied research.

“By connecting with institutions like these, we’re extending our academic footprint across two continents and we’re especially proud to do this with francophone institutions,” added Dr. Arora. “These alliances underscore our dedication to high-quality education, global citizenship, and building bridges across cultures and disciplines.”

These agreements are part of Laurentian’s broader goals to foster international engagement and provide students with dynamic, real-world experiences that enhance their academic and professional success.

 

Details of Agreements

ESCA École de Management: On January 31st, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with ESCA École de Management in Casablanca, Morocco, to foster collaboration in a wide range of areas. The partnership includes joint activities in the fields of student exchanges, exchange of faculty and students, as well as joint teaching and research. ESCA is the first school in Morocco and Francophone Africa to be AACSB-accredited.

ESLSCA Business School: On February 11, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with ESLSCA Business School located in Paris, France. The partnership includes joint activities in the fields of student exchanges, exchange of faculty and students, teaching and research and joint/dual degrees. This unique partnership will extend to ESLSCA’s School of Sports Management, creating opportunities for Laurentian’s School of Sports Administration students and faculty.  Founded in 1949, École Supérieure Libre des Sciences Commerciales Appliquées (ESLSCA) was established as the first independent business school in France.

PML SD Business School: On March 24th, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with PML SD Business School located in Chandigarh. The MoU includes collaboration in the areas of student and faculty exchange, joint research and dual degree programs. PML SD Business School is part of the Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma (GGDSD) College Board, which has one of the most prominent undergraduate programs (BBA and BComm) in the country, industry connections, and academic excellence.

IIM Shillong: On March 31st, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, located in the Northeastern state of Meghalaya. The Parties agreed to cooperate in the areas of student and faculty exchange, participation in summer/winter programs, joint research, and development of double degree programs, among other areas. IIM Shillong, founded in 200,7 is a premier international management institution with a strong focus on leadership, management research and education. The Indian Institutes of Management are one of the most prominent brands and top-ranked institutes of management in India in several rankings, and are declared by the Government of India as an Institute of National Importance. 

Sri Sri University: On April 1st, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with Sri Sri University located in Bhubaneswar, India. The agreement will set the stage for collaboration between the two institutions in the areas of development of dual degree programs, student and faculty exchange programs, conducting joint research, and enrollment of students in regular degree programs, among other areas. Sri Sri University is a State Private University established by the Odisha State Legislative Assembly and founded by His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and offers value-based education in areas of Management, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Philosophy, Architecture, Liberal and Performing Arts, among other areas.

Khalsa University: On April 4th, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with Khalsa University located in Amritsar, India. The agreement will focus on collaboration in areas of dual degree programs, student and faculty exchange, joint research, among other areas. In the framework of the MoU, a dual degree articulation agreement is set to be signed between the two institutions. This will welcome Khalsa University students to Laurentian University in September 2025. Originally known as Khalsa College Charitable Society, Khalsa University is the first private university in the Majha region of Punjab. Rooted in a rich legacy, the university is dedicated to transformative education, fostering intellectual growth, innovation, and social responsibility, guided by visionary leadership in values-based education while embracing cutting-edge scientific exploration.

Sault College: On April 8th, 2025, Laurentian signed a new 2+2 articulation and student transfer agreement with Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This agreement provides Sault College students with a seamless pathway to complete the final two years of their undergraduate degree at Laurentian University. By building on this agreement, students from both institutions can transfer credits, experience university life with continued academic support, and obtain a university degree. Sault College is a public college located in Sault Ste. Marie offers a wide range of programs with campuses in Dryden, Kenora, Rainy Lake, and Thunder Bay.

Sports Management School - SMS Paris: On April 24th, 2025, Laurentian University signed an MoU with The Sports Management School in Paris, France. The MoU contemplates collaboration in areas such as exchange programs for teaching, staff, researchers, and students, conducting joint research projects, developing short-term programs and dual degree programs, and collaborative online international learning opportunities. The Sports Management School is entirely dedicated to sports management with campuses in Paris, Lausanne, Barcelona, Rabat, Rome, and Cairo, highlighting the perspective of the sports business. Its ambition is to train students to become professionals and managers in the sports business with a comprehensive vision.

