Algoma University Celebrates Groundbreaking of $16 million Campus Expansion Project

Posted: 2009-09-11

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11th 2009): The groundbreaking ceremony for the new home for bioscience research and study, computer games technology research and health informatics research at Algoma University drew a group of government, community and university dignitaries and supporters today.

This $16 million Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre, located on the campus of Algoma University in Sault Ste Marie, will bring together teaching, research and commercial activities in a dynamic atmosphere to foster innovation and growth. Along with teaching and faculty research labs, established enterprises, like the internationally recognised Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre, will anchor the facility. Another tenant will be the newly-launched Algoma Games for Health, a design studio bringing computer games technology to the delivery of health care and rehabilitation services. Algoma Games for Health will provide research and development expertise to both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

MPP David Orazietti, MP Tony Martin, Mayor John Rowswell, and Darrell Boissoneau, President of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig were amongst the dignitaries on hand to celebrate the start of construction of the Convergence Centre. Algoma University received federal and provincial funding totalling $16 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and Ontario’s 2009 Budget to construct the Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre.

Dr. Celia Ross, President, Algoma University, said, “This project will support scientific and research work in Northern Ontario. Students will benefit from the opportunities to be involved in both academic research and in development of new technologies for commercialization.”

Dr. Ross said she was grateful for the support of so many people in the community. She said that Algoma University owed much to the hard work of MPP David Orazietti over the past few years. She also acknowledged the support of MP Tony Martin and Mayor John Rowswell as being critical to the success of the university’s application for the funding for the Convergence Centre.

About Algoma University
Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario. As the Canadian home of the internationally recognised MSc CGT from the University of Abertay Dundee, Algoma University is at the forefront of computer games technology education. Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science on its Brampton campus. To learn more about Algoma University, visit www.algomau.ca.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Loosemore
Director of Advancement and External Relations
Algoma University
705.949.2301 ext. 4115
deborah.loosemore@algomau.ca