Endowment Overview
Lakehead University Endowments are philanthropic gifts, government contributions, annual inflation adjustments and other sources of income intended to support the university in perpetuity. Funds are invested in a diversified portfolio of assets designed to maximize long-term risk-adjusted returns and provide stable annual payouts to support donorspecified priorities. Each year, distributions from the fund support scholarships, awards and bursaries; research chairs; and a diverse range of donorsupported university programs.
Management & Oversight
The University’s Board of Governors Finance and Operations Committee maintains oversight responsibility for all Endowment assets, recommends the policy asset mix, and develops ancillary policies as necessary. Each year, the total Endowment Fund disbursement amount is established by the university to maintain the value of the endowment pool over time and the Board of Governors establishes the annual spending rate.
Lakehead University employs a variety of external investment managers with areas of specialization across a range of strategies, with a careful emphasis on risk management, as well as a long-term focus.
The Vice-President of Administration and Finance reviews the endowment management policy every two years in order to determine whether changes are necessary.
Responsible Investing
The Lakehead University Endowment Fund is managed in accordance with the Responsible Investing Policy, as approved by the Board of Governors, and is committed to Responsible Investing pursued through the consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors as set out in the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). The university expects all professional external fund managers to incorporate ESG factors into the selection and management of their portfolios.
Historically, the Lakehead University Endowment Fund has performed well because we take a prudent approach to investing.
Endowment Disbursements (Millions)
Net Investment Return
Value of Endowments (Millions)
Supporting the Leaders of Tomorrow
Haily
Indigenous STEM Access Program (Engineering)
Recipient of the Alumni Association of Lakehead University Indigenous Access Program Bursary
“Your commitment to fostering success within the Indigenous community is truly inspiring. With your help, I am motivated to continue pursuing my educational goals with passion and dedication.”
Iria
HBArts (Political Science) Pre-Law Degree Program
Recipient of the Carlotta and Vittorio Del Bianco Memorial Scholarship
“Receiving these funds is a tremendous support but also a source of motivation, reinforcing my commitment to academic excellence and my future aspirations. Your contribution makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students like me, allowing us to pursue our academic and professional goals with greater confidence.”
Qingshan
HBS (Forestry) Degree Program
Recipient of the Betty Coates LU 30th Anniversary Bursary
Mehmet
HBC (Business Administration) Degree Transfer Program (Orillia)
Recipient of the Intepe-Langpeter Bursary
“This incredible contribution has truly transformed my life, allowing me to dive deeper into my studies without the weight of financial worries holding me back. Receiving this bursary is not just a financial relief; it ignites my passion for academic excellence and inspires me to reach new heights!”
Lakehead Secures Top Spot in Maclean’s Rankings
“Your contribution is not only a lifeline for students like me but also a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our journey. It inspires us to dream bigger, aim higher, and work harder to achieve our goals.”
THUNDER BAY | ORILLIA | LAKEHEAD-GEORGIAN PARTNERSHIP
7,481
Undergraduate Students Graduate Students AND
1,829
13%
2,299 of Domestic Undergraduate Students identify as Indigenous International Students representing 96 countries
41% 52% of Domestic Undergraduate Students have received OSAP (financial aid) Domestic Undergraduate Students are the first in their family to attend university
54% 100% of Domestic Undergraduate Students are from rural, northern or remote areas of Domestic Undergraduate Students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning
94% 90% of Graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation of Graduates who are employed are using the skills they developed at Lakehead
Establishing Student Awards
At Lakehead University, your support is vital to our students’ success.
• Scholarships, bursaries and awards assist students in achieving their educational goals.
• Students know that they are part of a supportive university community.
• Awards recognize hard work and perseverance, and give students the confidence to excel at their studies.
For further information, please contact: Meghan Hanbury Associate Director, Annual Giving and Student Aid
T: 807-343-8010 Ext. 8910
E: meghan.hanbury@lakeheadu.ca
