THUNDER BAY – Former Lakehead University president Fred Gilbert is being remembered as a singular figure who helped reshape the school’s culture and reputation.
Gilbert, who died Nov. 2 at his home in Nova Scotia, oversaw the launch of the Northern Ontario Medical School (NOSM), the construction of the ATAC building, a new Orillia campus, a revitalization of the athletics program, and initial plans to bring a law school to Lakehead during his tenure from 1998 to 2010.
Those who worked closely with him say, beyond those accomplishments, he provided an example of personal leadership that continues to resonate.
Colleagues described Gilbert as a colourful character who could be gruff and strong-minded, but who also took the time to connect with members of the university community, no matter their status, and earned respect from those who disagreed with him.
University of Saskatchewan professor Graham Strickert, a former Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) president, said Gilbert’s accomplishments were all the more impressive because they came during a difficult period that saw cutbacks in post-secondary education and a downturn in the forestry sector.
While they had their share of disagreements on the issues, Strickert praised Gilbert’s direct leadership style.
“Whether you agreed with him or disagreed with him, you knew where he stood,” he said. “You weren’t going to be questioning what he was going to do – he would just go for it. And he accomplished a lot through that approach.”
Strickert came to know Gilbert partly through his open door policy, a rarity for someone in his high-ranking position. As a first-year student, he recalls walking into the university president’s office unannounced to interview him for a class project, which Gilbert happily obliged.
Michael Pawlowski, who served as Lakehead VP Administration & Finance under Gilbert for eight years, said that experience exemplified Gilbert’s approach.
“Anybody could come and talk to him, whether it was the people in housekeeping, a student, a faculty member, or a senior executive,” he said. “He didn’t distinguish what status tier you were from, he viewed you as a person.”
Pawlowski praised Gilbert as a visionary leader who cared passionately about student experience and research, helping to drive Lakehead’s emerging reputation for excellence in undergraduate research.
He also credited Gilbert’s intense passion for sports, particularly hockey, for helping to elevate Lakehead Athletics.
Strickert agreed the former president had helped drive a resurgence in varsity sports.
“He built a culture around athletics at the university, which was there, but it wasn’t as strong,” he said. “Now it’s probably one of the best athletic programs in the country. I don’t think people know that, but the treatment and the training for the athletes at Lakehead is second to none, and that’s something Fred really pushed for.”
For colleagues, Gilbert’s outsized personality resonated along with his accomplishments as a leader.
“Fred was a bit eccentric, as well,” said Pawlowski. “You could consider the issue that we had with WiFi… he didn’t go with the flow.”
Richard Longtin, Lakehead’s government relations director and a former LUSU president during Gilbert’s tenure, said the man was warm and thoughtful underneath a sometimes gruff exterior, and pushed hard to accomplish a clear vision.
“I think he was a giant,” said Longtin. “He had his colourful characteristics, and at times he was challenging to deal with, but I think it’s because he believed in something so passionately.”
That approach ultimately paid off, said Pawlowski.
“He saw where he could bring Lakehead, and I think in a lot of respects he did what he wanted to do in his time here.”
