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County of Simcoe makes $1M contribution to Lakehead Orillia

'Lakehead has changed my life for the better, and without the campus here in Orillia, I honestly can’t say where I’d be right now,' says student

Ten years after its first contribution to Lakehead University’s Orillia campus, the County of Simcoe has almost fulfilled its funding commitment.

County officials were at Lakehead on Tuesday to present a cheque for $1 million, bringing the total amount provided so far to $9.5 million. The county’s total commitment is $10 million.

“We’re fortunate to have outstanding support throughout this region and we know that this investment is having an impact,” said Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s president and vice-chancellor.

Those in attendance Tuesday got to hear first-hand accounts of how the county’s contributions have helped students.

“Lakehead has changed my life for the better, and without the campus here in Orillia, I honestly can’t say where I’d be right now,” said Amanda Rego-Lynch, a second-year social work student.

Rego-Lynch, of Midland, noted some of the struggles she faced growing up. She got married and became pregnant at a young age. She didn’t know what her future held for her until a friend convinced her to apply to Lakehead. Her 12-year-old son inspired her, too, when he said, “Mom, if you can do it, I can do it.”

“That was very important,” she said.

The audience also heard from a graduate.

Sarah Valiquette-Thompson was living in Bolton when she was exploring her post-secondary options, but she didn’t want to go to school in a large urban centre.

“I couldn’t believe my excitement when I came across Lakehead University opening their campus in downtown Orillia,” she said.

She went on to open a business and start a family in the area. She was elected to Orillia city council and is now a councillor in Severn Township.

“Lakehead has connected me to my family, my friends and my future,” she said.

County Warden George Cornell said the relationship between the county and Lakehead is “truly a partnership.”

“It feels like family,” he said, adding the university boosts the local economy, offers a skilled workforce and supports local research.

By the numbers

  • There are 1,400 students at Lakehead’s Orillia campus

  • 654 students attending the local campus are from Simcoe County

  • 96.7 per cent of Lakehead grads find employment within two months of graduating

  • Lakehead’s economic impact on the County of Simcoe is between $80 million and $95 million


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Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
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