A $10 million gift will finance the construction of an animal education facility at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus.
Why it matters: Lakehead University is home to a new veterinary medicine program
The gift from Kim and Stu Lang marks the largest philanthropic contribution in Lakehead’s history. The new facility will assist the university in delivering the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (CDVM) program, which aims to address the critical veterinarian shortage in northern Ontario.
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“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 in a release.
“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.”
The Langs, together with Lakehead University, announced that the new animal education facility will be named Gakina Awesiinyag, from the Anishinaabemowin language, which translates to “All Animals (Place For).”
“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,” said Lang. “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 CDVM provides education and training for 20 northern community students annually.
The September 2025 and 2026 CDVM cohorts will complete all four years of the program at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph while the Lakehead facility is under construction, which is set to begin this summer.
The 2027 northern cohort will divide their time between the two universities throughout the four-year program, featuring experiential learning opportunities and local vet placements in the north, along with core courses tailored to the unique needs of northern practice.
“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, Lakehead University vice-president, University Advancement.
“Through this generous investment, communities in the north will be forever changed for the better.”
