UOIT launches 10th anniversary celebrations

OSHAWA, ON – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has officially kicked off its 10^th anniversary year of celebration with a special flag raising ceremony. At the university’s north Oshawa location, UOIT President Tim McTiernan addressed a group of faculty, staff and students from both UOIT and Durham College. Attendees then headed to Bordessa Hall at UOIT’s downtown Oshawa location, where a flag featuring the university’s new logo was raised.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our first class of students,” said President Tim McTiernan. “The university had no past, no reputation, just the promise of good things to come. What we could offer that first year of students was the opportunity to build a brave new future! And they did, with each new student and with each succeeding year.”

UOIT faculty, staff and students along with community members were on hand for the event at both campus locations. Representing the future and each celebrating their ninth birthdays were Aidan Sauve, Matthew Molina and Oliver Doig. They were the first babies born on September 4, 2003 in each of the Lakeridge Health Corporation system hospitals – and to mark UOIT’s first day of classes in 2003, all three newborns were awarded free tuition in their first year should they choose to attend UOIT.

The event concluded with remarks from President McTiernan, who was joined by Dr. Larry Seeley, chair, UOIT Board of Governors; Dr. Gary Polonsky, president emeritus; Oshawa Mayor John Henry; and Jaclyn San Antonio, alumna of UOIT’s first class. Also on hand for the celebrations were members of UOIT’s Board of Governors, founding faculty and staff, alumni and local residents.

Celebrations will lead up to UOIT’s official anniversary date of September 4, 2013, marking 10 years since students first attended class at the university. These celebrations will give the university an opportunity to commemorate its achievements over the past 10 years, engage the campus community, recognize those directly involved in founding the university and communicate UOIT’s strategic direction.

It took many years for a group of committed citizens and community leaders, along with Durham College, to marshal the support needed and implement their vision for a student-centered, market-oriented institution dedicated to teaching excellence, groundbreaking research and the use of leading-edge learning technology.

Since September 4, 2003, UOIT has grown to more than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a diverse array of 43 undergraduate and 27 graduate programs. Its vibrant campus has expanded from the original Science building to more than ten extraordinary buildings at the north Oshawa and downtown Oshawa campus locations.

There will be many opportunities for UOIT’s campus community, partners and friends to recognize its past, celebrate its present and share the university’s vision for the future. Visit www.uoit.ca/10th for events, information and how to get involved.

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