 

Laurentian University Board of Governors Elects Jay Barbeau as New Chair

Laurentian University Board of Governors Elects Jay Barbeau as New Chair

(May 2, 2025) – Laurentian University is pleased to announce that Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau has been elected as the new Chair of its Board of Governors, following a vote held at the Board’s April 25, 2025 meeting. Barbeau, who has served as Vice-Chair of the Board, will assume the role of Chair effective July 1, 2025, following the conclusion of Vern Cameron’s term.

“I’m proud to continue to serve Laurentian University in this new capacity. I’ve had the privilege of learning from many engaged volunteers at the board level, as well as from a rejuvenated executive team. The future is very positive” said Barbeau. 

Barbeau has served as a volunteer at the board level since summer 2023, he has been a very active board member, providing his leadership on multiple committees and often joining events on campus to lend his support. 

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Cameron shared: “It has been my privilege to serve Laurentian University during a critical period of renewal and progress. I have every confidence that Jay’s engaged leadership will continue to serve Laurentian well in this next chapter. Our Board is proud of the progress we have made and is excited for what lies ahead.”

In accordance with the University’s bylaws and best practices in governance succession, the election of Barbeau ensures continuity and stability for the Board’s ongoing work. Following this transition, Cameron will be eligible to seek a term as Vice-Chair at the Board’s June meeting.

 

Zachary Courtemanche: An Alumnus Shaping Laurentian’s Future

Zachary Courtemanche: An Alumnus Shaping Laurentian’s Future

As Laurentian University continues to celebrate its 65th anniversary of incorporation on March 28, 2025, we reflect on this history with members of our campus community in this series of interviews.

May 1, 2025 -  Peter Drucker once said that “the best way to predict the future is to create it” and for Zachary Courtemanche, Partner at Weaver Simmons LLP, he’s been intentionally creating that future for quite some time. Born in Sudbury and raised on Manitoulin Island, he’s now a significant contributor to the business landscape in Northern Ontario. His humble beginnings never lacked ambition or courage—that’s a big reason why he’s the perfect fit to be featured in this series of interviews. 

Since his first year on campus in 2009, Zach joined multiple student organizations and began laying the groundwork for his future in law. He quickly became familiar with his peers and professors as someone who made things happen.  That energy set the tone for Zach’s experience at Laurentian—where connections with professors went beyond the classroom, sparking conversations about current events, academic interests, and long-term aspirations. 

One such opportunity was Laurentian’s Model Parliament, a highlight of his undergraduate years. The annual Model Parliament in the House of Commons chambers in Ottawa is an opportunity for students to become politicians for a day and debate bills  “From an experiential learning perspective, it was second to none. It helped me practice public speaking, advocacy, and negotiation. It’s no surprise that so many participants went on to careers in law and public service” said Courtemanche. 

Outside the chamber and classroom, Zach was also very active in university governance. In fact, the list of committees, councils, and boards he participated in would be too lengthy to display here, but the highlights include: Laurentian University 2012-2017 Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Laurentian University Political Science Association (LUPSA), and as student representative at Senate. He also led significant initiatives that reshaped academic life on campus such as the grading system and the grad appeal process. 

Through all this success, there have also been challenging periods. Zach’s undergraduate program (Political Science) was closed during the University’s insolvency in 2021 and his beloved Model Parliament was not delivered from 2021 to 2023. Despite this, he’s committed to creating a more prosperous future for the next generation of students. 

Fast forward to today and Zach continues to contribute to Model Parliament and University governance as the Alumni Representative to Senate. Beyond that, he is also a Board Member with both the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Sudbury.  

