Lakehead University's Dr. Walter Epp joins the Vimy Foundation

Foundation expands efforts into Thunder Bay area

MONTREAL , Oct. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - The Vimy Foundation is proud to announce today the naming of Dr. Walter Epp of Thunder Bay's Lakehead University as an educational advisor.

Dr. Epp has been teaching History and Canadian Studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario since 1991 and in 2005 won the Lakehead University Distinguished Instructor Award. During 2004-2005, he was seconded by the University of Calgary for work on the Kosovo Educator Development Program as senior advisor to the Dean of the Faculty of Education of the University of Pristina, Kosovo. Since 2005, Dr. Epp has guest lectured extensively in Canadian Studies Centers in Central Europe and has connected Canadian Studies Graduate students in the Central European region in a virtual on-line learning community while conducting research on Canadian involvement and contribution on the Eastern Front during WW1.

Dr. Epp is excited about the opportunity to contribute towards the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 2017 .

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this exciting venture," he explains. "Programs like the Vimy Youth Prize and Vimy Ridge Week, both sponsored by the Vimy Foundation, offer young people excellent opportunities to learn about the First World War outside of the classroom, an approach I support wholeheartedly."

Dr. Epp will provide key guidance in the improvement of educational programs for Canadian youth. His involvement will allow for further expand into the Thunder Bay area, a region with a strong connection to the First World War. The 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion was raised in the area and participated in many key engagements in Europe , including Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Many soldiers, including Victoria Cross winner Chris O'Kelly, earned medals for gallantry and bravery during those battles, some of which are on display in the Thunder Bay Military Museum.

About the Foundation

The Vimy Foundation is a registered charity founded in 2006 to make young people more aware of the vital role Canadian soldiers played at Vimy Ridge, a landmark engagement of the First World War. Inspired by those events, the Foundation created the Vimy Youth Prize, bringing together youth from Canada , the United Kingdom and France , so that they can better appreciate their intertwined history and the lessons that can be learned from it. The Foundation also sponsors Vimy Ridge Week at Encounters with Canada , a unique educational opportunity for youth taking place April 4-10, 2010. Registration information for both programs is available at www.vimyfoundation.ca.

To mark Vimy Ridge Day ( April 9 ) the Foundation encourages Canadians to wear a Vimy Pin - available from the Foundation - and to attend commemorative events.

The Foundation's activities are possible only with the support of donors, both large and small. To learn more, visit www.vimyfoundation.ca.

For further information: Andrew Ross, The Vimy Foundation, [phone]