Federal Finance Minister James Flaherty on hand as Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities donate $2 million dollars to UOIT
October 10, 2006
OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham Region's Windfields Farm and award-winning new home builder Tribute Communities announced today a joint donation of $2 million dollars to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). The donation will be used towards offsetting the financial costs required to provide students with the university's leading-edge learning environment including state-of-the-art labs that are equipped with the latest technology and designed to give students the hands-on research experience that will prepare them to make an impact on society when they graduate.
"UOIT is extremely grateful to both Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities for their very significant financial support," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost of UOIT. "Thanks to the generous contribution of community partners such as Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities, UOIT will continue to provide its students with the latest technology which will allow them to collaborate with their professors in the classroom and the lab, turning innovative ideas into real solutions."
Minister of Finance, the Honourable James M. Flaherty was on hand for the announcement which saw Judy Mappin and Noreen Taylor, the daughter and daughter-in-law of Windfields Farm owner the late E.P. Taylor, and Howard Sokolowski, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tribute Communities present the donation to UOIT Provost Dr. Richard Marceau and UOIT Vice-President of Advancement David Chambers at the university's campus in Oshawa, Ontario.
"It's a privilege to give support to the prestigious and beautiful University of Ontario Institute of Technology," said Noreen Taylor. "As a former educator, I especially admire the school's ability to inspire a growing student body. We consider the university to be Oshawa's new Ivy League."
The Neighbourhoods of Windfields Farm, a new housing development being built by Tribute Communities, is located across the street from UOIT. As part of its commitment to supporting the community it works and lives in, the Taylor family, owners of Windfields Farm is also committed to supporting the university and feels today's donation is the first step in building a long-term relationship with Durham Region's newest postsecondary institution.
Howard Sokolowski, chief executive officer of Tribute Communities, said, "Tribute is delighted to establish an affiliation with its neighbour the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. UOIT is rapidly making Oshawa one of the premier learning centres in North America."
Also in attendance for today's announcement were Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, well-known Canadian jockey Sandy Hawley, and Al Libfeld, president of Tribute Communities.
"On behalf of the many aspiring students who will benefit from this donation, we are proud to have Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities as distinguished neighbours and tremendous supporters of our university," added Dr. Ron Bordessa, president of UOIT.
About Windfields Farm
For over 70 years, Windfields Farm has had unparalleled success as a breeder, owner and consignor of outstanding racehorses, and a strong commitment to the challenges of maintaining and improving the Thoroughbred racehorse in the 21st century.
Headed by Director of Farm Operations, Simon Cassidy, Windfields operates as a full-service boarding and breeding farm and is pleased to offer an outstanding stallion roster, world-class facilities, and a proven record of raising countless champions.
Our experienced, dedicated staff stands ready to assist clients in breeding and raising future champions, and assessing and evaluating current market conditions and long-range planning through our full range of farm and sales-related services.
The Neighbourhoods of Windfields Farm is being created on land that was once used by grazing race horses. Windfields Farm continues to raise Thoroughbred horses at its barns and fields directly adjacent to its namesake Tribute Communities development and UOIT.
About Tribute Communities
Tribute Communities was founded 20 years ago by President Al Libfeld and CEO Howard Sokolowski who continue to be actively involved in the company's day to day operations. The company has an active number of award-winning housing projects including Windfields Farms. Tribute has already built dozens of fine communities and more than 20,000 homes built across the Greater Metropolitan Area.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
Media contact:
Stephen Weir
416.801.3101
"UOIT is extremely grateful to both Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities for their very significant financial support," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost of UOIT. "Thanks to the generous contribution of community partners such as Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities, UOIT will continue to provide its students with the latest technology which will allow them to collaborate with their professors in the classroom and the lab, turning innovative ideas into real solutions."
Minister of Finance, the Honourable James M. Flaherty was on hand for the announcement which saw Judy Mappin and Noreen Taylor, the daughter and daughter-in-law of Windfields Farm owner the late E.P. Taylor, and Howard Sokolowski, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tribute Communities present the donation to UOIT Provost Dr. Richard Marceau and UOIT Vice-President of Advancement David Chambers at the university's campus in Oshawa, Ontario.
"It's a privilege to give support to the prestigious and beautiful University of Ontario Institute of Technology," said Noreen Taylor. "As a former educator, I especially admire the school's ability to inspire a growing student body. We consider the university to be Oshawa's new Ivy League."
The Neighbourhoods of Windfields Farm, a new housing development being built by Tribute Communities, is located across the street from UOIT. As part of its commitment to supporting the community it works and lives in, the Taylor family, owners of Windfields Farm is also committed to supporting the university and feels today's donation is the first step in building a long-term relationship with Durham Region's newest postsecondary institution.
Howard Sokolowski, chief executive officer of Tribute Communities, said, "Tribute is delighted to establish an affiliation with its neighbour the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. UOIT is rapidly making Oshawa one of the premier learning centres in North America."
Also in attendance for today's announcement were Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, the Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, well-known Canadian jockey Sandy Hawley, and Al Libfeld, president of Tribute Communities.
"On behalf of the many aspiring students who will benefit from this donation, we are proud to have Windfields Farm and Tribute Communities as distinguished neighbours and tremendous supporters of our university," added Dr. Ron Bordessa, president of UOIT.
About Windfields Farm
For over 70 years, Windfields Farm has had unparalleled success as a breeder, owner and consignor of outstanding racehorses, and a strong commitment to the challenges of maintaining and improving the Thoroughbred racehorse in the 21st century.
Headed by Director of Farm Operations, Simon Cassidy, Windfields operates as a full-service boarding and breeding farm and is pleased to offer an outstanding stallion roster, world-class facilities, and a proven record of raising countless champions.
Our experienced, dedicated staff stands ready to assist clients in breeding and raising future champions, and assessing and evaluating current market conditions and long-range planning through our full range of farm and sales-related services.
The Neighbourhoods of Windfields Farm is being created on land that was once used by grazing race horses. Windfields Farm continues to raise Thoroughbred horses at its barns and fields directly adjacent to its namesake Tribute Communities development and UOIT.
About Tribute Communities
Tribute Communities was founded 20 years ago by President Al Libfeld and CEO Howard Sokolowski who continue to be actively involved in the company's day to day operations. The company has an active number of award-winning housing projects including Windfields Farms. Tribute has already built dozens of fine communities and more than 20,000 homes built across the Greater Metropolitan Area.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
Media contact:
Stephen Weir
416.801.3101
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
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@uoit.ca