Today, Zach sees Laurentian as a place of possibility for students from Northern Ontario and beyond. “I’ve always thought of Sudbury as a well-kept secret. It’s an ideal place to study and I hope that Laurentian can continue to provide opportunities like it did for me, closing the skills gap, facilitating personal and professional growth. Providing a launchpad for students from anywhere around the world. Laurentian’s success is Sudbury’s success and I’m proud to play my part.“

Zach Courtemanche’s story, much like his future, hasn’t happened by accident and the University is fortunate to have leaders like him shaping its future—sixty-five years and counting

Laurentian University Basketball Stars Shine with Prestigious OUA Awards

Laurentian University Basketball Stars Shine with Prestigious OUA Awards

(April 30, 2025) - In a testament to their dedication and athletic prowess, several talented basketball players from Laurentian University have been honored with prestigious awards from the Ontario University Athletics conference, recognizing their exceptional individual performances throughout this past season. 
 

Women’s basketball players Cadence Pecore (Porcupine, ON) and Émilie Lafond (Hanmer, ON) and men’s basketball players Nginyu Ngala (Montréal, QC) and Brice-Philippe Fandio (Marseille, FRA) were all recognized for their achievements.  
 

Pecore and Fandio were named to the OUA All-Rookie teams as well as Laurentian’s female and male Rookie of the Year recipients, while Lafond and Ngala earned all-star spots and were named the Voyageurs’ female and male Athletes of the Year. 
 

“When I first heard the news about making the OUA All-Rookie Team, I was incredibly excited and honoured,” Pecore said. “The OUA is an extremely competitive league with so many talented players, so stepping in as a first-year athlete wasn’t easy.”
 

Balancing the demands of varsity basketball while keeping up with studies is challenging for first-year players. Beyond keeping up with academics, Fandio says adapting to university life in general was a challenge he learned to navigate as the season went on.
 

“Adapting to life in Canada this year wasn’t easy, especially coming from Marseille, France. At first, it was tough being far from my mom and everything I knew but I feel like we have to make sacrifices in life if we are trying to achieve something big. Basketball really helped me stay grounded. On the court, I felt like myself. It gave me structure, confidence, and helped me connect with people here without needing to say much. I’m learning to embrace the discomfort, to adapt, and to turn it into strength,” Fandio said.
 

Lafond pointed to the opportunity to play in her hometown as too good to pass up, especially considering she was able to pursue a degree in her chosen field of Health Promotion. “Having had the opportunity to play so close to home has been nothing short of rewarding. I always looked up to the Laurentian University Women’s Basketball team, and now being a part of it is something that I will never forget or take for granted.”
 

For Pecore, Laurentian is the closest university to her hometown of Timmins. After finishing her high school career at Lo Ellen Park, she grew increasingly familiar with Laurentian’s women’s basketball program and decided it was the perfect fit once she was admitted to the University’s Physical Health and Education with Concurrent Education.
 

On the men’s side, Ngala shared his pride in his team when asked about this honour “I am most proud of how resilient this team was during the year, while playing in the toughest division in U Sports. There was a point late in this season where we lost four straight games. Everyone could have turned on one another and pointed fingers. Instead we came closer as a group and went on to win 4 out of 5 games left in the season. This gave us a playoff berth and allowed us to get our first playoff win since the 2019-2020 season.”

As far as advice for aspiring basketball players, Fandio shared they should “stay consistent and put in the work, especially when no one’s watching. Talent will only take you so far; it's the extra hours that make the difference. Stay coachable, be open to learning, and always look for ways to improve. Use every setback as motivation to come back stronger.” 

Wise beyond his years, Ngala offers that the next generation should aim to “be your biggest fan and biggest critic, there will always be adversity while playing basketball. Take every win like you take every loss and keep putting one foot forward.”

Laurentian basketball has a lot to be proud of from the 2024-2025 season, and a lot to look forward to looking ahead to next year. 

Laurentian University Board of Governors Approves Balanced Annual Budget for 2025-26

Laurentian University Board of Governors Approves Balanced Annual Budget for 2025-26

Budget shows caution in the face of disruptive forces within postsecondary education sector

(April 25, 2025) - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has approved the university’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which begins on May 1. The budget focuses on improving the student experience and fostering academic and research excellence, as well as supporting the continued investments towards the 2024-29 Strategic Plan, the implementation of Laurentian University’s Transformation Program, and continued investments to address capital deferred maintenance. 

