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County warden reveals $1-million anniversary gift

It was technically a diamond anniversary, but we'd be cool with a giant cheque
love heart anniversary couple
This is just a stock photo. We don't know if there were paper hearts and hand holding involved.

NEWS RELEASE

LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY

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County of Simcoe and Lakehead University celebrate 10 years with $1M gift

On behalf of the County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall presented a $1 million cheque to Lakehead University this morning during a special celebration event at the 500 University Avenue campus in Orillia.  This brings the total amount of contributions to Lakehead by the County of Simcoe to approximately $6.5 million since 2009.

“Lakehead University has been Simcoe County’s university for over a decade, and the County has been a consistent, generous, and exceptional supporter of it since before we opened our doors in Orillia and Central Ontario,” said Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

“The impact of the County’s contributions over the years has served as a value-added investment in the region,” added Dr. Stevenson. “Today’s gift furthers Simcoe County’s growth — growth in the success of our teaching, community service, and research activities, as well as increased economic impacts.”

161018simcoelakeheadPictured (l-r) are: Lakehead Orillia Campus Principal Kim Fedderson, County Council member Bill French; Lakehead University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson; County of Simcoe Warden Gerry Marshall; and County Council members Harry Hughes and John O’Donnell. Supplied

Dr. Stevenson, along with Orillia Campus Principal Dr. Kim Fedderson, reported to the County’s Council members and guests how their investment has supported Lakehead’s growth. The positive impacts have included the impressive growth of students enrolled at the campus — from just over 100 students in 2006 to almost 1,500 today; growth of academic programs, including those in partnership with Georgian College; as well as graduate level programs, international student growth, and the expansion of research activities.

“County Council understands that our region’s post-secondary educational facilities will play a vital role for generations to come,” said Warden Marshall. He explained that the contribution stems from the County of Simcoe’s Strategic Plan that supports post-secondary education with a vision for the future.

Tanya Clark, a 2010 graduate of the Bachelor of Administration program thanked the County for its support on behalf of students and alumni.

“As a Georgian College transfer student, I was able to take advantage of the amazing post-secondary opportunities in Simcoe County, which have helped me achieve my career goals,” explained Clark. “Not only has the generosity and commitment of the County of Simcoe supported student education, it has also supported the many other ways that this University contributes to the community. In my position with the Couchiching Conservancy, the University is a valued partner.”

Following the cheque presentation, County councillors and guests were invited to enjoy the University’s New Sun Art Gallery, recently opened in the Alumni Commons, a space recently developed for quiet study and now well used by students daily.

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