Algoma University’s in St. Thomas opened officially on Friday (September 21st), marking the successful launch of a project started more than six years ago. The program brings to the area an educational opportunity which many communities would envy, and a teaching format which may make it the best first two years of an undergraduate program anywhere in Canada.
City Alderman, Mark Cosens welcomed guests and introduced local leaders. Mayor Heather Jackson noted the benefit of making use of the former Wellington Street Public School building, and her belief that “the only way to save heritage properties is to use them.” MP Joe Preston laughed that, as a university town, St. Thomas’s party rating will have moved up. He also commended the project as an example of “what we can do when community members think we can do it.” MPP Jeff Yurek noted that the effect of the new school “will be far-reaching to the area” and that “education changes the world”.
Above: Alderman Mark Cosens (top right); Mayor Heather Jackson (bottom left); MP Joe Preston (bottom middle); MPP Jeff Yurek (bottom right).
Dr. Richard Myers, President of Algoma University commended those involved in achieving something municipalities across the country dream about. He spoke about the Algoma University mandate to focus on undergraduate students rather than on research, emphasizing that they are “all about excellence in the undergraduate university experience.”
The St. Thomas location is set up with a Block Program format, unique in Ontario. Students will spend approximately three weeks learning intensively and completing work on one course, then move onto the next of five for the year.
Algoma’s focus on the undergraduate experience, and the block programming feature is proving to be a winning combination. Myers noted, “I believe that we are providing the best first two undergraduate years of anywhere in Canada – that suits a community that calls itself ‘naturally progressive.’”
Students seem to be in agreement with those positive sentiments. Although a major goal of offering post-secondary education within communities is to give students the financial benefit of living at home, four of those enrolled this year are from outside the immediate area – the block format programming and small-city location were inviting features. Two students on hand for the opening gave the program glowing reviews.
The St. Thomas location is set up with a Block Program format, unique in Ontario. Students will spend approximately three weeks learning intensively and completing work on one course, then move onto the next of five for the year.
Algoma’s focus on the undergraduate experience, and the block programming feature is proving to be a winning combination. Myers noted, “I believe that we are providing the best first two undergraduate years of anywhere in Canada – that suits a community that calls itself ‘naturally progressive.’”
Students seem to be in agreement with those positive sentiments. Although a major goal of offering post-secondary education within communities is to give students the financial benefit of living at home, four of those enrolled this year are from outside the immediate area – the block format programming and small-city location were inviting features. Two students on hand for the opening gave the program glowing reviews.
Above: Dr. Richard Myers (top left); student Ryan Wong (top middle); Andrew Gunn (top right). Guests were invited to tour the Queen Anne style home which has been acquired as a base for the university (bottom middle & right).
Commendations continued for all of the parties who worked together to bring Algoma University to St. Thomas, including Dr. Myers, the City of St. Thomas and CAO Wendall Graves and Dorothy Palmer Estate executor Andrew Gunn.
Andrew Gunn expressed his hope that students will get involved in the community and that the community will also get involved with the university in ways such as establishing a bursary for students.
Andrew Gunn expressed his hope that students will get involved in the community and that the community will also get involved with the university in ways such as establishing a bursary for students.
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