Nathan and Marvin Goldman of Durham Homes donate $100,000 to help UOIT graduate students
November 23, 2006
Annual award will benefit students studying design and construction of environmentally responsible housing
OSHAWA, Ont. - University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) graduate students in need of financial assistance received a big assist today with the announcement that Nathan and Marvin Goldman of Durham Homes are donating $100,000 to create a new annual endowment.UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa, Dr. Marc Rosen, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and David Chambers, vice-president of Advancement, were among those who welcomed the Goldman family to UOIT's Oshawa campus to celebrate the establishment of the Nathan and Marvin Goldman/Durham Homes Graduate Student Endowment.
"UOIT is very grateful to Nathan and Marvin Goldman of Durham Homes for making this most generous donation," said Dr. Bordessa. "For years the Goldman family and Durham Homes have built a sterling reputation for their environmentally friendly construction projects in Durham Region and across Ontario. With the creation of this considerable endowment, they are building untold opportunities for our graduate students."
The endowment will create an $8,000 award to be distributed annually, starting in 2007, to a student with a demonstrated financial need and enrolled in full-time graduate studies in UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. The award will recognize a student who has achieved excellence at the undergraduate level and plans to carry out graduate studies in residential housing design and/or construction in the areas of environmentally responsible and healthy housing. This includes housing that is energy efficient, promotes the use of clean and/or renewable energy sources, has low overall environmental impact in the use of materials and construction methodology, and is healthy and comfortable for occupants.
"UOIT is developing new graduate programs each year to meet the demands of today's knowledge-driven economy. Along with our professors who are experts in their fields from around the world, and community partners such as the Goldman family and Durham Homes, we are providing our students with every opportunity to not only succeed, but to excel," added Dr. Rosen.
The Nathan and Marvin Goldman/Durham Homes gift qualifies for the Government of Ontario's fund matching program, the Ontario Trust for Student Support, creating a total endowment of $200,000.
In commenting on this endowment, both Nathan and Marvin Goldman emphasized their commitment to giving back to the community where they have conducted their business for the past 56 years. While wishing to provide opportunities for students in financial need, both Goldmans also view the link between UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the residential construction industry as a natural fit that will advance home building methods for the future.
Durham Homes has long been a leader in housing design and construction methodology, building energy efficient houses years before it became fashionable to do so. All newly constructed homes built by the company are Energy Star™-rated to provide energy savings, comfort and a healthy living environment.
In 1950, Harry Goldman, a carpenter by trade, founded a residential construction company with his sons Nathan and Marvin in Oshawa that has grown into Durham Homes, a highly respected business known for its quality subdivisions, townhouses, apartment buildings, shopping facilities and many other projects.
With new home building as its central activity, Durham Homes is an active developer of lands for subdivision housing. Durham Homes also has a separate property management division, Durham Property Management, which is responsible for the administration of hundreds of residential rental units in Oshawa.
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 Durham Homes
Since 1950, the Goldman family of Durham Homes has built thousands of houses throughout Southern Ontario. With a foundation based on value and customer satisfaction, the company enjoys an outstanding reputation in the new home building industry. The company is headquartered in Oshawa.
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
