Local unions donate $200,000 to support UOIT growth
Gifts will ensure critical infrastructure is in place
October 1, 2009
Representatives from both unions were welcomed to campus today by UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa and announced the gifts will be used to assist the university with capital improvements and to help maintain and improve current infrastructure, ensuring the university can continue to meet the capital needs that come with its significant growth.
"On behalf of UOIT, I would like to express my warmest thanks to all of the members at IBEW Local 894 and UA Local 463 for making this generous commitment to UOIT," said Dr. Bordessa. "UOIT is rapidly growing because of our reputation for offering an innovative educational experience and these gifts help us meet the critical infrastructure needs that come with that growth. That, in turn, ensures we can continue to provide the best possible learning environment for our students."
To commemorate the gifts and provide a constant reminder to students about the locals' contribution to an outstanding educational environment, Dr. Bordessa announced that plaques will be placed in their honour outside two classrooms in the university's Science building.
"We are very excited about making this donation as we know it will support UOIT in its continued growth," said John Gillett, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 894. "Our members understand that the continued growth of UOIT is vital for students, our economy and ultimately a stronger and healthier community for us all."
Both Gillette and Garth Cochrane, business manager for UA Local 463, expressed pride in the fact that their members had enthusiastically backed the gifts to support UOIT and its students."This is a great example of how local unions can invest in the prosperity and development of our community," said Cochrane. "Despite these difficult economic times, I am proud to say that our members continue to make donations to help improve our entire community."
Ongoing partnerships with community-minded groups such as the IBEW Local 894 and UA Local 463 help ensure UOIT can continue to provide students with access to its award-winning campus, hands-on research opportunities, state-of-the-art learning facilities and world-class professors, all of which are designed to help them open the doors to challenging and rewarding careers.
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
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
905.809.4763
tony.doyle@uoit.ca
