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Book Launch: “Beyond the Divide - A Century of Canadian Mosque Design”

Book Launch: “Beyond the Divide - A Century of Canadian Mosque Design”

Director of the McEwen School of Architecture, Dr. Tammy Gaber, celebrates release of the first comprehensive study of mosque history and architecture in Canada.

(March 17, 2022) - Today and on March 17, 2022 at 6:30pm, the McEwen School of Architecture will host a hybrid event to celebrate the launch of Dr. Tammy Gaber’s book: “Beyond the Divide: A Century of Canadian Mosque Design.” Beyond the Divide explores the mosques of Canada in their diversity, beauty, practicality, and versatility. For nearly a century, Muslims have made mosques in a variety of spaces, from converted shops and vacated churches to large, purpose-built complexes. The study includes on-site photographs, architectural drawings, and interviews. Dr. Gaber explores the extraordinary diversity as to how mosque spaces have been designed, built, and used – as places not only of worship, but of community gathering, education, charitable work, and civic engagement. Throughout, Beyond the Divide provides a groundbreaking analysis of gendered space in Canadian mosques, how these spaces are designed and reinforced, and how these divides shape community experience.

“The research for this book began in 2015, with the support of a SSHRC Insight Development Grant,” explained Dr. Gaber. “Between 2015 and 2017, I travelled to 53 different cities across Canada to document 90 mosques, including those in Canada’s most northern places of worship in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.” 

In 2017, an exhibit of photographs from Dr. Gaber’s research demonstrated preliminary findings. This exhibit was curated in partnership with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) and was hosted in Toronto. Following this and in early 2021 with McGill-Queen’s press, Dr. Gaber submitted another SSHRC grant application. “I was successful obtaining a SSHRC ASP which allowed for the subvention of the book so that it could be published fully in colour.” The result produced a stunning publication; the first comprehensive study of mosque history and architecture in Canada. 

Dr. Gaber’s book launch will be hosted at the McEwen School of Architecture library. Copies of Beyond the Divide will be available for purchase, and Dr. Gaber will be present to talk about the book and her work. While a few people will be in attendance, all are invited to attend the live streaming of March 17th’s event, at 6:30pm, via Zoom. 
 

University community prepares for Graduate Research Symposium

University community prepares for Graduate Research Symposium

The Graduate Students’ Association plans week-long event in support of the discovery and dissemination of research.

(March 16, 2022) - A week-long event that promotes graduate student research at Laurentian University will take place March 21st to 25th, 2022. This student-led ‘Discovery and Dissemination Graduate Research Symposium’ is spearheaded by the Graduate Student Association, with support from the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Presentations about current research projects from students and candidates enrolled in Master and PhD programs will be offered. A volunteer panel of student judges from the Science Communication program will award prizes to the best presentation delivered in each faculty. Awards will also be distributed for the top French presentation and top Indigenous content presentation. 

Students from Biology and Science Communication programs will additionally participate in a ‘Sci Comm Bio Bites Showcase.’ Produced and directed by the Science Communication students, this group of biologists will engage and inspire the audience with their fascinating research and polished presentation skills.

Graduate students also have the opportunity to compete in Laurentian’s 3 minute thesis (3MT). 3MT is a university-wide competition in which participants present their research in 3 minutes or less to a panel of non-specialist judges. The challenge is to present complex research in an engaging, accessible and compelling way, using only one slide. 

“The 3MT competition provides graduate students with an opportunity to refine skills that can be transferred after graduation to diverse career paths,” said Stacy Sathaseevan, Laurentian’s Graduate Information Officer. “Distilling research into a clear form, without over-simplifying or making it overly-complex, and highlighting the wider implications of the research are important skills to carry into post-graduate employment and public service.”

Laurentian’s 3MT competition winner will be invited to compete at Provincial Finals to be held at the University of Guelph on May 4th, 2022. 

Speaking positively about the upcoming symposium and its numerous offerings, Laurentian’s Vice President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger said: “We are extremely proud of the tireless efforts and dedication of our graduate student body. Research and scholarship conducted by Laurentian’s graduate students continues to address important questions for northern Ontario and Canada, often done in partnership with industry and community partners.” 