 

“The budget continues to support the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan as well as other key institutional priorities, including the implementation of the Transformation Program. Laurentian University continues to be in a stable financial position, with positive growth supporting both our academic and research missions. Despite this, we are not immune to the pressures in the postsecondary sector and the effects of geopolitical instability. The 2025-26 budget reflects a careful and balanced approach, ensuring that we demonstrate the prudence necessary to weather disruptions.” - Vern Cameron, Board Chair, Laurentian University. 

 

When determining operational priorities, the budget development process took into consideration feedback received through the various strategic planning processes, including:

  • community consultation surrounding the development of the institutional Strategic Plan, which was launched in April 2024; 
  • feedback gathered during the development of the Academic Plan and the Strategic Research Plan, which took place throughout 2024. 

 

“The next fiscal year will be a significant one for Laurentian University in a number of historic ways. First, the University continues to make important progress on its obligations under creditor protection. By November 2025, Laurentian University is planning to complete the sales of the designated properties to the Province, another critical step in building the future of our institution. Second, March 2025 marked the beginning of Laurentian University’s 65th anniversary, an important milestone for Ontario’s only university with both a bilingual and tricultural mandate.” - Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor.  

 

For 2025-26, Laurentian University is projected to realize revenue over expenses of $1.7 million. This excludes the anticipated one-time accounting gain on sales of properties of $17.6 million, which must be added to the University’s restricted reserves. This represents consolidated revenues of $228.1 million and expenses of $208.8 million.

 

Government changes to international student policy are affecting Laurentian University’s ability to attract students from abroad, which has an impact on revenues. American trade policy also creates risks of additional costs. 

 

As a result, academic units and administrative departments were asked to contract their operating (non-salary) spending from 2024-25 levels as part of the operating budget process. Staffing budgets remained the same, ensuring that no positions were affected by the changes needed for a balanced budget. Since Laurentian still cannot borrow, the University must continue to be prudent in the face of such uncertainty. This budget represents a careful approach that allows the University to continue to pursue its objectives while supporting its financial sustainability.  

 

“We are taking proactive measures to ensure the University’s long-term sustainability and achieve structural balance for the future. Our focus continues to be on strengthening enrolment and on growing other sources of revenue, carefully managing expenses to match our revenue projections, and investing strategically in areas that support student success, as well as academic and research excellence. As a community, Laurentian University has achieved so much and has come so far in the last three years. While the world is facing many challenges, Laurentian University remains in a solid position, and we fully intend to continue building on this progress in the years to come.”- Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor.  

 

Laurentian University’s budget book for 2025-26 is available online.

Dr. Sandra Dorman named amongst Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety

Dr. Sandra Dorman named amongst Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety

CROSH Director continues to lead the charge in Worker Health and Safety Innovation

(April 24, 2025) - Dr. Sandra Dorman, Full Professor in the Faculty of Health and Education at Laurentian University and Director of the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH), has earned a Top Women in Canadian Occupational Safety award. A longstanding advocate of health promotion and disease prevention in occupational settings, Dorman was hired by Laurentian in 2003. She has been involved with CROSH since its launch in 2008 and became its Director in 2015. 

“This award means a great deal to me, especially because some of my mentors nominated me,” said Dorman. 

Under her leadership, CROSH co-launched the innovative multidisciplinary mobile research lab, which travels to workplaces throughout Northern Ontario, providing, among other services, group training and private health consultations for workers. In recent years, Dorman has studied vaccine hesitancy in Northern Ontario workplaces and heat stress mitigation among mine workers. Dorman has also worked with wildland firefighters since 2007 to assess the impact of smoke inhalation, fatigue and fitness interventions, psychological risk factors and post-traumatic stress disorder, and, most recently, heat stress.

“Heat strain is an occupational illness and has become a priority issue,” said Dorman, who received funding from the Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), to build an educational program to help health and safety specialists manage the dangers workers face when exposed to acute or chronic heat stress. “I’m proud of our Heat Stress Prevention Toolkit. Since its launch in May of 2024, it has been widely accessed, which is important because with climate change, in addition to preventing heat stroke events, we need to prevent long-term health illnesses such as kidney disease.”

