Algonquin College Waterfront Campus Says Thank You to Community Donors

Posted on Thursday, February 26th, 2015

There are few things in life that are more rewarding than being part of a “game changing” project. That’s how veteran provincial politician John Yakabuski described the building of a new Algonquin College Waterfront Campus when it opened two years ago, but the project would not have gotten off the ground had it not been for the incredible generosity of the communities the college serves.

Recently, the college celebrated the conclusion of its capital campaign when it announced it had exceeded its goal of raising $2.5-million through community donations. The ceremony included the unveiling of a donor wall that captures the names of all of the individuals, businesses and organizations that helped finance the project.

Capital Campaign Members, Dawn Dube, Lisa Edmonds, Fred Blackstein, Mark Huckabone, President Cheryl Jensen, Dean Karen Davies, Marie Mask and Jamie Bramburger

The financial gifts that were received extended beyond helping pay for the bricks and mortar. There was also more than $300,000 donated for new endowments which support bursaries for students in financial need.

The building of the new campus is an incredible story of determination made possible by a community that understood the importance of having a college within its boundaries. There were many obstacles to overcome to get the project approved, particularly because very little government funding was available to help. Instead, the college turned to the community and its partners to make it happen.

A generous donation of waterfront land by the City of Pembroke was the first step. Then the Algonquin College Students’ Association stepped up with a $4-million commitment to help cover the costs of building a gymnasium and fitness centre, but in the end the donations from within the community and the enthusiasm shown for the project, is what ensured the new campus became a reality.

Dean Karen Davies, Chair Mark Huckabone and President Cheryl Jensen.

Capital campaign Chair, Mark Huckabone, said it best, “For every enthusiastic student that attends this campus, there was an enthusiastic donor that made it happen.” That quotation is printed above the donor wall at the Waterfront Campus and is a daily reminder that the strength of colleges is how they connect to the communities they serve.

Watch the entire capital campaign touchdown ceremony and be inspired!

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

• Posted in