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MIRARCO’s Vic Pakalnis wins the 2014 Minerva Education Award of Honour.

MIRARCO’s Vic Pakalnis wins the 2014 Minerva Education Award of Honour.

Pakalnis has demonstrated an enduring commitment to promoting Health and Safety.

March 18, 2014 - The award recognizes individuals for their long-standing contributions to advancing health and safety education in Canadian post secondary teaching institutions.

Vic Pakalnis, P.Eng. and President, CEO of MIRARCO Mining Innovation at Laurentian has demonstrated an enduring commitment to promoting Health and Safety. He has been an important contributor for Minerva’s educational programs and resources on Health and Safety since the early 90’s and he oversees the development of student teaching modules on Risk Management, Codes and Regulations.

Pakalnis is continuously promoting and teaching Health and Safety at MIRARCO and has been instrumental in establishing important partnerships for Minerva with academia, government and industry. 

The AJEFO awards scholarships to two students to promote french-language succession planning

The AJEFO awards scholarships to two students to promote french-language succession planning

For the fifth year, the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario (AJEFO) will present two “Carrières en justice” scholarships

February 25, 2014 - For the fifth year, the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario (AJEFO) will present two “Carrières en justice” scholarships in support of students pursuing, in French, an education in the field of law, in turn reinforcing quality emerging professionals in Ontario.

This year, the applications of two young women drew the attention of the Selection Committee, whose members were particularly impressed by the students’ attachment to the Franco-Ontarian culture, their strong desire to work in French and their willingness to contribute to the development of their community.

Vivian Ellery, 2nd year Law and Justice student at Laurentian University and Lydie Fagnia, who studies in the Legal Assistant Program at Collège Boréal, were the two students chosen to each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Vivian Ellery aspires to a career in criminal law in Northern Ontario. Even though both of her parents are Anglophone, she did all of her schooling in French, always motivated by the French language, and never considering it just for convenience. Vivian is active in the community, notably at the Centre for Research on Social Justice and Policy where she contributes to the topics of poverty, homelessness and migration.

"Laurentian University is proud of both the academic and community excellence rewarded today by the AJEFO Scholarship, said Dominic Giroux, president and vice-chancellor of Laurentian University. By making Laurentian their university of choice each year, students like Vivian find in our programs a privileged space in which they can express their many talents and fully contribute to their community."

Originally from Cameroon, Lydie Fagnia lived through a situation of injustice in her home country, which sparked her desire to study in the field of law and also brought her to value Canada as a country where human rights are respected. While studying, she is also involved in many community events for immigrants, including justice awareness workshops.

The AJEFO is proud to recognize the involvement and motivation of these students in promoting the French language in their community as well as their future professional practice and is pleased to support them in their postsecondary pursuits.

The AJEFO is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting access to justice in French in Ontario.

Campus modernization begins at Laurentian University

Campus modernization begins at Laurentian University

Renewal of Great Hall and improved meal options scheduled for Fall 2014

February 20, 2014 - The first major step in a sweeping modernization of Laurentian University’s Sudbury campus will begin this summer with renovations to the iconic Great Hall.  The $2.09M contract for modernization of the 60-year old hall has been awarded to Sudbury-based Capital Construction and work is scheduled to begin this spring, at the end of the current academic term. 
 

“Our planned renovations to the Great Hall will create a warm, welcoming and sophisticated dining and gathering space for students, staff, and visitors to the campus,” said Ben Demianiuk, Director of Housing and Food Services.  “We believe the re-design will make this much-loved campus fixture a new and inviting focal point at Laurentian.” 
 

Artists’ renderings of the redesign propose up-to-date lighting and furnishings, with a variety of comfortable seating.  The food services offered through the Great Hall have also been re-envisioned as a “Marché-style” dining experience, to be operated by Aramark Food Services under the name Fresh Food Co. 
 

