Lakehead University signs MoU with University of Alberta Art School

Dr. Carl G. Amrhein,Vice-President UAlberta,
Dr. Rod Hanley,Vice-President Lakehead University

Lakehead University officials have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a relationship with the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts School in Cortona, Italy.

“This initiative with the University of Alberta will forge stronger connections between our institutions and the Italian community,” said Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. “Today’s MOU signing is a collaboration that will not only bridge generations of Italians in Thunder Bay and Orillia with their Italian roots, it will also allow non-Italians to experience the rich history and culture of Italy.”

Dr. Rod Hanley, Lakehead University’s Provost and Vice-President (Academic), explained how today’s signing represents another success in Lakehead’s efforts to create partnerships with other postsecondary institutions that benefit students, faculty and staff.

“This MOU fosters relationships with our Italian communities while extending Lakehead’s reach around the globe to bring the world to our students,” Dr. Hanley said.

Currently, students from all of the University of Alberta’s faculties and disciplines travel to Cortona, Italy each year to enrol in courses that take advantage of the country’s unique Tuscan region. University of Alberta professors conduct regular classroom lectures (in English) on diverse topics like Renaissance Art, Roman Civilization, Italian language and Political Science.

Dr. Carl G. Amrhein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Alberta, came to Thunder Bay for the signing. “I would like to recognize the local Italian community for their generosity in supporting students to study at the University of Alberta School in Cortona, Italy,” he said. “Not only will this agreement strengthen the connection between the University of Alberta and Lakehead University, but also between the cities of Edmonton and Thunder Bay.”

Instead of reading about Italian art in a textbook, students actually travel to see Michelangelo’s David.  Instead of learning the Italian language in a classroom, students will live it.  Studying at the School in Cortona is more than just attending lectures – it’s about being immersed in a relevant cultural experience.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta, Dr. Lesley Cormack, said, “The School in Cortona welcomes Lakehead University students. All our students benefit from the easy access to the cultural riches of Italy and the international and multidisciplinary perspectives that studying abroad affords. This agreement will now allow us to reach a wider audience of Canadian students to provide an experience that will resonate with them both academically and culturally.”