OHCOW reported that when the Heat Stress Prevention Toolkit was launched last May, more people downloaded it in 3 months than they had estimated for the entire year; people including employers, managers, supervisors, workers, Joint Health & Safety Committee members, health and safety representatives, and workplace union representatives.

“Dorman has substantially contributed to the Occupational Health and Safety industry through her leadership with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health and through her research, which Laurentian University has recognized with a Faculty of Health Excellence in Research Award (2018) and a Top 10 - Research Innovation Award (2020),” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice President of Research, Laurentian University. “We are fortunate to have world-class researchers like Dr. Dorman amongst our faculty, whose research directly benefits members of our communities.” 

Dorman remains as dedicated as ever to advancing the field of occupational health and safety; an interdisciplinary domain that she explains enables collaboration among researchers. “We all work or know someone who works, so workplace health and safety is a huge component of everyone’s life. Work intersects with every discipline…. We all have something to bring to the table.” For Dorman, this includes people not only with varied research backgrounds but also with different identities. “We’ve seen a shift with more women entering jobs in health and safety, and I think that’s great! There’s so much potential in the field [of OHS]. It’s rewarding…. My work with CROSH keeps me happy, working and focused - I love what I do.”

With Dorman at the helm, CROSH has awarded $350,000 in student scholarships, placed 106 students in paid workplace internships and raised over $10 million dollars in Centre funding. 

On April 28, 2025, the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) and the Sudbury and District Labour Council will observe the Day of Mourning. 

Please join us in remembering and honouring those who have been killed, injured or become ill in the course of their work. On this day, we also renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace. Ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Fraser Auditorium. 

On the Day of Mourning, we find focus on invisible injuries and hazards, including chronic mental stress. Following the remarks in the Fraser Auditorium, wreaths will be laid and flags lowered in Founders’ Square.
 

 

Celebrating Earth Day with a Bee Hotel Installation to Support Local Pollinators

Celebrating Earth Day with a Bee Hotel Installation to Support Local Pollinators

Students Help Biodiversity Take Flight with “Air Bee and Bee”

(April 17, 2025) – This Earth Day, Laurentian University will buzz with excitement as local high school students help launch the “Air Bee and Bee” project, a unique environmental initiative aimed at protecting native pollinators and enhancing biodiversity on campus.

Led by Laurentian’s Dr. Mateus Pepinelli, Assistant Professor of Entomology, School of Natural Sciences, and the Nature Positive Universities (NPU) team, students from Lockerby Composite School’s Science and Technology Education Program (STEP) will install custom-built bee hotels along the University’s greenspace (Loach’s trail). These hotels are the product of hands-on workshops hosted by Laurentian’s NPU team, that engaged over one hundred grade nine students; the next generation of environmental stewards.

“It's been so inspiring to engage with the students at Lockerby,” said Laurentian NPU team member, Anastacia Chartrand. “Building partnerships like this is supporting Laurentian's commitment to climate action, meaningful outreach within the community, and environmental solutions." 

“With climate change shifting the balance of plant and insect life, monitoring these changes has never been more important, or more challenging,” explained Pepinelli. “This project uses bee hotels to provide nesting habitats for solitary bees, aiming to support and study native pollinator populations and their interactions.”

The “Air Bee and Bee” project addresses major environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental inequity, while promoting hands-on environmental education and community engagement. It is supported by funding from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s A.P.E. Fund and the Voyageurs Innovation Challenge*.

“Lockerby Composite’s STEP students have been participating in un-bee-lieveable learning opportunities with Laurentian University and Voyageur students and staff this school year; and we are so fortunate to have this collaborative environmental science partnership,” said Lockerby Composite School Principal, Ryan Lafraniere. “The Bee Hotel project has provided our students an opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of best environmental practices to make changes within their school community and the Sudbury community as well. Through this project, students have engaged in investigating local ecological concerns and have been empowered to support environmental Earth Day initiatives.”

Earth Day celebrations begin buzzing on campus on April 22nd at 8:45 a.m. outside the Ben Avery building. Members of the community are encouraged to join in on the fun. Educational signage will help inform visitors about the “Air Bee and Bee” project, and the pollinators' role in maintaining biodiversity and building climate resilience. 

*The Voyageurs Innovation Challenge, a Research Week event, showcased student-driven entrepreneurship and research under faculty mentorship. Laurentian’s NPU team earned second place at this year’s competition with their project “eDNA Enhanced Bee Hotels.”

Those interested in learning more about the Restoration Story of Greater Sudbury are invited to watch the following video that celebrates decades of world-class research led by Dr. John Gunn, Canada Research Chair (2003-2024), Founding Director of the Vale Living with the Lakes Centre, and Professor Emeritus. Earlier this year, Gunn was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour that acknowledges his research in environmental science, leadership in mentoring future sustainability leaders, and stewardship of Sudbury’s environmental restoration story on the global stage. 

A Legacy of Dedication and Impact: Dr. Patricia Pickard reflects on over five decades of service at Laurentian University

A Legacy of Dedication and Impact: Dr. Patricia Pickard reflects on over five decades of service at Laurentian University

As Laurentian University continues to celebrate its 65th anniversary of incorporation on March 28, 2025, we reflect on this history with members of our campus community in this series of interviews.

(April 16, 2025) - Hired in 1967 to develop Laurentian University’s women’s athletics programming, Professor Emerita Dr. Patricia Pickard, has devoted more than five decades to teaching, coaching and inspiring countless students and student athletes. Pickard’s career at Laurentian is more than just a testament to longevity - it is a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on generations of learners.

“When I first came to work at Laurentian, I didn’t expect to stay more than a couple of years,” said Pickard with a smile. At the time, Laurentian was a word Pickard associated with mountains, rather than a University. “I didn’t know much about Sudbury apart from it being a mining town…but the University was working to build its physical education program, I was encouraged to apply, and here we are over fifty years later.” 

The product of an athletic family, Pickard grew up in the Maritimes and earned her undergraduate degrees at the University of New Brunswick, where she played basketball, volleyball and badminton at a national level. This helped lay the foundation for her to become a mentor to future generations of competitive student athletes. 

“It’s all about the students and understanding the student experience,” said Pickard, who taught  at the high school level for two years before the pursuit of her Master’s degree at Western University. “If I was going to teach at a University, I had to understand where the kids are coming from, so that was a real plus.”

For Pickard, who taught in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, her early years at Laurentian were foundational. “There was a lot going on, and there was a lot to do, and don't forget that in those days, there really wasn’t the development of women’s sports, as there is now.” Recognizing the challenges and limitations faced by women in athletics at the time, Pickard became a driving force in changing that narrative; she was a visionary who understood the potential of women’s sports and was determined to create more opportunities for female athletes to thrive. 

“I became the first women’s Athletic Director in Canada,” said Pickard, who worked tirelessly to ensure that female athletes were given the same respect, recognition, and resources as their male counterparts. Whether through advocating for better facilities, creating training programs, or helping to establish competitive networks, Pickard played a fundamental role in the development of women’s sports at Laurentian and beyond. It was her efforts that solidified Laurentian’s membership to the Ontario University Athletics Association (OUA) and U SPORTS at the national level. These efforts also catalyzed other opportunities for Pickard, such as opportunities to work and conduct research at the Pan American and Olympic Games. In the 1980s, she found herself in Australia where she conducted her PhD research (University of Boston) on the topic of crowd behaviour in sporting events, with emphasis on violence, aggressive behavior, and facilities.   

In addition to her work with thousands of students and student athletes, and her impressive research contributions, Pickard is passionate about fostering alumni connections. She was Chair of the School of Human Kinetics’ 50th Reunion committee, as is she currently working with her peers and the Alumni office in support of a variety of upcoming events, including the Sports Psychology program’s 25th Anniversary, which will be celebrated later this year. 

“Laurentian truly is one of a kind,” said Pickard when speaking about the University’s unique appeal. “Our campus is beautiful, and it's very different from what other institutions have to offer.” For Pickard who has “loved teaching and coaching all these years,” it's not only the picturesque landscape that makes Laurentian so special, but the people who continue to believe in the University and in its future. 