“Throughout our campus consultations, we heard that students want more menu options, more fresh food and healthy meal choices.  With the Marché approach, we’ll be able to deliver far more variety on a daily basis, with 12 different food-choice stations, compared with the current three,” said Demianiuk. The Fresh Food Co will also offer more local produce and locally-sourced food products, to be highlighted on daily menu boards.  The university continues to seek further opportunities for local food and beverage suppliers to offer their products on campus.
Conceptual-rendering

The Marché will operate as an ‘everything you care to eat’ system, allowing unlimited choices at set rates for each meal period.  Dining will be most affordable with one of the menu plans created for the new food services, ranging from the designated meal plan for students living in Single Student Residence, University College, East, and West Residences, to the Optional meal plan for faculty, staff and students in non-designated residences.
 

“We’re joining the majority of Canadian universities in providing meal plans for students in residence, providing students and their families the assurance of fresh, nourishing meal choices throughout the academic year at a reasonable price,” said Vice-President, Administration Carol McAulay.  
 

The Great Hall renovation project is a prelude to the sweeping campus modernization program approved by Laurentian’s Board of Governors and outlined in the University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan.  The $50M campus modernization program will entail numerous upgrades and renovations to classrooms, labs, study areas and social spaces over the next 3 years. 

“It will be the first significant modernization of some parts of the Sudbury campus, and the intent is to optimize and modernize our facilities while improving the use of space and streamlining access to services,” said Executive Director of Physical Plant and Planning, Brad Parkes.  
 

During the period of renovations to the Great Hall, dining options will continue at Tim Hortons and Starbucks while a barbeque food cart will be added to offer a variety of seasonal favourites.
Great-Hall_Conceptual-rendering
 

Construction to begin on Laurentian Architecture's Phase Two

Construction to begin on Laurentian Architecture's Phase Two

University Board approves contract for 55,000 square foot project in downtown Sudbury

February 14, 2014 - Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today unanimously approved the awarding of a $23.9M contract for the construction of Phase Two of the Laurentian School of Architecture.  Work on the 55,000 square feet of new construction is expected to begin in March, 2014, with preparation of the foundation at the Elm and Elgin site.  

 

“Phase Two of our Laurentian Architecture project will see the completion of an important landmark in the city’s downtown core. We are confident this building will be an extraordinary home for the Architecture program,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux. 

 

Designed by LGA Architectural Partners, the School of Architecture will be a unique building comprising two distinct and contrasting wings.  The North Wing, fronting on Elm Street, will be a steel framed structure containing mezzanines above the second floor.  The West Wing will be a two-storey glulam and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) wood structure, and will be the first large-scale use of CLT in a public building in Ontario.   The two new wings will house classrooms and studio space, a lecture theatre, lounges and office areas, while creating an inner courtyard and a public walkway.  The first phase of construction consisted of renovating the two heritage buildings that currently provide faculty and studio space for the Laurentian Architecture program, which officially launched in September, 2013.  

 

“It is an exceptional and innovative design and we believe the final result will be an exciting, visually stunning addition to the cityscape,” said Laurentian Architecture’s Founding Director, Dr. Terrance Galvin.  “The whole community is going to see this beautiful structure taking shape over the months to come, and I think it’s going to be thrilling to watch this dynamic process.”

 

The contract has been awarded to Bondfield Construction of Concord, Ontario, after a competitive bidding process.  Approximately 100 local tradespeople and labourers are expected to be involved in the 18-month construction project.

 

Bondfield Construction is a family-owned Canadian construction company with broad experience in public infrastructure projects, and is a leader in LEED and green energy construction. Among many other public buildings across the province, Bondfield Construction’s portfolio includes the Queen’s School of Business, Kingston; the University of Guelph Engineering Complex; the University of Waterloo Science Building; Global Innovation Exchange, Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo; Georgian College Health and Wellness Centre in Barrie; Bishop Strachan School in Toronto; the Barrie Public Library, and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.  

 

 

 

 

The Laurentian University School of Architecture is the first new school of architecture to open in Canada in 45 years.  Major funding partners in the project are:

 

⎯ The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU)

⎯ The Government of Canada’s Regional Development Organization for Northern Ontario (FedNOR) 

⎯ The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund 

⎯ The City of Greater Sudbury 

⎯ Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio‐Economy (CRIBE) Laurentian University

Dr. Kabwe Nkongolo honoured for excellence in research

Dr. Kabwe Nkongolo honoured for excellence in research

Professor of Biology Dr. Kabwe Nkongolo, has been named the recipient of the University’s 2013-2014 Research Excellence Award.

February 6, 2014 - Laurentian University Professor of Biology Dr. Kabwe Nkongolo, has been named the recipient of the University’s 2013-2014 Research Excellence Award. 

 

Dr. Nkongolo is a full professor of Genetics in the Department of Biology and a core faculty member in the Biomolecular Science Ph.D program at Laurentian University.  Before joining Laurentian in 1992, Dr. Nkongolo spent 4 years at Colorado State University in the USA.  He is a graduate of Laval University, Quebec, where he completed his M.Sc. in toxicology and his Ph.D in Genetics.

 

“Dr. Nkongolo is recognized for the impact of his work both at the community level and beyond,” said Dr. Patrice Sawyer, Laurentian University Vice-President, Research and Francophone Affairs.  “Dr. Nkongolo has made significant contributions through his research in environmental generics and the health of Northern Ontario ecosystems, Genetics of Diabetes and through international projects in food security,” he added.

 

The Research Excellence Award Committee bestows the award when there is evidence of “outstanding performance” by a faculty member.  It is marked with a stipend of $15,000, which can be paid as a sabbatical research grant.

 

“I am honored to be included on this list of many scholars who are contributing to the National and International recognition of Laurentian University," said Dr. Nkongolo.

 

To celebrate this achievement, Dr. Nkongolo gave a presentation of his research as part of the Opening Ceremonies of Research Week.  He will be presented with his award at the 2014 spring convocation.

CNFS distributes $20,000 in awards to Laurentian University students

CNFS distributes $20,000 in awards to Laurentian University students

Congratulations to all CNFS award recipients!

January 23, 2014 - Every year, the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) at Laurentian University awards $20,000 to $30,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in French-language health and wellness programs at Laurentian University. For 2013-2014, eligible students are enrolled in Nursing, Midwifery, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Public Health and Kinesiology. In addition to supporting operations for these programs, CNFS also approved 93% of scholarship applications received this year for a total of $20,000.
 

Entrance Awards

Stéphanie Frenette (Orthophonie); Karine Gosselin, Jenna Ouellette and Mélanie Belanger (Sciences infirmières)

This scholarship encourages Francophone and Francophile students who graduated from Ontario’s French or French immersion high schools, or other persons with the necessary academic requirements, to pursue French-language studies in the field of health.
 

Undergraduate Awards

Marie-Josée Charrier, Angel Mathieu and Alexandra Albert (Orthophonie); Claudie Finlay (Sages-femmes); Christiane Kensa, Christian Kowa, Meng Liu, Danielle Bourgeois Lapiccirella, Chantèle Mayer, Lydia Jabil, Michelle Leblanc and Nadia Omni (Sciences infirmières)

This scholarship is awarded to Francophone and Francophile students enrolled in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor’s program in health at Laurentian University, as outlined on the form. The program may be offered on campus or through distance education, on a full- or part-time basis.
 

“Active Offer” Award (graduate studies)

Stéphanie Léveillé, Maxine Bélanger and Sarah Nicholls (Orthophonie); France Rainville and Mélissa Therrien (master’s, Orthophonie); Caroline Piquette and Michèle Lajeunesse (master’s, Kinésiologie); Mélanie Simon (Service social), Sophie Ouellet (master’s, Service social) along with Christiane Kensa, Céline Giroux and Nadia Omri (who plan to continue their studies at the master’s level, Sciences infirmières, next September).

