Students lead the way with $1-million contribution to new library

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Students of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced an unprecedented financial pledge of $1- million today to support the development of their campus.

"On behalf of the current students on this vital campus, I am thrilled to announce this significant contribution to support the extraordinary development taking place at Durham College and UOIT," said Ken Swan, 2003-04 President of the Student Association. "It's important that students demonstrate to our broader community that we're supportive of these great institutions. We hope that our commitment will encourage others in the community to get involved, as well."

This is the largest pledge the Student Association has ever made, far surpassing its previous Creating Futures capital campaign contribution of $125,000. The students' $1-million dollar contribution will be designated for the new campus library, which is scheduled to open this summer. The funds will be raised over the next five years through annual student ancillary fees.

"The students' commitment is phenomenal," said Dr. Gary Polonsky, President of both schools that share the campus. "I have always said that our students at Durham College are the best in Ontario, and our new UOIT students are also tremendous. This campaign commitment is awesome and speaks volumes about how our students want the best facilities to be available for tomorrow's students."

A service that will be utilized by college and university students alike, the new library is an integral part of the more than $700-million in development planned for the Oshawa campus of UOIT and Durham College.

The Student Association's contribution will count towards UOIT's $100-million fundraising goal, supporting the creation of state-of-the-art facilities, the underwriting of leading-edge research, and the funding of student scholarships and bursaries.

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