Dinner and art auction raises record-breaking amount

Algoma U's John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner and Art Auction raised a record-breaking $250,000 to support student scholarships.

This event, held at the Machine Shop, also celebrated Orlando M. Rosa as the 2024 honouree.

Rosa was recognized for his exceptional leadership, dedication to education, and deep commitment to the Sault Ste. Marie community, where his career as counsel at Wishart Law Firm has spanned over four decades.

“I am deeply humbled to be named this year’s honouree,” Rosa shared in a news release issued today.

“Algoma University holds a special place in my heart for its commitment to education and empowering future generations, and I am truly grateful for this recognition. I am proud to be part of a community that values learning and gives back to ensure students have the opportunities they need to thrive. It is my hope that this event will continue to pave the way for tomorrow’s leaders.”

The evening also celebrated this year’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship winner, first-year biology student Lisa Brisson.

For more information, see the release below.

Algoma University proudly celebrated Orlando M. Rosa as the 2024 honouree at the sold-out John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner and Art Auction, held at The Machine Shop. The event raised an outstanding $250,000, making it the largest fundraiser in the event’s history and a tremendous success in supporting student scholarships.

Rosa was recognized for his exceptional leadership, dedication to education, and deep commitment to the Sault Ste. Marie community, where his career as counsel at Wishart Law Firm has spanned over four decades.

“I am deeply humbled to be named this year’s honouree,” shared Mr. Rosa. “ Algoma University holds a special place in my heart for its commitment to education and empowering future generations, and I am truly grateful for this recognition. I am proud to be part of a community that values learning and gives back to ensure students have the opportunities they need to thrive. It is my hope that this event will continue to pave the way for tomorrow’s leaders.”

The evening also celebrated this year’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship winner, first-year biology student Lisa Brisson, furthering Algoma University’s commitment to fostering the next generation of community leaders.

“With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate the record-breaking success of this year’s John Rhodes Scholarship Dinner & Art Auction,” shared President and Vice-chancellor Asima Vezina, PhD. “This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our remarkable volunteers, whose passion and commitment brought this event to life. Our community and their unwavering support continue to remind us of the role community plays in the success of our students and our university. A special thank you to our honouree Orlando M. Rosa and his family for their generosity in establishing the newest Orlando & Rose Rosa Endowment Scholarship, announced last evening; this newest scholarship will support students across the Algoma District. Together, with the spirit of service embodied by this year’s John Rhodes scholarship recipient, Lisa Brisson, we are keeping our youngest upcoming leaders and most brilliant minds local. Thank you, Merci, Chi-Miigwetch, to everyone who made this memorable evening possible.”

The success of this year’s event is a testament to the dedicated Rhodes Scholarship Committee, whose passion, hard work and unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in its unprecedented achievements. Through their efforts, they continue to honour John Rhodes’ legacy by creating life-changing opportunities for future leaders at Algoma University.

Visit our website to explore the enduring legacy of John R. Rhodes and his namesake scholarship. Those inspired to contribute to this important cause can make donations at algomau.ca/giving/. 

All event photos will be uploaded to our online gallery.