All are invited to take part in this week-long event. Apart from the 3MT competition that will take place in the Classroom building, in Room C-203, on March 23rd, 2022, 12:00 noon - 2:00pm, all other events will be hosted via Zoom. 

The following Zoom link provides access to the week-long event. 
The Symposium presentation schedule with abstracts can be found here.
 

Curling stones no longer taken for granite

Curling stones no longer taken for granite

Study challenges long-standing thoughts on manufacturing of curling stones.

(March 14, 2022) - Curling is a popular winter sport that originated in 16th century Scotland and was brought to Canada by the Scottish Highlanders. Since then, Canada has dominated in curling, having medalled in nearly every Olympics. At the most recent Olympic Winter games that took place in Beijing, China from February 4-20, 2022, the Canadian men’s curling team defeated the United States to take home the bronze medal. 

Curling involves sliding cylindrical stones across a sheet of ice. The stones used for international competition come from only two locations: either Ailsa Craig, a rocky isle off the western coast of Scotland, or the Trefor quarry in North Wales. But are these rocks unique? Could curling stones be made from other locations?

In the first study of its kind since 1890, these questions were addressed by Laurentian University PhD Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology student, Derek Leung. An article based on Leung’s undergraduate thesis was recently published in The Canadian Mineralogist, co-authored with supervisor Dr. Andrew McDonald, Professor of Mineralogy and Director of the Microanalytical Centre at Laurentian’s Harquail School of Earth Sciences. The study was supported by a scholarship from the Society of Economic Geologists Canada Foundation, with fieldwork supported by the Mykura Fund from the Edinburgh Geological Society. Leung is also a recent recipient of a prestigious NSERC PGS-D scholarship. 

The team from Laurentian University used modern analytical techniques to probe the mineralogical makeup of the rocks. They found that curling stones belong to a group of granite-like rocks known as granitoids. Additionally, the curling stones share some common characteristics, but none of these geological characteristics can be considered unique to curling stones. This opens the door to the manufacture of the same from materials in other locations, perhaps even from materials right in our backyard, in Sudbury, Ontario. 

About the study’s findings, Leung said as follows: “I’ve always wondered what curling stones are made of. This study lays out the groundwork for future research on curling stones, such as linking rock textures to the curling motion of a stone, which is a controversial topic among scientists and the curling community.”

Dr. Andrew McDonald added: "Curling is part of our Canadian DNA, so it's most apt that a high quality, cutting-edge study into the geological and mineralogical makeup of curling stones should be at a Canadian institute and what better place than the Harquail School of Earth Sciences.”  

Sports Administration Graduate named Chicago Blackhawks GM

Sports Administration Graduate named Chicago Blackhawks GM

Sudbury’s Kyle Davidson rises to top job for Original Six NHL club

(March 9, 2022) - It wasn’t too long ago that Kyle Davidson completed his final exam at Laurentian University in the School of Sports Administration, and now the Sudbury native has been named General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks. 

A graduate of the 2010 class of the Sports Administration (SPAD) program, Davidson, 33, began his career with the Blackhawks as a Hockey Operations Intern in the summer of 2010 and quickly moved up the ranks within the organization. Having been promoted six times within the last 11 hockey seasons, Davidson’s rise to the top has been both a testament to his passion for the game of hockey and his dedication to his profession. 

“I always knew that I wanted to work in sports, specifically hockey and I wanted to pursue an education that would provide me with a good network and valuable experience to enter the sports field. Alongside this, SPAD had a very reputable alumni base that was very accessible to students.” stated Davidson about his time in SPAD during a 2020 interview.

