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Gray Named One of U SPORTS Top 8 Recipients

Gray Named One of U SPORTS Top 8 Recipients

ULU co-founder also gives back on the court and in the classroom

January 14, 2021 -- While the recognition of Kadre Gray’s on-court accomplishments have been plentiful and consistent, he is once again being recognized by U SPORTS but this time it is his off-court successes that have earned him the accolade. Gray was named one of U SPORTS’ Top 8 Academic All-Canadians on Monday, an annual honour reserved for one female and one male student-athlete from each of the four U SPORTS conferences, becoming the first Voyageur to be named a recipient of the honour.

In a record setting season that saw Gray break Laurentian’s 27 year old men’s basketball career scoring record and slide into second on the OUA’s all-time list, Gray also finished the year on the Dean’s Honours List with a 9.1 GPA (88%) in 2019-20, his second straight season as an Academic All-Canadian. In the community, he serves as the Vice Chair on the inaugural OUA Black, Biracial and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force, which aims to create a platform for positive change across the province.

The BBI Task Force seeks to achieve these goals by building strategies to increase diversity and representation and to drive policy change in order to remove systemic barriers regarding racism.

“It has been a pleasure coaching Kadre. I have said in the past and will continue to say, his work ethic is amazing,” said Voyageurs head coach Shawn Swords. “He continues to push himself to achieve new goals in the community, in the classroom and on the court. I look forward to watching what he will be
able to do next.”

Furthering these initiatives, Gray co-founded ULU, which stands for Uluntu, Lungisa, Usawa (translating to Humanity, Justice, Equity) in 2017 – an organization that works with racialized youth to develop support groups, facilitate workshops, raise awareness, promote advocacy and empowerment and provide ally-training. Gray also gives back on the court and in the classroom, serving as a Laurentian basketball camp supervisor, as well as a peer-mentor and coach, teaching children both basketball and life skills while assisting with homework and reading and writing activities.

“Kadre continues to demonstrate not only his elite basketball talent, but also his ability to lead in the classroom and in the community,” said Laurentian athletic Direct Peter Hellstrom. “Kadre is a prime example and a template for elite student-athletes all across our country. He has become a leader not only at Laurentian but in the Sudbury community as well. We are truly proud to have Kadre on our campus and forever being a Voyageur.”

In lieu of a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall, the elite group will participate in a public virtual conversation with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, in mid-February, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Governor General’s Academic All-Canadian Commendation was founded by the Right Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada, who first honoured Canada’s Top 8 student-athletes in 2013.

LU tops national ranking in undergraduate research revenue for fourth year running

LU tops national ranking in undergraduate research revenue for fourth year running

Research Infosource also puts Laurentian high on list of both corporate and not-for-profit research income

December 15, 2020 -- Laurentian University is pleased to again see itself at the top of several Canada-wide  rankings by Research Infosource, including holding onto the number one spot for undergraduate research revenue for the fourth year in a row.

The organization's ranking is based on the total number of sponsored research income obtained in 2019. This includes outside funding from some of our many partners.

By the numbers:

  • ranked second in graduate student research intensity (research funding per graduate student)
  • ranked fourth in faculty research intensity (research funding per faculty member)
  • ranked 11th in Ontario overall
  • ranked 28th out of 50 in Canada

We also ranked third in undergraduate corporate research income, and fourth in not-for-profit undergraduate research Income.

QUOTE
"In our Strategic Research Plan, partnerships with industry, community, private, public, and not-for-profit entities are highlighted as a vital element of our research enterprise. Ranking first, for the fourth year in a row, for total sponsored research income, is a testament to our exceptional researchers, graduate students and our strong partnerships. I am so proud of the faculty and student scholars at Laurentian University who continue to attract research funding from government, industry and community partners, building on Laurentian’s research strengths."
Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research, Laurentian University

New Agreement Sees LU Partner Institution Flourish, Tackle Climate Change

New Agreement Sees LU Partner Institution Flourish, Tackle Climate Change

Climate Risk Institute, fresh off of being awarded a provincial contract, is a spinoff of LU's MIRARCO

Dec. 16, 2020 -- Laurentian University is pleased to announce the signing of an Affiliation Agreement with the Climate Risk Institute (CRI). CRI is a not-for-profit corporation focused on delivering services and advancing practice related to climate change risk assessment and adaptation planning through programs and projects that focus on mobilizing knowledge and building capacity. This agreement will enable a rich range of opportunities for collaboration, including student learning, research collaboration, and program development.  This relationship will foster enhanced knowledge and understanding of climate change impacts through climate services founded on experience, expertise, science and local knowledge. 

