Ten students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree and Electrical Engineering Technology advanced diploma program, and Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (Environmental Sustainability) Specialization in Ecosystem Management degree and Environmental Technician diploma program, will earn their degree-diplomas during Lakehead University’s virtual faculty-specific convocation ceremonies.

Stephen Bond of Barrie, Ont. was one of the first electrical engineering students to set foot on Georgian’s Barrie Campus back in September 2017.

“It’s definitely a bittersweet moment for me,” he said while reflecting on the last four years. “I’m happy to be graduating and moving on to the next chapter of my life, but it’s hard to believe that my days at Lakehead-Georgian are behind me.

“It was exciting to have been part of the first class of the Lakehead-Georgian Partnership; I’m happy that we helped pave the way for the next group of students who will be studying in these programs.”

For Bond, the opportunity to be part of the inaugural program has added meaning.

“Being part of a smaller class allowed us to make close connections with the people we were studying with. Over the last four years we’ve built off each other and supported each other. The strong bond that we’ve created will continue beyond graduation.”

For leaders at Lakehead University and Georgian College, 2021 marks a significant milestone for the partnership.

“This celebration of our first cohort of graduates gives us a glimpse of our partnership’s bright future,” said Dr. Moira McPherson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “We look forward to seeing how the knowledge and practical experience they have received during their time with Lakehead-Georgian will have an impact on our local workplaces and communities.”

“Congratulations to each of our graduates and their families,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO of Georgian College. “Although your four-year journey with Lakehead-Georgian is successfully completed, this is just the beginning of your career and exciting opportunities await you. With your degree and diploma, you are uniquely positioned to enter the workforce or proceed with future studies. We wish you every success in your future.”

Launched in 2016, the Lakehead-Georgian Partnership was designed to expand the learning opportunities offered to Simcoe County students that delivered on the needs of the region and economy. The collaborative degree-diploma programs provide a combination of academic and hands-on practical learning, allowing students to complete a university degree and college diploma in just four years.

There are currently four programs offered through Lakehead-Georgian:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) with Electrical Engineering Technology advanced diploma
• Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (Environmental Sustainability) Specialization in Ecosystem Management degree with Environmental Technician diploma
• Honours Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Sciences degree with Biotechnology – Health diploma
• Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree with Computer Programming diploma

Learn more about the Lakehead-Georgian Partnership at www.lakeheadgeorgian.ca.

Convocation ceremony and connection details:

• Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. – Lakehead University Orillia campus main Convocation ceremony, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPDNQQ41P2o_Wo0o8J8C8w/featured
• Tuesday, June 8, 10 a.m. – Conferring of degrees from the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPDNQQ41P2o_Wo0o8J8C8w/featured
• Thursday, June 10, 10 a.m. – Conferring of degrees from the Faculty of Engineering, http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClPDNQQ41P2o_Wo0o8J8C8w/featured

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For more information or to arrange an interview:

Jaclyn Bucik
Media, Communications and Marketing Associate
Lakehead University
705-330-4010, ext. 2014
jbucik@lakeheadu.ca

Elaine Murray
Communications Specialist
Georgian College
705-728-1968, ext. 1003
elaine.murray@georgiancollege.ca

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education’s 2020 World Universities Rankings for the second consecutive year, and 99th among 1,115 universities from around the world in THE’s 2021 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Georgian College is MORE than an education – it’s an experience. The college offers 130+ market-driven programs, from degrees and diplomas, to certificates, apprenticeships, corporate training and more. A recognized leader in co-operative education, we have one of the highest graduate employment rates among Ontario colleges. We’re the first – and only – college in Canada designated a changemaker college by Ashoka U for our role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education.