Davidson is only the most recent in a long line of “SPAD” alumni to be named to leadership roles, including many successful graduates such as: 

  • Ken Derrett, former Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, San Diego Chargers (SPAD 1978)
  • Tom Grecco, President and Chief Executive Officer, Advance Auto Parts (SPAD 1981)
  • Dale Hooper, General Manager of Fan Duel Canada (SPAD 1991)
  • Jennifer DelVecchio, Global Senior Director, Strategic Alliances at McDonald’s International (SPAD 2005)
  • Andrew Baker, Vice President, International Relations and Public Affairs at the Canadian Olympic Committee (SPAD 2005)
  • Celine Seguin, Vice President, Business Administration at the Juno Awards (SPAD 2009)

“We are all very proud of Kyle, as well as the many Laurentian University graduates that take on leadership roles around the world. Our faculty, staff, students and alumni should all be proud as this exceptional individual achievement is also a credit to the community as a whole.” - President and Vice-Chancellor, Robert Haché.

This announcement comes on the heels of another positive announcement for the SPAD program as Rachel Doerrie (SPAD 2017) was recently named as an analyst in the Hockey Analytics office of the Vancouver Canucks.
 

University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

University prepares for Open House, March 12, 2022

Liaison leaders Stéphanie Ménard and Caleb Piché-Larocque make a positive impact in the student journey

(March 3, 2022) - As Laurentian University welcomes back students with the resumption of in-person classrooms this week, the university community is also preparing to welcome many more future students at the March 12th Open House. 

Laurentian’s Liaison Services delivers the event and supports the future student journey towards post secondary education. Liaison is the first point of contact for all persons interested in programs and services offered by Laurentian, and team members are dedicated to guiding those considering the University as their post secondary destination of choice. 

Stéphanie Ménard, a third year Psychology student and Caleb Piché-Larocque, a fourth year Business Administration student, are Liaison’s current Senior Student Ambassadors. Both are francophones and expect to graduate with certificates of bilingualism. 

“We provide guidance to the many student ambassadors who work in Liaison. We also support the organization and smooth execution of events,” said Ménard. While Ménard has worked with Liaison since the first semester of her undergrad, Piché-Larocque joined the Liaison team in his second year. Speaking about his passion for student recruitment, Piché-Larocque said as follows: “I’ve enjoyed my student experience, and sharing that experience with future students is very rewarding.” Ménard agrees and outlined that a reason why she loves her job so much is because it enables her to “make a positive impact.” As she described: “The Liaison team is amazing. Everybody is passionate about their work, and we do our best to ensure that each and every prospective student experience to Laurentian, is unique.” 

According to Liaison’s Events and Communications Coordinator, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin, “student ambassadors like Stéphanie and Caleb are inspiring. They come to work every day ready to help students from around the world.”
       
While Liaison Services regularly offer information sessions and campus tours to showcase Laurentian’s beautiful campus, the current focus is this year’s March Open House event, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 10am - 3pm. This in-person event will include an academic and services fair, as well the opportunity to participate in a personalized campus tour. 

Registration for Open House is available online. 

Laurentian University celebrates the achievements of three outstanding women

Laurentian University celebrates the achievements of three outstanding women

Nasim Yavari, Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer and Suzanne Pharand recognized for their efforts towards gender equity

(March 3, 2022) - To celebrate International Women's Day, Laurentian University's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Gender Equity along with the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office’s Consent is Simple Team will honour the achievements of three Greater Sudbury women during its annual awards ceremony. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m., via zoom.  

To be honoured at the ceremony are Nasim Yavari, Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer and Suzanne Pharand. These role models are recognized for their work in promoting women within the University, and the community of Greater Sudbury. 

Nasim Yavari is being honoured for her activism in education, especially as it relates to young women.

Dr. Elizabeth Wenghofer is being honoured for her mentoring of female students, especially in the field of human kinesiology.

Suzanne Pharand is being honoured posthumously for her unrelenting dedication and discrete devotion to the University community.

For more information, please contact Bettina Brockerhoff-Macdonald, Interim Chair of Laurentian University's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Gender Equity, at bbrockerhoff@laurentian.ca. 
 

Independent Operations and Governance Review Sets Roadmap for Transformation of Laurentian University

Independent Operations and Governance Review Sets Roadmap for Transformation of Laurentian University

(March 2, 2022) - Laurentian University takes an important step in its restructuring with the release of two reports following an independent review which includes recommendations that will transform the operations and governance of the University.
 
