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Algonquin College Waterfront Campus Says Thank You to Community Donors

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 in front of donor wall

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

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

Algonquin Alumnus Jason Blaine Rocks PMC for Charity

Jason Blaine is one of Canada’s top Country music recording artists! He is also a Pembroke native and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Business program and recently he did what more college graduates should be doing! He gave back to his college and his community.

In the United States, alumni play a huge role in supporting the overall well being of the institution that they graduated from. In Canada, there are a few universities such as St. FX in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Queens in Kingston, Ontario, that have a strong hold on their alumni, but most Canadian colleges and universities struggle with alumni relations. Unfortunately, most graduates move on with their lives after finishing up their schooling, and don’t keep their connection to their alma matter.

Recently, Blaine, who has lived in Nashville, Tennessee for several years, came back to his hometown of Pembroke to hold his first charity concert and golf tournament. The event was a resounding success, raising $50,000 for local charities including Algonquin College’s new Pembroke Campus capital campaign and the Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke.

Jason Blaine Kira Isabella Gord Bambord_72Jason Blaine with celebrity friends Kira Isabella and Gord Bamford

Married, with three young children, a crazy travel schedule, the pressure to write and record more hit songs, and all of the challenges that come with living a public life, Blaine didn’t have to spend the hundreds of hours required to plan and execute a great concert and golf tournament event, but he did! Why? Because his hometown and the college he graduated from, matter to him.

Jason Blaine at Grand Opening

Not every post-secondary graduate has the profile that Jason Blaine does, but every one of them can make a difference at the college they graduated from. Whether it is taking the time to visit future classes to share their college and work experiences with students, or making a financial contribution to a bursary program or a capital project, both time and financial gifts contribute to the success of a school.

Jason Blaine thanks golfers at his first annual golf classic tournament_72Jason Blaine thanks golfers at his first annual golf classic tournament.

What Jason Blaine has done by establishing his own Charitable Fund is inspirational. It is also a call to action to all Algonquin College graduates to consider giving back to their college and their community.

Jason reveals amount raised for charity_72Jason reveals amount raised for charity.

I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts on this blog or about other Algonquin graduates that are doing great things in their community. Please share.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger