• Strategic Plan

President's Message

Of all the achievements we celebrate this year, at least three represent a new way of thinking about Lakehead University and its preparedness for the future.

The first is the opening of the Advanced Technology & Academic Centre, a high-tech teaching, learning, and research environment that has made Lakehead a North American leader in offering advanced, user-friendly teaching and learning technology in the classroom.

The second is the provisional accreditation of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the first new Canadian medical school in over 30 years. When the inaugural class is admitted in the fall of 2005, it will mark the realization of a dream held by thousands of people across Northern Ontario. Lakehead University is very proud to be the West Campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

The third is Lakehead's renewed focus, through its second Strategic Plan since I became President, to fulfill its promise of recognizing and helping realize individual student potential.All three of these achievements − and many others − speak to the power of Lakehead's ability to open doors and create opportunities for all who choose to join us in our pursuit of excellence and innovation.

The Annual Report 2003-2004 highlights some of the many ways in which Lakehead University is connected through its people to learning, discovery, growth, and service to the community.

Partnerships with government, industry, and the communities of Northwestern Ontario continue to serve us well, as does the generosity of our graduates, donors, and friends. Lakehead University's promise is to provide quality academic programs in a student-centred learning environment. The University is growing in stature as a result of increased research activity and the volunteer activities of many, including the Alumni Association. This promise and direction has been re-affirmed in our latest Strategic Plan.

I am proud of what Lakehead University's faculty, administration, staff, alumni, and friends have accomplished together in creating an extraordinary educational experience for our students.

I am especially proud of our Lakehead graduates, whose achievements will always be the ultimate measure of this University's success.