A landmark $10 million investment from Kim and Stu Lang will support Lakehead University and the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College's new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, helping to alleviate northern Ontario's critical veterinarian shortage.
The gift will help fund the construction of an animal education facility on Lakehead University's Thunder Bay campus. The $10 million investment represents the largest philanthropic contribution in Lakehead University's history.
Artist rendering of Gakina Awesiinyag | Photo credit: mcCallumSather 2025
"When faced with a large-scale crisis like northern Ontario's veterinarian shortage, we must be innovative when seeking solutions," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. "Kim and Stu Lang are visionaries the innovative nature of this collaborative, solutions-based approach between Lakehead and Guelph universities spoke to their interests and values. We are deeply grateful for this groundbreaking gift that will move Lakehead University into a new chapter in our 60-year history of serving northern Ontario's social and economic needs."
In addition to celebrating this transformative gift, Lakehead University, together with Kim and Stu Lang, is pleased to announce the selected name for the new animal education facility: Gakina Awesiinyag, from the Anishinaabemowin language, which translates to All Animals (Place For).
"As animal lovers and long-time supporters of many animal health programs, including the Ontario Veterinary College, we are delighted to support Lakehead University's role in expanding access to veterinary medicine throughout northern Ontario," said Kim Lang. "When considering a name for the new building that will house animals and educate future generations of veterinarians, it was important to us to choose an inclusive name that honours the land. We were grateful to receive guidance from Indigenous Elders from the north to choose this beautiful, fitting name. It is our privilege to play a part in building this lasting legacy for northern communities."
The Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program will help address northern Ontario's veterinarian shortage, which has made it extraordinarily difficult for people to get care for their pets especially in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities and hindered the region's growing agri-food sector.
Lakehead University and the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College have entered an agreement to deliver the new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program that will recruit and train 20 students from communities in northern Ontario each year. The first northern cohort will begin their studies this fall and complete all four years in Guelph while Lakehead constructs its new facilities. Construction begins this summer. Starting in 2027, the northern cohort will divide their time between Lakehead University and the University of Guelph to complete the four-year program. Students participate in experiential learning opportunities and placements with local veterinarians in the north and complete core courses geared toward unique northern practice.
"On behalf of Lakehead University, we extend our most sincere thanks for Kim and Stu Lang's incredible support, belief in this project, and unwavering commitment to funding such an innovative and regionally responsive solution to the complex challenge of veterinary access in northern Ontario," said Michael den Haan, Vice-President, University Advancement. "Through this generous investment, communities in the north will be forever changed for the better."
