UOIT installs Dr. Ronald Bordessa as president and vice-chancellor

OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that Dr. Ronald Bordessa has been officially installed as the university's second president and vice-chancellor.

Community and business partners, dignitaries and other distinguished guests, joined UOIT students, faculty and staff to witness the official installation ceremony, which was presided over by Dr. Richard Marceau, provost of UOIT, at the Jubilee Pavilion in Oshawa, Ontario.

"On behalf of the Board of Governors, it is my pleasure to officially welcome Dr. Ronald Bordessa as president and vice-chancellor of UOIT," said Patrick McNeil, chair of the UOIT Board of Governors. "Dr. Bordessa brings extensive postsecondary knowledge and teaching experience to the university, and we are confident his impressive leadership and strong commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary research will ensure the continued growth and success of UOIT well into the future."

After being installed in front of a crowd of approximately 300 people, Dr. Bordessa delivered his official installation address which focused on UOIT's special vision and mission and the explicit role it has been given by the legislation; its unique partnerships with business and industry which will bring significant economic growth and development to the region and indeed the province and the country; and how its new brand will help forge a strong path toward a more academically and research mature university which will include vibrant graduate programs.

"I am thrilled to accept this incredible honour," said Dr. Bordessa. "I am grateful to the Board of Governors for their support and humbled by the tremendous opportunity to lead UOIT in the years ahead. Today we are six months away from the convocation of UOIT's first graduates from four year programs. From a standing start to 4,300 students enrolled in over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, 125 faculty and numerous awards, UOIT has come a long way, and we have our next set of goals clearly in mind."

Though officially installed today, Dr. Bordessa has served as president of UOIT since July 2006 when he took over from Founding President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gary Polonsky. Among those present for the ceremony who brought greetings were the Honourable Bev Oda, MP Durham and Minister of Heritage and Status of Women; Sheldon Levy, president of Ryerson University; Claire Morris, president and CEO of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; John Gray, mayor of the City of Oshawa; Leah Myers, president of Durham College; Lyn McLeod, chancellor of UOIT; Patrick McNeil, chair of the UOIT Board of Governors; Dr. Peter Berg, assistant professor at UOIT; and Evan Muller-Cheng, president of the Student Association.

Dr. Bordessa brings a wealth of postsecondary administrative knowledge and teaching experience to UOIT based on a 35-year commitment to academic excellence and innovation as well as research in areas including social life in urban areas, literary studies, environmental issues and the politics of land development.

"I look forward to carrying on the incredible vision spearheaded by Dr. Gary Polonsky and UOIT's Board of Governors which includes championing the university's growth and success in the years to come while ensuring each and every one of our students has the opportunity to achieve their postsecondary dreams," said Dr. Bordessa.

Originally from Wales, United Kingdom, Dr. Bordessa spent more than 30 years at York University where he held positions including associate dean and dean of the former Atkinson College (renamed Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies). Most recently he was vice-president, academic and provost at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, where he oversaw the introduction and development of many new programs and initiatives.

To view a full copy of President Dr. Ronald Bordessa's installation address or listen via podcast, please visit www.uoit.ca.

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.

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