WATERLOO, Ont. (June 3, 2021) – After a decade serving as Coordinator Communications for the Wilfrid Laurier, Department of Athletics and Recreation, Jamie Howieson will be leaving Laurier to take his new appointment as Marketing and Communications Strategist for the UBC Okanagan, Department of Athletics and Recreation.

"I have been privileged to watch Jamie develop into a seasoned Sport Information Officer within university sport through his storytelling of all things Laurier Golden Hawks," said Peter Baxter Director Athletics and Recreation. "He understands the importance of developing high-quality experiential learning opportunities for our students. Through his mentoring of countless students under his care, Jamie helped launch many former student leaders into careers within sport social media, video storytelling, and journalism, using Laurier Athletics and Recreation as a teaching platform."

Since joining the Golden Hawks in the summer of 2011, Howieson has told the stories highlighting the athletic, academic and community contributions of Laurier student- athletes, coaches, staff and alumni. Over that period, Howieson has chronicled for the history books, Golden Hawk teams who went on to win 17 OUA provincial banners and 3 U SPORTS National Championships as well as many more achievements of interuniversity teams, clubs, and recreation student-leaders.

"Leaving Laurier and the OUA was a difficult decision to make for my family and me. We've become a part of the tight-knit Laurier community, and it will be sad to leave," said Howieson. "I'm very lucky to have had the privilege to work with so many talented people over the last ten years, and I want to thank Peter Baxter and Ari Grossman for the opportunity they gave me early in my career."

During his tenure at Laurier, Howieson contributed his expertise by serving on the OUA Marketing Advisory Committee. During the summer of 2020, Howieson worked in the Laurier Alumni Office to assist the University as it transitioned to online virtual programming due to the pandemic.

In this new role at UBC Okanagan, Jamie will be overseeing Marketing, Communications, Community Outreach, Sports Information, and Student Engagement; amidst other related elements covering the UBC Okanagan Heat teams and programs.

"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to join the UBC Okanagan Heat.," stated Howieson. "The direction that the department is taking under the guidance of Tom Huisman is incredibly exciting, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of turning that vision into a reality."

Howieson's last day at Laurier will be June 11, 2021. On behalf the the whole department Baxter wishes Howieson well. "We wish Jamie and his young family all the best both for their new home in Kelowna and this new professional opportunity at UBC Okanagan!".