NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COLLEGE
***************************** Sault College celebrates grand opening of new academic wing
SAULT STE. MARIE - The Sault College ribbon cutting event for the new academic wing consisting of flexible learning spaces and a reconfigured gateway main entrance drew a large crowd of government, community and college supporters today.
Funding for this project has been provided by the Governments of Ontario and Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
“This is an important day in the history of Sault College and our community,” stated Dr. Ron Common, president, Sault College, as he addressed a crowd of supporters that included staff, students, alumni, retirees, advisory council members, current and former board members, neighbours, guests and dignitaries. “The funds that have been generously contributed constitute the largest investments in Sault College since we opened our doors for the first time.”
Appropriately named Project Twenty-Eleven - the date in March 2011 when all government knowledge infrastructure-funded projects had to be “substantially completed” - the three-story glass and steel academic building was completed on-time and on-budget, and will be a campus dream for years to come.
The new 75,000 square-foot complex supports teaching and learning activities related to the College’s flagship Aviation program, a new elegant gateway entrance that doubles as space to celebrate student achievements and work, learning commons on all three floors, a 120-seat multi-media lecture theatre, 19 flexible classrooms designed in sizes from 40 to 80 seats to accommodate most programs currently in place at the college, and a dedicated Justice Studies room with a combat training centre and forensic science lab.
“Not only does the new building provide great curb appeal, it’s truly distinguishable as a Northern Ontario College,” states Common.
Sustainable design elements have been included in the planning of this complex that incorporates a local flavour such as indigenous plants, wood roofing, steel cladding and copper, the latter having historical significance to First Nations people which accounts for 20 percent of Sault College students.
Sault College looks forward to continued renewal of its campus far into the future to reflect the excellent teaching, learning, and research being offered at the post-secondary level.
“Each of us today has a special role in getting the College to this point,” stated Common at the memorable ceremony. “Today marks the completion of Phase 1 of our construction projects and there is more to come. Thank you for celebrating our achievements with us this past year... watch us grow!”
About Sault College
Sault College reaches students through post-secondary, continuing education, apprenticeship training and third party contract training.
Educating 4,500 students annually, Sault College offers a full range of programs: certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, post-graduate certificates, degrees, and apprenticeship programs.
Sault College has an economic impact on the community in excess of $100 million.
MacLean’s magazine has recognized the College’s ranking at the top of the province in graduate satisfaction, with 85 percent of graduates saying that they were highly satisfied with their education at the post-secondary institution.
Sault College, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is one of 24 community colleges in Ontario.
Visit our website at www.saultcollege.ca for more information.
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