Laurentian University kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations today, March 26, with a celebration in its Great Hall. Almost 50 years ago, the act incorporating Laurentian University received royal assent.
"For the past 50 years, Laurentian University has been a major driving force for Sudbury and northern Ontario," Laurie Bissonette, Laurentian University alumna and chair of the 50th anniversary organizing committee, said in a press release.
"It's many friends, faculty, staff, students and alumni have pushed boundaries and will continue to do so for the next 50 years."
In 1960, the act to incorporate Laurentian University received royal assent. Since then, 41,000 students have graduated from the university.
Laurentian University is northern Ontario's largest post-secondary institution with 9,000 full-time and part-time students. Seventeen per cent of these students are studying in French, more than 10 per cent are Aboriginal, and a growing number are international students. Laurentian University is also a growing graduate and research institution offering six doctoral programs and 20 diploma and master's programs, along with its 141 undergraduate programs.
In recognition of the celebration, the Laurentian University Alumni Association will be recognizing 50 graduates who serve as ambassadors of the university's core values of excellence, collaboration, community, equity, diversity, quality of life, and accessibility through their scholarly, professional, creative, or humanitarian contributions.
The 50 years of Alumni Achievement Awards Gala is scheduled for Oct. 23. Tickets are $175 per person. For reservations, phone 675-4818 or visit www.celbrate50.laurentian.ca to learn more about this event, as well as the others the university will be hosting over the next few months to celebrate its anniversary.