The “Active Offer” Award is offered as an incentive to students in health programs to understand the principles of the “Active Offer” and integrate them into their professional practice. This means finding ways to indicate from the very first contact with a client in a health context that they speak French and offer care and services in French in an effort to contribute to the client’s well-being by communicating in French if they prefer.
 

Depending on available funds, the CNFS may also offer awards for student placements in minority settings. For more information on support offered to Francophone students, please visit www.cnfslaurentienne.ca.

Information: Érik Labrosse, director, CNFS and Health and Wellness Initiatives, 705-675-1151, ext. 4111
This initiative was made possible thanks to a financial contribution from Health Canada

 

 

 

 

Province commits multi-year funding to Professions North/Nord

Province commits multi-year funding to Professions North/Nord

Initiative promotes careers for foreign-trained professionals

Sudbury, ON (January 8, 2013) –  A three-year funding commitment by Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration will support the continuing work of Professions North/Nord (PNN) to facilitate the appropriate employment of internationally trained professionals in Northern Ontario.


The $2.7M investment was awarded to Laurentian University after a competitive bidding process and is based on the success of the PNN pilot project. The funding was announced today at Laurentian University by the MPP for Sudbury, Rick Bartolucci, at a gathering of PNN officials and clients and university representatives.


“Professions North/Nord has seen great success since its inception in 2010. With the announcement of the funding extension, the program will continue to grow and help meet the labour demands of Northern Ontario employers,” said Stephen Havlovic, Dean, Faculty of Management at Laurentian University.


“This three year commitment will assist internationally trained professionals attain their career goals by bridging the gap between education, experience, culture and employment which will assist them in reaching their full potential,” said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci.  “I am proud of the innovation associated with this program and the important role it plays in growing our economy and making lives better for immigrants and their families.”


Professions North/Nord also provides services to Northern Ontario employers in recruitment, job matching, resume screening and employee retention. “By working to meet the recruitment needs of Northern Ontario employers, Professions North/Nord is helping generate diversity, growth and economic development in Northern Ontario communities,” stated Michel Racine, Project Manager, Professions North/Nord.


PNN was launched as an initiative of Laurentian University’s Faculty of Management, to facilitate accreditation and career opportunities for professionals trained outside Canada. The agency offers a range of services to internationally trained professionals, including portfolio development, bridging to accreditation, and networking and mentorship opportunities.  Professions North/Nord also provides services to prospective employers in northern Ontario, helping them to find trained, job-ready professionals to fill critical roles in the regional economy.  
 

About Professions North/Nord

Professions North/Nord (PNN) is an initiative of Laurentian University that assists employers with labour shortages, and internationally trained professionals (ITPs) in finding employment in Northern Ontario at no cost.


Funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Professions North/Nord provides services to Northern Ontario employers in recruitment, job matching, resume screening and employee retention. Our offices are located in Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.


Professions North/Nord also specializes in assisting internationally trained professionals reach their career goals by bridging the gap between education, experience, culture and employment. Our goal is to help ITPs acquire the information, training and resources they need to be successful in securing a career in their field in Northern Ontario.


PNN’s extensive database of pre-screened internationally trained professionals encompasses numerous occupational fields such as engineering, accounting, management, environmental sciences, IT and others. Residing in Ontario, our internationally trained professionals are looking for new opportunities in Northern Ontario.

