Dr. John and Mrs. Diane Whitfield Bursary

Awarded to an in-course student in Mathematical Sciences on the basis of financial need.

Established in 1997 by John Whitfield and his first wife, Diane. In 1965, John was hired as an assistant professor of mathematics at the Lakehead College of Arts, Science and Technology. Dr. Whitfield, who had grown up near Sault Ste. Marie, ON had been yearning to return to the north after earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States. That summer, he, Diane, and their two small children left Ohio for their new home. By the time he reported for work in September 1965, the provincial government had declared that Lakehead would finally receive university status.

Two years later, Dr. Whitfield was president of the Faculty Association. Not long after, he became Lakehead’s first dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. He would go on to serve as Vice-President (Academic), Interim President (1997-1998), and Vice-President Research and Development, later reaching professor emeritus status upon retirement.