The life-long commitment of two Sudbury residents has been honoured by Huntington University in the name of a new research and resource centre.
The centre, based at the Huntington University campus, is called the Lougheed Teaching and Learning Centre of Excellence. It was named after Gerry Lougheed Sr., and his late wife Marguerite.
"This is a wonderful honour for my parents," said Gerry Lougheed Jr., in a press release. "My mother was originally a teacher and my father a well-respected mentor for the funeral profession. Their commitment to life-long learning would be a cornerstone for this resource centre."
"As educators, volunteers, and humanitarians, the Lougheeds have inspired many with their visionary voice, fresh approach, and keen ability to connect with the people of this community," said Dr. Ted Conroy, chancellor of Huntington University.
The goal is to provide a location where faculty and students can work on perfecting teaching and learning practices, said Kristeen McKee, the co-ordinator of corporate communications for Huntington.
"The centre is primarily for students and faculty," said McKee, but the centre will be open for conferences and seminars to the public. The centre will also be open to different educational facilities, such as other universities.
The centre, which opened in the last few weeks, is working on securing and adapting a space at Huntington University. The space will open in the spring.
Huntington University is a federated partner with Laurentian University, along with Thornelowe University and the University of Sudbury. The four campuses share grounds in Sudbury.
A webspace on the Huntington website will be launched in January. The website will provide a place for faculty, students and public to share education and teaching-related links.
"The Lougheed family has touched all areas of life in this community... We especially honour the education in the north by naming the centre in honour of the Lougheeds," said the president of Huntington University, Dr. Kevin McCormick.
