Community member pledges $500,000 to auditorium at UOIT
December 13, 2004
OSHAWA, Ont. - Students of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will enjoy the largest lecture auditorium in the Science building for decades to come thanks to a generous $500,000 pledge from Dr. Peter Zakarow. The Dr. Peter Zakarow Auditorium accommodates 250 students and is complete with all the technology necessary for laptop learning and teaching.
For many years, Dr. Zakarow has been an active supporter of Durham College and a community champion for the establishment of UOIT. Through his efforts as a long-time member of the Board of Governors of Durham College, and as the inaugural chair of the Durham College Foundation, he has demonstrated time and again his commitment to the students, faculty and staff of both institutions."I am proud to have been associated with Durham College and now UOIT," said Dr. Zakarow in making his pledge. "The gift which Marianne and I are announcing tonight was the result of a decision made by our whole family. Contributing to post-secondary education, especially in our local community is an honour and a privilege."
Terry Slobodian, vice-president of Advancement with UOIT and president of the Durham College Foundation stated, "This pledge is indicative of the strong community support that we have for both Durham College and UOIT and the continued involvement of people who have held leadership roles on campus in past years."
The announcement of Dr. Zakarow's pledge was made at the December Board of Governors' meeting and annual dinner attended by both current and past governors of Durham College and UOIT.
Both Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Board of Governors chair and Gary Polonsky, president of Durham College and UOIT, expressed their sincere appreciation to Dr. Zakarow for his pace-setting leadership.
"Dr. Zakarow has long been an esteemed leader on our campus, as a former Board chair and chair of our Foundation," said Gary Polonsky, president of Durham College and UOIT. "As well, he is a recognized leader in his profession, community and country. On behalf of all of us in Durham College and UOIT, especially our students who will benefit directly from his generous donation, I thank Dr. Zakarow and his family. We are proud to name our beautiful auditorium after him."
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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has over 1,800 students following 12 months of operation. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca
