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Lakehead University will honour Orillia’s legendary artist, Gordon Lightfoot, at this year’s Convocation ceremonies being held at Rotary Place in Orillia on June 6.
The University will confer an honorary doctorate degree of music to Lightfoot – regarded as one of the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriters of all time – in recognition of his international success and outstanding contributions throughout Canada and in his hometown of Orillia.
“Honorary degree recipients are nominated not only because of the scope of what they have accomplished, but because of how much they have given back to our world, as well,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor.
Lakehead will also recognize the hard work and dedication of Angelo Orsi, who will be named a Fellow of the University. Orsi has been a champion of Lakehead University — one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University’s campus expansion to 500 University Avenue. His exceptional commitment as Mayor of Orillia was also key to the campus’s success and growth.
Lakehead Board of Governors Chair Murray Walberg said Orsi’s significant contributions to the City of Orillia and Lakehead’s Orillia campus are why he is so deserving of this honour. “From businessman to public servant, Angelo’s commitment to our region and University has profoundly benefitted and touched countless people,” he said.
This year’s Civitas Award, given annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University’s Orillia campus, will be awarded to Robert Lamb. As Manager of Economic Development at the City of Orillia, Lamb was instrumental in the establishment of the Lakehead Orillia campus. In his role as lead negotiator for the university project, Lamb worked closely with Mayor Ron Stevens, the Economic Development Committee and members of the Mayor’s University Task Force to ensure a successful outcome for the project.
“It is very fitting to confer this award on someone whose years of commitment to our University predates, and is part of the reason for, Lakehead’s presence in Orillia,” said Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost (Orillia Campus).
Lakehead University will confer over 2,000 degrees at its Convocation ceremonies in Orillia and Thunder Bay between May 29 and June 6.
Honorary Doctorate – Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot is an indelible part of the Canadian national spirit and regarded as perhaps the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriter of all time.
Born and raised in Orillia, Lightfoot made his performing debut at St. Paul’s United Church at the age of five. He went on to achieve international status as one of the most prolific and successful singer-songwriters of all time.
This year Lightfoot celebrates 50 years of hit song making and international recording success. He has recorded 20 albums, has five Grammy nominations and 17 Juno Awards. In 2012, he was honoured for his role in defining the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ‘70s with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The music of Gordon Lightfoot has had a powerful impact, with many of his songs recorded and performed by some of the world’s most renowned recording artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand.
In Canada, Lightfoot has been decorated with the Governor General’s Award and the Companion to the Order of Canada Honour of Merit. He is a member of Canada’s Walk of Fame, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Described as a national treasure, Gordon Lightfoot is a cultural icon whose time-defying style and legendary hits have made him one of Canada’s most anticipated live performers. His classics, such as Canadian Railroad Trilogy and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald have contributed to, and captured, the Canadian spirit.
Fellow of the University – Angelo Orsi
Angelo Orsi has been as passionate a supporter of Lakehead University as he has been for the City of Orillia.
Without Orsi’s support, there simply would not be a Lakehead University Orillia campus. As one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University’s campus expansion to 500 University Avenue., his commitment was key to the campus’s early success. His ongoing advocacy as the Mayor of Orillia set the stage to have the County become an ongoing supporter of the University.
Outside of the Lakehead Orillia campus, Orsi is an exceptional, community minded individual who is extremely committed to the growth of a healthy, vibrant City of Orillia. Since making this area his home more than 20 years ago, Orsi has played a significant role in shaping Orillia’s future by providing jobs, housing, commerce, and support – both personally and financially – through various leadership roles within the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, and the Orillia District Construction Association.
Angelo Orsi’s ongoing dedication has assured the longevity and prosperity of Lakehead University and the citizens of Orillia. Goals have been achieved and futures made more promising thanks to his passion and hard work.
Civitas Award – Robert Lamb
As the Manager of Economic Development for the City of Orillia from 2002 to 2009, Lamb was responsible for the development and implementation of projects to support economic development and quality of life in Orillia. The establishment of Lakehead University was one of his major projects.
In his role as lead negotiator for the university project, Lamb worked closely with Mayor Ron Stevens, the Economic Development Committee and members of the Mayor’s University Task Force to ensure a successful outcome for the project. The result was the opening of the downtown Orillia campus in just over 18 months from the time formal discussions began between the City of Orillia and the University.
Lamb went on to become the Manager of Economic Development at the County of Simcoe, where he continued to champion the development of Lakehead Orillia and ensured that it became a key part of the County’s economic development strategy.
Currently, Lamb is the Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk with the Township of Tay in Simcoe County and continues to be involved in the growth and development of Lakehead University. He is a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Economic Development (PACED) and a proud parent of a Lakehead student.
