Ontario developer honours legacy while providing opportunities for Durham College and UOIT students

OSHAWA, Ont. - What better way to honour the legacy of one man than to create educational opportunities for those who need it most? Dacon Corporation Limited paid tribute to its company founder by establishing an award that provides continual support for students.

Dacon Corporation Limited created the Howard Maitland Sly Award for a Durham College graduate who is entering a full-time degree program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and demonstrates financial hardship. Recipients will be chosen by the UOIT Scholarships and Awards Committee as the donation provides eight needs-based awards.

"We want to honour our company founder, Howard Maitland Sly, while giving back to the future of our province," said Robert Wilson, president and CEO of Dacon Corporation Limited. "By supporting Durham College and UOIT, we knew we could offer financial support to both college and university students."

The initial contribution of $200,000 from Dacon Corporation Limited will be matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support, providing a total endowment of $400,000.

"Investing in our students is important to corporate citizens who care about the future," said David Chambers, vice-president of Advancement at UOIT and president of the Durham College Foundation. "I can't think of a better way to honour the legacy of one individual than by providing opportunities for so many others to help secure their future."

Kingston-based Dacon Corporation Limited has been in operation since 1958 and is a leader in a wide range of real estate developments. The company also has an ongoing relationship with Durham College and UOIT through its subsidiary company, Campus Living Centres which provide and manage student residences on campus.

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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. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair in Aquatic Toxicology. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Ontario Tech University
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Heather Middleton
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Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
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