Strengthening CRI's links to an academic setting will boost its ability to access research which will enhance Laurentian's commitment to climate change action. This collaboration will help build relationships between researchers, local practitioners, and decision-makers to inform resilience action in communities and sectors.

CRI was officially formed in 2019, and stems from nearly twenty years of similar climate change adaptation work at Laurentian-owned not-for-profit MIRARCO Mining innovation. This work continues to mobilize knowledge and improve climate resiliency practices across professions and sectors through domestic and international collaboration. Laurentian looks forward to continued partnership, and elevating our position as a global leader in environmental stewardship.

QUOTES:
“The Climate Risk institute is pleased to have this tie to Laurentian University. Our partnership will go a long way to providing students with experiential learning opportunities and to advance collaboration on climate change research in Ontario and Canada. This linkage will also provide support to northern Ontario communities as they continue to develop plans for increasing climate change resilience.
Al Douglas - President of the Climate Risk Institute

“We at Laurentian University are looking forward to working with Climate Risk Institute. This agreement will ensure that our institutions support student learning, collaborate on research, share program development, and deliver climate services founded on experience, expertise, science and local traditional knowledge.”
Robert Haché - President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
 

LU adapts Exam Wishes to Pandemic

LU adapts Exam Wishes to Pandemic

Drive to bring a little cheer to busy students during exam prep a little different this year

(Dec. 11, 2020) It goes without saying that the pandemic has given us some unprecedented ups and downs in 2020. This makes the need to keep the generous spirit of this season going more than ever, even if it means modifying our traditions to suit the times. This is why we have decided to bring back Exam Wishes for another year, with some modifications. 

Exam Wishes is an initiative of the Laurentian University Alumni Association (LUAA). In previous years, students in need of a boost while studying for final exams would put out a call for a little boost on social media; some asked for coffee, others asked for a timely snack (especially pizza!) A team of volunteers would then kick into action, dispatching an alumnus to pick up and deliver the requested items. LUAA members would also share words of encouragement to the dedicated learners during this stressful time. 

LUAA has adapted its approach this year. Laurentian University alumni sent advice and tips to students preparing for exams this week, while also sending virtual gift cards redeemable for the food and caffeinated beverages of their choice. 273 students benefitted from this program from December 7th to December 10th. We look forward to the day where we can bring this initiative back in full.

Laurentian University Senate Approves Compassionate Grading

Laurentian University Senate Approves Compassionate Grading

Students will have increased options for their academic records

December 10, 2020 – After a robust conversation, the Laurentian University’s Senate voted in favour of a motion that will provide for  equitable and compassionate outcomes for all students, particularly those who have experienced the full force of the COVID-19 pandemic. This motion enables students to choose whether they would like to be assigned a “pass” or “fail” designation on their final transcripts for individual courses, rather than having their specific grade listed.

 

Many institutions across Canada, such as Concordia University, University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta among many others, have instituted compassionate grading options such as the pass/fail system. With this decision, the Laurentian University Senate is demonstrating its commitment to providing students with every opportunity to succeed.

 

Laurentian is proud of the leadership of our student association representatives who brought forward this motion before the University Senate.

 

QUOTE:

“Students are at the core of our decision making, and this decision will offer flexibility at a time where they need it most. It is an unusual step, and one that we feel will have a positive impact on student success.” - Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

McEwen School of Architecture announces winners of Sudbury2050

McEwen School of Architecture announces winners of Sudbury2050

100 design concepts for the future of our community were received from creative teams representing over 20 countries.

(December 10, 2020) The designs varied widely in their approach and their design solutions. All of them represented creative and often provocative thinking about our City of Greater Sudbury and its future. Each presented a different story about our community.

Rarely does a community get the opportunity to be the focus of an international design competition. 

The competition jury developed a short list of Top 5 in the Student Category and the Top 8 in the Open Category. All of these shortlisted teams made public presentations online, on November 23 and 24, 2020.

Following these presentations, the competition's jury made its final selections. The public was also invited to vote for their choice and over 2,000 votes were cast online.