“I have really tried to stay away from some of the issues of the past,” said Pickard when discussing Laurentian’s restructuring - an event that impacted Pickard and many of her peers. “But we weren’t involved in those decisions and there’s still a lot of good folk here at the University who care about its students and its future…. I’ve had some great conversations with President Wells who is doing everything that she can to regain confidence in the University within the community…. Things are changing and I think for the better.”

Dr. Pickard was recognized by Laurentian University in 2018, for fifty years of service. She has earned multiple awards in teaching and in administration. Other accolades include her induction into Greater Sudbury Kinsmen’s Sports Hall of Fame, and the Province of Ontario’s Achievement award in coaching. She has served as President of the Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association, and has chaired many OUA Championship events. Her contributions have made a lasting imprint on Laurentian’s history and the many lives she has positively impacted along her journey. 

 

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula Program Earns National Accreditation

For alumna Rikki Sibbald, the program was life-changing, offering expert training, and tools to provide compassionate end-of-life care.

(April 14, 2025) - Laurentian University’s End-of-Life Doula program has received national accreditation from the End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada, a recognition of the high-quality curriculum, expert instruction, and comprehensive resources.

The micro-credential program is comprised of four courses totalling 100 hours in length. Laurentian University’s Centre for Teaching and Continuing Learning, who developed the program with the support of Home Hospice North, started offering the first introductory course in Spring 2023 until the program in its entirety was first offered in Winter 2024. In the year since the program started, there have been 12 graduates with another 20 learners currently in the program.

For those like Rikki Sibbald, who feel called to provide compassionate support to those in need, the End-of-Life Doula program offers the training needed to turn that calling into action.

Rikki, Laurentian alumna in Psychologie and Éducation, is originally from New Liskeard but has been teaching with the Conseil scolaire Viamonde in Penetanguishene since completing her program in 2010. Although very different from her chosen career, she had long been drawn to end-of-life care. After a couple experiences with caring for relatives in their final days, Rikki often wondered how she could deepen her understanding of death, grief, and the support families need during that time.

"I’ve always been interested in death and dying," she says. "I considered nursing because the caregiver in me is strong, but my love for academia was stronger so I went into teaching instead. Over the years, I kept searching for programs or certifications in compassionate end-of-life care but I could only ever find options in the States."

That changed when she stumbled upon Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program.

"I punched the words into the search bar one day, as I would do periodically over the years and when I saw that Laurentian offered it, it felt like a sign. Even more perfect? It was online, so I didn’t have to take time off work or be away from my husband and kids. And Laurentian is my alma mater, so it just felt right."

Rikki enrolled in January 2024 and completed the program later that fall. The non-credit micro-credential trains individuals to support people in their final days, guiding them and their loved ones through the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of dying. It covers everything from communication and grief support to funeral practices and legal considerations.

Throughout the program, Rikki was struck by the depth of knowledge she gained and the diversity of her classmates. "There were healthcare professionals, but also people like me—people who just felt drawn to this work," she says. "It was incredibly supportive, and the instructors were amazing. Having a Francophone professor also made a big difference because I want to be able to offer support in both English and French."

For now, Rikki is looking for ways to bring this knowledge to her community by partnering with local organizations, libraries, and hospices to support those facing loss through grief discussions called “Death Cafés”. Down the line, she hopes to turn this passion project into a retirement plan, offering respite care for families so that no one has to worry that their loved-one will die alone. 

Laurentian’s recent accreditation affirms the strength of the program. The End-of-Life Doula Association of Canada praised the program for its well-structured curriculum, high-quality teaching competence, and excellent student resources.

"This program opens doors," Rikki attests. "It’s changed the way I think about death, and it’s given me the tools to help others do the same."

Laurentian’s End-of-Life Doula program is delivered through the Micro-credential and Non-credit Programming department, and is offered in both English and French. It is open to anyone interested in providing compassionate, end-of-life support. Registration is open on a continuous basis with the next deadline of April 26, 2025. For more information, visit Laurentian University’s Continuing Learning page.

 

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