Conducted by Nous Group, under the direction of Laurentian’s Chief Redevelopment Officer and the court-appointed Monitor, the reports deliver a transformational roadmap and detailed recommendations that will pave the way for a stronger, financially viable Laurentian that students and all stakeholders deserve. Details of the review and recommendations can be found here.
 
“We are confident that implementing these recommendations will allow the University to make the necessary changes to ensure the appropriate governance and operational frameworks are in place to best serve the needs of Laurentian’s future students,” says Lou Pagnutti, Chief Redevelopment Officer.
 
“While there will be challenges as Laurentian executes this ambitious and long-term transformation, the University is focused on whatever needs to be done to make Laurentian the best environment it can be for its students. The report serves as a roadmap to success – and the University is dedicated to renewing Laurentian as the proud institution our community deserves,” he adds.
 
As a next step, Laurentian will be discussing the recommendations with stakeholders including determining the source of funding to execute the transformation.  As Laurentian moves through this process in collaboration with key university and community stakeholders, including its faculty and employees and creditors and in partnership with the Ontario Government, it will provide regular updates on progress.

 

Key recommendations
 
Governance: 37 recommendations to improve the university’s governance at the Board and Senate, including adjusting its bicameral model to improve information flow between the two bodies. Additional recommendations call for each governing body to establish a clear mandate and set of accountabilities, ensure the right composition and capabilities are in place, and adopt appropriate structures and processes, including establishment of a professional secretariat.
 
Operations: A transformation program to improve operational efficiency focused on seven core areas including strategy, service delivery, financial performance, structure, processes, technology and digital platforms, as well as capability and capacity.
 
Within those areas, recommendations call for development of a new strategic plan;  consolidation of all student services to improve student satisfaction and retention; implementation of new financial planning, budgeting and reporting practices; restructuring of administrative functions with clear lines of authority and accountability; simplified, standardized and automated processes and new enterprise processes for risk and records management; priority investments in digital tools and capabilities; and attracting new capabilities by drawing from a broad talent pool and addressing understaffed units.

 
 
About the Operations and Governance Review
 
As a critical key step in the CCAA process, Laurentian announced in October 2021 it had engaged Nous Group to make recommendations for improving the operational structure and function of the University, as well as governance at the Board and Senate. In keeping with Laurentian’s commitment to conduct the review in an independent manner, Nous reported directly to the Chief Redevelopment Officer and the court-appointed Monitor throughout the process.
 
The process involved a thorough review of materials; interviews with staff, board and senate members, union leaders, and students and community members; and analysis of need and opportunities based on extensive knowledge of best practice in the Canadian university sector.  

Laurentian celebrates le Mois de la francophonie

Laurentian celebrates le Mois de la francophonie

French language and culture remain at the core of the University’s priorities

(March 1, 2022) - Mars est le mois de la francophonie! While francophone culture is celebrated at Laurentian University all year long, March provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of our francophone community. 

“Our bilingual mandate is core to Laurentian’s identity. It is what makes us distinct,” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. “We are very proud of our francophone community, and we remain committed to attracting French language students by offering degrees that are relevant to them, learning life and work skills employers seek.” 

The University is pleased with the recent creation of the Francophone Advisory Committee, whose mandate is to provide guidance on francophone matters and offer recommendations on the implementation of strategies to ensure the successful delivery of French-language programs and services. It brings together community leaders from industry, health, arts and culture and other sectors, to focus, guide and advise on the great passion and pride in the francophone nature of the university.

In his position as special advisor of Francophone Affairs, Roch Gallien described that ultimately, “our goal is to remain the destination of choice in the North for students looking for a quality French language education in a bilingual and tricultural environment.” Gallien is educated in Ontario to teach French, History and Political Science, and he received an undergraduate degree and an Ontario Teacher’s Certificate from Laurentian University’s French-language school of education. 

Laurentian University is Canada’s only university with a tricultural mandate, offering a post-secondary education to a diverse student body championing a brain gain for the North, for Ontario, and beyond. “Being a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something we cherish,” said Dr. Haché. 
 
The Laurentian community is encouraged to engage in opportunities this month for learning and reflection about the importance of francophone language and culture.
 

Laurentian Relay for Life to raise hopes and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society

Laurentian Relay for Life to raise hopes and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society

Campaign aims to add $35,000 to a total of over $250,000 since 2015.

(February 28, 2022) - On March 11 and 12, 2022, Laurentian Relay for Life will host its eighth annual event. Relay for Life raises awareness and funds in support of the battle against cancer. Fundraising efforts are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society; the nation’s largest cancer charity and charitable funder of cancer research. The campaign has raised $266,818.73 since 2015 and hopes to raise $35,000 this year. 

The Laurentian Relay for Life will be preceded by March 6th’s virtual Hope Ceremony that honours cancer survivors, those living cancer-free or those living with the disease. Ceremony participants will engage in storytelling with their peers, and will have the opportunity to compete and win prizes in Nickel City Trivia. 

Natalie Crepeau, a second year Master’s student in the pratique infirmière avancée program, is one of seventeen student volunteers on the organizing committee. Crepeau graduated in 2020 from the sciences infirmières program, and is a registered nurse at Health Sciences North in Orthopaedics Neurosurgery. 

“It’s more important now than ever to fundraise for this campaign,” urged Crepeau. “Relay for Life offers the opportunity to not only support a good cause, but to bring the community together and raise hope for those who are fighting cancer.” Notably, Relay for Life also celebrates those who no longer have cancer, and those who have heroically battled the disease and tragically lost their lives. “It’s about recognizing all those who have been affected by cancer. Let’s work together to make a difference; to make an impact”  said Crepeau. 

To stay informed and register for the Hope Ceremony or Relay for Life campus event, all are encouraged to follow Laurentian Relay for Life’s Instagram and Facebook channels. 
 

Laurentian University an ambassador campus of the Moose Hide Campaign

Laurentian University an ambassador campus of the Moose Hide Campaign

February 25th campaign seeks to end violence against women and children.

(February 17, 2022) - The Moose Hide Campaign is a reconciliation movement that seeks to end violence against women and children. Since its inception in 2011, it asks for communities and campuses to stand together in unity towards collective action and healing. 

Leading up to the Moose Hide Campaign, moose hide pins are distributed across the community to be worn by those who seek to end violence against women and children. About this, Paskwa Lightning, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) Community and Student Engagement Coordinator, who also serves as the unit’s Social Media and Events Coordinator, attested that “it’s up to all of us, not just men and boys, but as a society, to participate in these types of campaigns that help us bring awareness to this issue.” Moose hide pins encourage dialogue on the topic of violence against women and children, and according to Lightning, “the data that we have is that every pin sparks about ten conversations.” 

Laurentian’s ISA office will honour the campaign with a virtual event on February 25, 2022. This event has as confirmed guest speaker, Chief of Serpent River First Nation, Brent Bissaillion. Describing more about this year’s campaign, Lightning provided that: “We’ll have one or two other speakers as well, and we are trying to get some drummers onboard. We will also do an honour song for the women and children. The honour song is basically a prayer for them.” A sacred fire will also pay tribute to persons who have been victimized by acts of violence.

Dr. Susan Manitowabi, Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs added: “The Moose Hide campaign is one way that the Laurentian community can contribute to raising awareness about ending the violence to Indigenous women and children. Perhaps, each and everyone of us can take a few moments to reflect on what we can do personally to stop the violence towards Indigenous women and children. For example, having the moral courage to say or do something when we witness acts of violence.”

Laurentian staff, faculty and students are encouraged to participate as are community members across Greater Sudbury and surrounding regions. While February 25, 2022 is the date that the University will honour the campaign, the National Moose Hide Campaign day is planned for May 12, 2022.

A commitment to the campaign can be made by making a pledge to take a stand against violence towards women and children via the National Moose Hide campaign website. 

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