THUNDER BAY -- Without its own university many city residents would have passed up post-secondary education.
Lakehead University president Brian Stevenson said over the past 50 years the school has graduated more than 50,000 students, with most of them from Northwestern Ontario.
“I regularly hear stories about people who say if there hadn’t been a university in Thunder Bay they would not have gone to university,” he said.
“The economic driver more and more in Ontario is through knowledge based economies so having a university educated population is important for the basis of the economy going forward.”
Stevenson added Lakehead has directly contributed $6 billion to the city’s economy since being established in 1965.
The university marked the start of the 50th anniversary yearlong celebration with municipal officials on Monday as the school’s flag was raised outside city hall.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said it’s important to recognize the role Lakehead has had in keeping people in the community.
“I think about what the city would be like without Lakehead University and it’s a pretty scary thought,” Hobbs said.
“If we can keep our children here and provide jobs for them here that’s what it’s all about and Lakehead University gives our students a step up.”
The school has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
In the past 15 years the university has greatly expanded, opening a second campus in Orillia as well as the creation of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and a Faculty of Law.
Those programs go a long way towards the city being able to retain youth as well as attract new students who might also begin their careers in Thunder Bay.
“Since 1965 until now we have become a fully comprehensive university,” Stevenson said. “A whole wide variety of programs that directly link to the economy, culture and social fibre of Northwestern Ontario.”
The school will hold their first major event on Friday as they host an afternoon skate on Lake Tamblyn, which will include a barbecue, bonfire and evening fireworks.
They welcome people to join the festivities.
“It’s had a huge economic impact, it’s had a huge cultural impact and it’s had a major impact on the social fibre of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario,” Stevenson said. “The university has had a very positive impact on the community and we want the community to come to our campus and celebrate the past 50 years.”
Other planned events include a July 1 celebration of the official founding of the university and a homecoming in October.
