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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Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
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