 

About Laurentian University

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

 


MEDIA CONTACTS

For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Joanne Musico                                                                                            
Director, Communications                                                                          
Tel: 705-675-1151 ext. 3445 or 1.800.263.4188 ext. 3445                                          
jmusico@laurentian.ca                                                                      
 

Sherry Drysdale
Communications
Tel: 705-675-1151 ext. 3412 or 1.800.263.4188 ext. 3412 
sdrysdale@laurentian.ca   
 

Amy Bouillon
Marketing Officer, Professions North/Nord
Tel: 705-222-1766 ext. 4  
abouillon@laurentian.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sudbury Cancer Test Predicts Breast Cancer Survivability

Sudbury Cancer Test Predicts Breast Cancer Survivability

The RDA™ test was developed by Dr. Amadeo Parissenti of Sudbury, and his research associate Dr. Baoqing Guo of Health Sciences North.

Sudbury(January 7, 2014) – A test developed in Sudbury is proving successful in predicting which breast cancer patients will best respond to chemotherapy and live cancer-free for a longer period of time following treatment.

 

Results conducted into the RNA Disruption Assay™ (RDA™) test were presented last month at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.

 

The RDA™ test was developed by Dr. Amadeo Parissenti of Sudbury, and his research associate Dr. Baoqing Guo of Health Sciences North.  Dr. Parissenti is Chief Scientific Officer for Rna Diagnostics, based in Toronto and Sudbury.  Dr. Parissenti is also a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Laurentian University, Professor of Medical Sciences at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), and an affiliate scientist at the Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC), which is the research arm of Health Sciences North.

 

The research findings were based on a clinical trial of 85 breast cancer patients. The patients were given the RDA™ test midway through their chemotherapy treatment. The patients were then tracked following the completion of their chemotherapy.

 

The RDA test quantifies the effect of chemotherapy on the quality of ribonucleic acid (RNA) within the tumour. Tumours responding positively to chemotherapy  showed  markedly reduced RNA quality (a phenomenon called “RNA disruption”).  The tumour is then assigned an RNA disruption score. A high RNA disruption score means there has been significant degradation of the RNA within the tumour, making the tumour nonviable and likely to die. A low RNA disruption score means very little loss of RNA quality within the tumour, which means it will continue to be viable and likely grow.

 

The research concluded that those patients with a high tumour RNA disruption score lived about two to three-and-a-half years longer cancer-free than patients with a low tumour RNA disruption score, following completion of chemotherapy.

 

“This new test could become the gold standard for predicting the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer,” says Dr. Amadeo Parissenti. “The current benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of chemotherapy only happens after the treatment is finished. But with the RDA™ method we can predict during treatment who is actually responding to chemotherapy and who isn’t. Those patients who are not responding can then be switched to another treatment and spared the side effects of unnecessary chemotherapy. By having that ability to predict who is not responding and switching their treatment, we can potentially improve both their survival rates and quality of life.”

 

“These are wonderful results. This study shows the RDA method is very effective in predicting which breast cancer patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy. This will have profound implications for their care and ability to beat cancer,” adds Dr. Kenneth Pritzker, CEO of Rna Diagnostics.

 

Laurentian University licensed the technology behind RDATM to Rna Diagnostics, the first commercial license ever granted by the university, in order to bring this new medical diagnostic tool to breast cancer patients around the world.

 

"This is an incredible achievement for medical research in Sudbury which demonstrates the importance of research in universities and hospitals," said Dr. Patrice Sawyer, Vice-President, Research and Francophone Affairs at Laurentian University. "Health research is a key focus for Laurentian University and we are thrilled by the recent developments using the RDA technology."

 

“As a professor of medical sciences at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Dr. Parissenti sets a first-rate example for our learners in two ways: first, in his commitment to improving the quality of patient care, and second, in his dedication to high-quality medical research” explains Dr. Roger Strasser, NOSM Dean. “I am so pleased that our learners have the opportunity to work with world-class researchers such as Dr. Parissenti here in the Northern Ontario. I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Parissenti and his team for this important breakthrough!”

 

The laboratory testing for this study was conducted in Sudbury at AMRIC, where Rna Diagnostics leases lab space. Further evaluative research of the RDA method is ongoing within Sudbury.

