Everybody wants a piece of Dalton (16 photos)

When Premier Dalton McGuinty's in town, no one misses an opportunity to get in a pitch to the guy.

No one.

During her speech at the official opening of Ontario's 19th university, Algoma University President Celia Ross was angling for an invasive species lab.

"Because Premier McGuinty is here and because I know he believes in this initiative," Ross said,"I want to mention the invasive species initiative that is starting up. Funding has been set aside for it, and we hope that it will be in Sault Ste. Marie."

Meanwhile, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig President Darrell Boissoneau was pushing for an independent charter for Shingwauk University.

"Our commitment to Algoma U, to Shingwauk's vision, is to re-establish a teaching lodge that embraces our world view," Boissoneau said. "It has taken Algoma 41 years to realize its vision. Shingwauk has been in the works for 175 years. We hope that it will not take us another 41 years."

Boissoneau then smiled at the premier as the audience chuckled.

One man (shown above) buttonholed McGuinty about what he was going to do about his son's debt load.

The man told the premier that his son is a graduate of Ryerson University.

McGuinty asked how much his son's debt was as they walked toward a banner people were signing for a time capsule.

People closed in behind them as they approached the banner, so we couldn't hear the rest of the conversation.

During his speech at yesterday's opening, McGuinty announced another $2.5 million in funding to help Ontario's newest university get established.

He also said that Algoma represents a hallmark in the growth of a dynamic community.

More than 500 people filled the lawn in front of Algoma University to witness its official opening as a stand-alone university.

Along with her push to have an invasive species lab in the Sault, Ross took the opportunity to thank the many people who helped finally realize Algoma as an independent and full university.

"As you now know ,we are Ontario's 19th university, since we received our royal proclamation on June 18," she said. "I want to say a very very big heartfelt thank you to David Orazietti, our MPP, who led the charge - thank you David."

Ross thanked McGuinty for coming to the opening and for sharing the joy of the historic moment and for supporting the aspirations of the people of Northern Ontario.

"We've had 41 happy years with Laurentian University and I'm grateful to our parent university," Ross said. "I'm also very grateful for the strong support from our city and in particular the mayor for his recent and very strong support for an independent Algoma."

Ross also thanked the nearly 4,000 Algoma University College alumni and said it's hard to let go of those old initials - AUC - as the university gradually dons the mantle of independence.

"I want to thank all the people here, the students, the staff, the faculty, the administration, the volunteers on the foundation and the volunteers on board of governors who, over the years, have developed Algoma to the point where we now join this wonderful network of Northern Ontario postsecondary institutions," Ross said. "Applaud yourselves today!"

Boissoneau congratulated Ross and everyone at the university.

"We want to thank Algoma for the kind invitation to be part of this exciting and historic day," he said. "Your success is our success and our success is your success."

The following news release was issued by David Orazietti:

************************ Orazietti and Premier McGuinty officially open independent Algoma University

McGuinty government delivers on new charter and provides $2.5 million in additional funding for AU

SAULT STE. MARIE - David Orazietti, MPP was joined by Premier Dalton McGuinty today to officially open Algoma University as a stand-alone, degree-granting school in Sault Ste. Marie.

"Our government recognizes that today’s official opening of an independent Algoma University is a historic event with the potential to create countless opportunities for growth and prosperity in our community and region,” said Orazietti, a former member of the Charter Steering Committee for Independence and former board member at AUC. “We are welcoming students that will have expanded learning opportunities and a chance to complete their education in the community with the support of their family and friends.”

The provincial representatives also announced $2.5 million for transition expenses necessary to establish a stand-alone independent university.

This new funding will help the university attract more students, bring in more research dollars and create more high-paying jobs for Northern and aboriginal students.

This funding is in addition to $1 million in provincial support announced in June for Algoma to further develop and implement business plans to make a successful transition to an independent institution.

“Northern Ontario is fast becoming a hub for higher education. This funding will help new generations of Northern and aboriginal students achieve their dreams,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty.

In May, the legislature passed legislation establishing Algoma as a degree-granting university.

The legislation made the school independent from Laurentian University in Sudbury for the first time in the school’s more-than-40-year history.

Algoma University currently has about 1,200 students, representing an increase of over 42 percent since 1997.

With independence, the school is projected to more than double in size to approximately 3,000 students and increase enrolment from across the province and around the globe.

"The entire university community, and the community of Sault Ste. Marie, is celebrating,” said Dr. Celia Ross, president of Algoma U. "This marks the beginning of the first academic year at Algoma University, but we are building on 41 years of experience in providing excellence in university education. Already we are able to offer a wider array of degree programs to our students, and that trend will continue. Alongside our Anishinaabe partner, the Shingwauk Education Trust, we are developing an educational environment of international distinction in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are building stronger partnerships to benefit the students of Ontario, and we will be a significant contributor to the development of Northern Ontario. This is an exciting moment in our history."

Granting independent university status to Algoma is part of the McGuinty government's plan to ensure high-quality post-secondary education is available to students in all parts of the province.

"Ultimately, Sault Ste. Marie is receiving a stand-alone, degree granting institution because Premier McGuinty and our government dedicated the time and resources necessary to ensure this complicated process was successful," said Orazietti.

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