Algoma U celebrates the end of an era

NEWS RELEASE ALGOMA UNIVERSITY **************************** Algoma University commemorates the end of an era Dr. Celia Ross honoured at surprise celebration SAULT STE.

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

**************************** Algoma University commemorates the end of an era

Dr. Celia Ross honoured at surprise celebration

SAULT STE. MARIE - (June 24) - A crowd of well-wishers converged on the Speak Easy at Algoma University last night to celebrate Dr. Celia Ross and her accomplishments as she concludes her term as president.

Among the celebrants were past and present students, faculty, and staff, along with many others who have worked alongside Ross at Algoma U.

"Seeing us all together - those from the beginning of my journey to those I've met more recently - is tremendously meaningful and humbling," said an emotional Ross as she thanked the crowd in attendance. "I want to thank everyone who has had a hand in making Algoma University the special place that it is."

Ross thanked her husband and son for supporting her through her term, and acknowledged the sacrifices that so many people have made for the university over the years.

Dr. Celia Ross has been at the helm of the university for 12 event-filled years.

Under her leadership the university grew from an affiliate college of Laurentian University, on the brink of collapse, to one of the province's fastest-growing universities.

After the provincial government granted Algoma U its independent charter in 2008, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Algoma U was "Ontario's most innovative and ambitious university."

Academic Dean Dr. Arthur Perlini, of behalf of the university community, presented Dr. Ross with an engraved stepping stone in recognition for her effort and achievement.

Perlini spoke warmly of the attitudethat Dr. Ross brought to the office of the President.

"Celia Ross is all about relationships; all about people," said Perlini. "She is quick to laugh, and to celebrate even small successes. She has walked among kings, but has never lost her common touch."

Their warm embrace at the conclusion of Perlini's tribute spoke to the strength of the relationship between president and dean, and to the mutual respect they have for one another.

Other speakers included: Brady Irwin, chair of the board of governors; Mike Cachagee of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, Dawn Elmore, Don Jackson on behalf of the Shingwauk Project, Tom Vair executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, Darrell Boissoneau, president of the Shingwauk Education Trust, Gayle Broad from the CESD department at Algoma University, and Dr Ross' husband Michael Bennett, and son Alisdair.

Timeline: Dr. Celia Ross at Algoma University

1982

- Dr. Celia Ross joins Algoma University College faculty as a French professor; she completed an undergraduate degree at Queen's University and went on to master's and doctoral studies in French literature at the Université de Bordeaux III in France.

1997

- Dr. Ross moves into administration as academic dean.

1998

- AUC appoints Dr. Ross president effective May 1.

2000

- 180-seat lecture theatre, two multi-purpose wired classrooms and six faculty offices built with $460,000 provincial SuperBuild funding.

- Frank McGrath donates $500,000 for scholarship fund in the names of Frank and his deceased brother Edward (Ned) McGrath.

2001

- Phase II of Spirit Village residences completed; opening ceremonies in January 2002.

- Community Economic and Social Development (CESD) program announced; classes start January 7, 2002.

- Convocation has record number of graduates: 152.

- Willmont and Peggy MacDonnell Scholarship Fund established with gift of $200,000 from the estate of Peggy MacDonnell.