Laurentian Honours Six Outstanding Canadians

May 27, 2013 – A former mayor of Barrie, the long-time CEO of Science North, and a renowned advocate for minority language rights are among the people being awarded Honourary Doctorates from Laurentian University this spring.

“Our honourary doctorate recipients this year come from varied walks of life, but all of them have made their communities better through their passion and commitment.  In so doing, each of them has contributed to the common good of our society, and we are most pleased to recognize their individual contributions,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “Together, these people represent a kind of mosaic of generosity, dedication and achievement.”

Janice Laking will be awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Laws at Laurentian’s Convocation ceremonies in Barrie on Wednesday, May 29^th at 2:30 p.m.  Dr. Laking taught high school in the Barrie area while raising a family of seven children, and while serving as a long-time City Councillor.  In 1988, she left the teaching profession to commit herself to a career in public service, and was elected Mayor of Barrie later that year.  Laking led the City for the next 12 years, during which she spearheaded several significant community development and infrastructure projects. 

“Janice Laking has been a tremendous builder in this community, and all of us who live and work in Barrie can appreciate the impact she has had,” said Laurentian’s Associate Vice-President of Administration and External Relations, Craig Fowler.

The following individuals will be awarded Honourary Doctorates at Convocation ceremonies to be held at Laurentian’s Sudbury campus:

June 4, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Arnie Aberman, Consulting Dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).  As Consulting Dean at NOSM, Dr. Aberman’s expertise was instrumental in designing the structure and operation of the school.  He also contributed to the development of the business plan and the governance model at NOSM.   Dr. Aberman is a former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and has been awarded the Order of Canada. 

June 6, 2013, at 10 a.m.

Ronald F. Caza, minority language rights advocate, partner with Ottawa law firm Caza Saikaley srl/LLP.  Born in Chelmsford, Ontario and a graduate of Laurentian University, Ronald F. Caza has practised legal advocacy in both official languages for more than 20 years, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigators.  In 2001, he successfully argued the Montfort case, which established that the Ottawa hospital was essential to the survival of the Franco-Ontarian community of the region.

June 7, 2013, at 10 a.m.

James Marchbank, former Chief Executive Officer, Science North (1987-2011).  In his leadership role with Science North from its earliest days, James Marchbank oversaw the successful establishment and growth of this interactive science museum, which has become one of Ontario’s leading attractions.  Mr. Marchbank is credited with leading the organization to its current stature as Canada’s 2^nd largest science centre.  Science North also maintains an IMAX theatre, and digital Planetarium, as well as the earth sciences centre Dynamic Earth. 

June 7, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.

Philanthropists/volunteers Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia. Through their generous donations, Ron and Nancy established the Clark Bursary Fund in 1989. The fund is coordinated through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) to help young people who receive or have received services from Ontario Children’s Aid Societies to achieve their academic and career goals. Since 1989, more than 400 bursaries with a total value of more than $3M have been awarded to students in financial need. The Clarks have received the Child Welfare League of Canada Outstanding Achievement – Community Service by a Volunteer Award.

Media interviews can be arranged in advance through Laurentian University’s Communications Department.

Media contacts

For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Joanne Musico                                                                                               

Manager, Communications                                                                

Tel: 705-675-1151 ext. 3445 or 1.800.263.4188 ext.3445                             

Cell: 705-919-1370                                                                             

jmusico@laurentian.ca                      

Sherry Drysdale

Communications

Tel:705-675-1151 ext. 3412   

sdrysdale@laurentian.ca