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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Gary Polonsky announces his retirement

OSHAWA, Ont. - During a press conference held earlier today, Dr. Gary Polonsky, president of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced his retirement, following 18 years at the helm of Durham College and five years as the founding leader of UOIT.

Polonsky will retire in approximately one year, and under the guidance of the Durham College and UOIT Boards of Governors, two presidents will be named to replace him.

Polonsky's dedication to students is unparalleled. In announcing his retirement today, he told Durham College and UOIT students, "In total, I will have spent 43 years -- my entire adult life -- in the service of students and have loved every minute of it. Every student is special; every one an individual. I thank you."

A native of Thunder Bay, Polonsky came from Red River College in Winnipeg to Durham Region in 1988 as president of Durham College. Working closely with a broad group of community volunteers, he was instrumental in the creation of the Whitby Skills Training Centre and more recently, Oshawa-based UOIT, which proudly welcomed its first students in fall 2003.

Bringing a university to the community was not the only goal Polonsky set out to accomplish. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Polonsky attained his Doctorate in Education from the University of Toronto in June 2003. He also holds a BSc from Lakehead University (Thunder Bay) and an MA from Gonzaga University (Spokane, Washington).

Polonsky's leadership has been recognized well beyond educational borders. The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce awarded him a rare honour in 1981 for leading the creation of both the Dorion Trades Building of Confederation College, as well as the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The Oshawa Chamber of Commerce honoured him in 2001 as Business Person of the Year, and the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance presented him with the GTA International Business Ambassador Leadership Award in 2002.

Polonsky is very active in national and community based organizations. He serves as Honorary Patron of the Oshawa-Durham Symphony, and Honorary Chair of Junior Achievement, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and the Parkwood Estate fundraising campaign.

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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 attracted over 1,800 students since its inception in 2003. 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@uoit.ca