 

View Competition Winners

View Competition Backgrounder

LU and Wiikwemkoong Help Launch First-Ever Culturally Relevant Indigenous Wellness Measure Made With Children For Children

LU and Wiikwemkoong Help Launch First-Ever Culturally Relevant Indigenous Wellness Measure Made With Children For Children

"Aaniish Naa Gegii: How are you?" was released on National Child Day

(Dec. 8, 2020) Laurentian University is pleased to congratulate the team behind Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children's Health and Well-being Measure (ACHWM). This initiative is a direct result of the dynamic partnership between Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre and the Evaluating Children's Health Outcome (ECHO) Research Centre at Laurentian University. Alongside the re-launch of the organization's website. The launch was timed to coincide with the celebration of National Child Day, November 20.

This initiative is a testament to the years of research, hard work, and leadership of Research Chair Dr. Nancy Young, Naandwechige-Gamig Health Services Director Mary Jo Wabano, and their devoted teams. The journey began in 2009 when Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Laurentian University initiated an active collaboration to create a new measure for Indigenous children. They have since developed ACHWM, a tablet based app and website where community leaders can access information and statistics.

The app is a culturally relevant measure of health and well-being for Indigenous children aged between eight and eighteen years old. Created with the children and for the children, the tablet-based app serves as a catalyst for discourse, services, and possibly future funding. Some of its functions include health assessment, program evaluation, and mental health screening. All the work that has gone into the creation of this app was made possible by funding from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Ontario, and a grant from AMS/OSSU. Its goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous children.

Currently the services provided through the website and app are intended to help community leaders support children between eight and eighteen, however, a model that could work for younger children between three and seven years old is in development. Additionally, the team has been working on creating a model for adults, for instance Indigenous students in postsecondary education. 


QUOTES

“I commend Dr. Young, Mary Jo Wabano and their team for the years of hard work that has led to the creation of this app. It’s extremely rewarding to see this continued partnership with Naandwechige-gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre and the many participating Indigenous communities.The relationships built through this important work truly speak to the aspirations established in Laurentian University's 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”
Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

“Our goal is to make sure this supports wellness for all Indigenous children and youth [Inuit, First Nation, and Métis]. It started off being about planning and evaluating in the community and along the way we discovered that we need to help each child in the process. There are no financial barriers for communities that want to use this, whether it’s for 5 children or 500.”
Dr. Nancy L. Young, Director of the School of Rural and Northern Health and Research Chair

“I am passionate about making sure the children of our community [Wiikwemkoong] and now communities across Canada have access to services to support their needs and fill in the gaps. This will give us a better sense of what we can do as a community to collectively support our children towards maintaining balance in life, maintaining wellness. This is my driving force: it’s all for the children.”
Mary Jo Wabano, Health Services Director, Naandwechige-Gamig Wikwemikong Health Centre

“There is such an incredible team working tirelessly to create mindful resources that make sense and work for Indigenous people. We have such a vast team, I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
Mia Bourque BA (hons) / MA Candidate, ACHWM Community and Culture Liaison, Evaluating Children’s Health Outcomes (ECHO) Research Centre, Laurentian University

Laurentian University celebrates sixth consecutive Giving Tuesday

Laurentian University celebrates sixth consecutive Giving Tuesday

University committed to supporting students facing hardships during the pandemic

(Dec. 1, 2020) December 1, 2020 will mark the sixth consecutive year that Laurentian University participates in Giving Tuesday. This global event is a day of giving that happens each year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a time when Canadians, charities and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support charities and nonprofits.

This year has been like no other. These are difficult times, and we are dealing with unprecedented working and living conditions. With our strategic plan #Imagine2023 in mind, this year's Giving Tuesday Campaign will focus on raising funds for Laurentian University students facing the many hardships during this Global Pandemic.
 
The Student Emergency Support Fund

The Student Emergency Support Fund was established by Laurentian University shortly after the COVID-19 emergency was declared on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020. TD has generously partnered with us this year and has provided $15,000 in matching funds. Community members interested in contributing will be able to double their impact by donating through laurentian.ca/give/make-an-impact 

The goal of the fund is to provide financial assistance to students with:

  • Food purchases and other costs for financially disadvantaged students; 
  • Addressing housing challenges for students who are self-isolating to protect their loved ones in remote, rural and Indigenous communities, or who are stranded far from home and loved ones due to border closures;
  • Securing an internet connection at home, for those who may have just been using the internet on campus previously; 
  • Income loss due to a business closure or lay-off;
  • Other financial hardships that may have presented themselves due to the COVID-19 measures implemented by Laurentian University, and all levels of government.
     

LU Researcher Plays Critical Role in Developing Picture of Earth's Early Days

LU Researcher Plays Critical Role in Developing Picture of Earth's Early Days

Prof. Alesandro Ielpi and colleagues use zircon to unlock secret to the emergence of continents

(November 30. 2020) Laurentian University's Alessandro Ielpi celebrates a career milestone as his work is featured in a prestigious publication in his field. The assistant professor of sedimentology in the Harquail School of Earth Sciences has travelled far and wide in order to uncover valuable insights about our planet. This week, the renowned journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters shares some of his most significant findings.

The paper, co-authored by Jesse Reimink at Pennsylvania State University, Joshua Davies at Université du Québec à Montréal and Alessandro Ielpi at Laurentian University, gives us an idea how continents first formed billions of years ago. Though there has long been consensus about the early formation of continents, the exact shapes, locations, and ages of those first pieces of dry land have long been under dispute. The trio's work brings us a step closer to pinpointing where and when this process began, thanks to their research on zircon. Taking advantage of the mineral's resilience over the years proved to be the key to this work; zircon is so resilient that it has been described as a sort of time capsule. Zircon forms in magmas that, once solidified, can be eroded by the elements. Zircon grains are then transported away and incorporated in sediments across the world. By dating the zircon in such sediments, researchers can reconstruct the size and distribution of previous rocks in a watershed.

At one time, Earth could more accurately have been called a waterworld, given that it was one globe-spanning body of water with little to no landmasses emerging above it. By about 3 billion years ago, rock formations began poking through the water as the first continents gained relief. Eventually, by about two and half billion years ago, the authors infer that continents similar in size to modern ones had been established. To reach this conclusion, the authors have analysed a global database of published ages for a mineral called zircon, and have developed a working theory of how dry ground came to be on this world.

We congratulate Drs. Ielpi, Reimink, and Davies on their work, a testament to their strengths as individual researchers as well as a testament to inter-institutional cooperation even amid the current pandemic.

QUOTE
"The collaborative work with Drs. Reimink and Davies is one of the most exciting aspects of my current research. It is great to see how the study of surface processes on early Earth can be integrated with statistical analyses of large, independent datasets. To understand the emergence of modern-style continents in the planet's past is indeed a key goal in geology". Alessandro Ielpi,  Assistant Professor of Sedimentology in the Harquail School of Earth Sciences of Laurentian University

"This discovery by Dr. lelpi and collaborators is truly remarkable and demonstrates the power of curiosity, and ingenuity when passionate researchers with experiences from around the world come together to solve problems." Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research, Laurentian University
 

Laurentian University Professor Awarded NSERC funding to advance science communication training

Laurentian University Professor Awarded NSERC funding to advance science communication training

Dr. Chantal Barriault to provide science communication training to Northern Ontario STEM faculty and researchers

(November 23, 2020) Laurentian University is pleased to congratulate Dr. Chantal Barriault, who received $20,000 from the Federal Government in Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). This grant is intended to help skilled communicators share their knowledge with  faculty, researchers, and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), to improve their skills to effectively communicate their work with public audiences. 

The Science Communication Skills pilot grant was awarded to Dr. Barriault along with 20 other chosen recipients out of more than a hundred applicants across the country. The grant will aid the Northern Ontario STEM community in contributing to science literacy and counteract science-related misinformation.

As supported by the grant, Laurentian University will deliver, in partnership with Science North, essential training in science communication through virtual and in-person interactive workshops. Fundinging will be allocated to creating a model for science communication training that can be scaled up and delivered beyond Northern Ontario, in both English and French. Dr. Barriault hopes to demonstrate proof of concept through this pilot project to secure further funding in the future. Click here to read Dr. Barriault’s proposal.

QUOTE
“This award demonstrates that Laurentian delivers a world-leading graduate program in science communication and that we are trusted to empower researchers and science faculty all over Northern Ontario to communicate their work effectively.” Dr. Chantal Barriault - Director, Science Communication Graduate Program
 

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