 

“Congratulations to Dr. Parissenti and his team for these remarkable and promising results,” says Dr. Francisco Diaz-Mitoma, AMRIC’s CEO and Chief Scientific Officer. “The success so far of this work and the collaboration involved with other key partners is a prime example of the value and potential of developing the health research sector in Greater Sudbury. The world-class research being done here has global implications.”

 

“Dr. Parissenti’s breakthrough work once again demonstrates that research is health care,” adds Dr. Denis Roy, President and CEO of Health Sciences North. “It is research like this that leads to discoveries and innovations that ultimately save lives.  Health care and research partners in Greater Sudbury’s are showing true initiative and global leadership in this field.”

 

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Media contacts:

 

Jan Craig, Rna Diagnostics

519-822-1560

jcraig@rnadiagnostics.com

 

Joanne Musico

Manager, Communications

Tel: 705-675-1151 ext. 3445 or 1.800.263.4188 ext.3445

jmusico@laurentian.ca

 

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new member

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new member

Barrie lawyer Rose Adams brings “passion, energy” to role with Laurentian

BARRIE, ON (December 16, 2013) – Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux and the University’s Board of Governors applaud the appointment of Barrie lawyer Rose Adams as the newest board member.

 

“We are delighted with the appointment and welcome Rose with the greatest enthusiasm,” said President Giroux.  “She is a candidate of exceptional calibre and we know she will bring a unique energy and passion to the role of governor.”

 

Adams runs her own law practise in Barrie with a focus on family law and real estate.  She began her legal studies at Osgoode Hall in 1991, after graduating from Georgian College.  She was a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence in 2003.  Adams has volunteered her time and energy to numerous community organizations, including Out of the Cold,the Simcoe Literacy Network, and Big Brothers, and is currently active in Rotary.  Adams is also known as an effective motivational speaker with an inspiring story.

 

Ms Adams’ spouse, Marc Fortin is an alumus of Laurentian University and a native of Sudbury.

 

“The Board is excited to have Rose as a colleague and a partner in the work ahead,” said Board Chair Michael Atkins.  “As we continue to develop plans for our campus in Barrie, we will be very well-served by the vision and dedication Rose brings to our board.”

 

Laurentian has committed $14M toward the development of a central, stand-alone campus in Barrie, to deliver expanded university studies in the Simcoe and GTA regions.  The City of Barrie has pledged a matching amount.

 

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Laurentian celebrates teaching excellence and Dean's scholars

Laurentian celebrates teaching excellence and Dean's scholars

‘Students’ choice’ professors and first-year student achievement feted at ceremony

Sudbury, ON (November 30, 2013) – Laurentian University and the Centre for Academic Excellence celebrated the first ever Students’ Choice Teaching Awards this month at a festive event that also served to recognize 70 high-achieving first-year students.

 

Students, who earned an average of 80% and higher in their first year of studies, were individually recognized with a certificate of achivement, presented by Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Robert Kerr.

 

“We know that it takes hard work and persistence to attain these grades in the first 30 credits at university,” said CAE Executive Director Dr. Christine Blais.  “We believe in celebrating student success, and the Deans’ Honour List is quite an achievement.”

 

The ceremony at Alumni Hall was also the occasion of the inaugural Students’ Choice Teaching Awards.  More than 250 students submitted nominations for top teaching by faculty at the Sudbury and Barrie campuses.  The Awards are being given each year to one faculty member teaching first-year courses in English, and to one teaching first-year courses in French. The Students’ Choice selections for 2013 were Professor Rizwan Haq of the Department of Physics, and Professor Suzanne Lamothe of the Department of Biology.  Each of the honourees received a commemorative plaque, along with a cheque for $1,000.

 

Laurentian University and the Centre for Academic Excellence sincerely thank the students who participated in the Students’ Choice nominating process, and congratulates all the students and teachers who have been recognized for excellence. 

 

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