Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of graduating students at its Orillia campus convocation ceremony on June 3, 2026.
Lakehead University will celebrate graduating students during its 2026 convocation ceremonies in Thunder Bay and Orillia, while also recognizing distinguished Canadians and community leaders whose contributions have had a lasting impact on education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, arts and culture, advocacy, and community development.
"Crossing the convocation stage signifies not just the conclusion of a chapter it represents a transformation," said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. "During their time at Lakehead, our graduates have developed their knowledge, confidence, and resilience. The entire university community is honoured to celebrate their achievements and to be a part of their journey. Congratulations to the class of 2026!"
In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2026, Lakehead will recognize The Right Honourable David Johnston with an honorary degree and honour Paul Weber with the title of Fellow of the University, as well Luana Dawn Shirt will receive the Civitas Award, recognizing their contributions to education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, arts and culture, and community leadership.
"The Lakehead community is proud to recognize the work and dedication of this year's honorary degree recipients, fellows, and Civitas recipient," said Dr. Siddall. "Each has made meaningful contributions to their communities and professions, and their stories will inspire our graduates as they move forward into the future."
Honorary Degree Recipients
The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C.
Doctor of Education
The Right Honourable David Johnston was Canada's 28th governor general. During his mandate, he established the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), a registered charity that supports and amplifies the Office of the Governor General in its work to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. Today, he is actively involved as Chair of the RHF Board of Directors. In 2018, he was appointed Colonel to the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Prior to his installation as governor general, Rt. Hon. Johnston was a professor of law for 45 years, and served as President of the University of Waterloo and as Principal of McGill University. He was president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec. He was the first non-U.S. citizen to be elected chair at Harvard University's Board of Overseers from which he graduated in 1963 magna cum laude, and was twice named all-American in hockey and was named to Harvard's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Rt. Hon. Johnston holds degrees from Harvard, Cambridge and Queen's and has received more than three dozen honorary degrees or fellowships. He has authored or co-authored more than 30 books. He was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1997. He has chaired or served on several dozen provincial and federal task forces and committees, and has served on the boards of more than a dozen public companies. He has been married for 61 years to Sharon, and they have five daughters and 14 grandchildren.
The degree of Doctor of Education will be conferred on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.
Fellows of the University
Paul Weber
Fellow of the University
An entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, Paul Weber has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into high-performing, customer-driven businesses. Paul is the former owner of the landmark Webers Drive-In Restaurant on Highway 11, one of the most popular food stops on the drive from Toronto to cottage country.
Paul's leadership extends beyond business success. He has played a significant role in advancing community innovation and engagement across Simcoe County and beyond. As Campaign Chair and Board Member for Kempenfelt Bay School in Barrie, he led efforts to raise $1.5 million and helped secure financing for a JK-Grade 12 private school in Innisfil, which opened in 2017. In 2019, he successfully secured a $2.5 million gift from the County of Simcoe for the Barrie YMCA Capital Campaign.
In 2008, Paul accepted the role of chair for Lakehead University's Your Bright Future campaign, leading a $30 million capital campaign to build the Orillia Campus. Paul took on the role with passion, energy and professionalism. He demonstrated a strong commitment to the vision for Lakehead University and the campus development in Orillia. He knew the potential for far-reaching economic, social, and environmental benefits and often commented that it was truly one of the best things to have happened in the community.
Through Paul's considerable time, talent and energy, Lakehead developed a wide range of community partners, supporters and donors. Paul was instrumental in enhancing Lakehead University's ability to meet a critical and growing community need in the region.
The title of Fellow of the University will be bestowed on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.
Civitas Award
Luana Dawn Shirt
Civitas Award
Luana Dawn Shirt is a Plains Cree (nehiyaw)-anishinaabekwe. Her roots are in Treaty Six Territory with the Saddle Lake Band, Alberta. She grew up among the Great Lakes Anishinaabek (Ojibwe Nation) and Haudenosaunee Nation, and for the last 13 years has made Williams Treaty Territory (Simcoe County) her home. She is a mother of two incredible young adults.
Her commitment to Indigenous education is rooted in family legacy. Her parents were visionary leaders in urban Indigenous education and founders of the Wandering Spirit Survival School in Toronto the first urban Indigenous school in Canada.
For over a decade, Luana has been a consistent and generative presence in Simcoe County, offering cultural teachings, ceremony, and community support that connect Indigenous peoples and their allies to land, language, and ancestral ways of knowing. Across Ontario she has collaborated with community organizations and post-secondary institutions, weaving Indigenous worldviews into diverse learning environments.
From 2013 to 2016, Luana coordinated the Berry Fast Project for the Orillia Native Women's Group, delivering rite-of-passage programming for Indigenous girls and their families. She serves as a Cultural Support Worker and Knowledge Carrier for Ontario's anti-human trafficking training initiatives, and she is an Advisory Member of the Centre for Combating Child Sex Trafficking and Online Sexual Exploitation at Toronto Metropolitan University, contributing Indigenous knowledge and perspective to research and policy focused on protecting children and families.
Luana's contributions to Simcoe County and beyond reflect a lifelong commitment to reciprocity, cultural continuity, and profound care for community. Whether in ceremony, the classroom, or the circle, she brings her Indigenous Way of Life to foster healing, belonging, and connection to the land.
The Civitas Award will be presented on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.
For more information, visit Lakehead University Convocation
