The County of Simcoe celebrated its relationship with Lakehead University with another million-dollar instalment Wednesday.
The county has now made good on $7.5 million of its $10-million commitment to Lakehead’s Orillia campus.
While it is indeed funding, Gerry Marshall prefers the term “investment.”
“We’re investing in the university and we’re investing in our children,” the county warden said. “It’s the perfect match between Lakehead and the county.”
The benefits go beyond the classrooms, he added, saying the county’s pitch to Amazon in an attempt to have that company locate its second North American headquarters here would not have been possible without the presence and assistance of Lakehead.
The money goes toward “the learner experience both in and out of the classroom,” said Moira McPherson, Lakehead’s interim president and vice-chancellor. For example, the university offers a master naturalist program and Humanities 101, both of which offer a non-traditional university experience to those who are not necessarily Lakehead students.
“We know that the success of the university is critical to the success of the communities we serve,” McPherson said.
She cited a study conducted by Lakehead that showed the university’s impact on the county’s economy is between $80 million and $95 million.
The money also helps with Lakehead’s efforts to focus on international students.
“It means we are more effective at bringing more (diversity to the campus and community),” said Dean Jobin-Bevans, principal of Lakehead Orillia.
That’s why “the ongoing theme of this relationship is building up this partnership,” he said.
