Algoma University gala raises $50K for new scholarship

Algoma University's first formal gala raised $50,000 in support of the post-secondary school's new scholarship for equity-deserving students in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area.

The gala featured speakers and entertainment and was also a night that saw the university announce its partnership with the Peel District School Board.

A full release with added details on the gala follows:

The Algoma University Department of Strategic Advancement and Alumni Affairs recently hosted the University’s first-ever formal gala at the Pearson Convention Centre. The event celebrated the University’s tremendous development within the City of Brampton – a mosaic of diversity, innovation, and creativity. Guests enjoyed a memorable evening filled with extraordinary entertainment, delicious international cuisine, and thought-provoking speakers. The Gala raised over $50,000 towards a newly established scholarship for equity-deserving students in Brampton and the GTA.

“What we’ve built together in this time, a global pandemic notwithstanding, is truly remarkable,” shared President and Vice-Chancellor Asima Vezina. “Together, we will continue to expand university access and accelerate the impact and reach of the Brampton Innovation Hub ecosystem, all while creating powerful synergies between the University, community, and industry. Our focus on research and development will also support local entrepreneurs, start-ups and business incubators. These are exciting times for both Brampton and Algoma University. Thank you so much to our sponsors, guests and students; together, we are building a better future for the community.” 

A new partnership with the Peel District School Board (PDSB) was announced during the event. The agreement will expand access to university programming for traditionally underrepresented students from the region. The partnership establishes a new and innovative pilot pathway program aimed at increasing accessibility to post-secondary education. The program targets secondary school students in their grade 11 and/or 12 year; specifically students from Black, Indigenous and other racialized, marginalized and underrepresented communities. The program will begin in the fall of 2023, with up to two cohorts of up to 25 students participating. A similar agreement with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) is anticipated to be finalized later this month.

Author, entrepreneur and International speaker Daniel Lewis served as the master of ceremonies, entertaining guests with his non-traditional approach to business topics and themes. The evening’s entertainment, sponsored by Yorkville University, included unforgettable performances from the Manitou Mkwa Singers, Carmen of B-Jazzed, the Algoma University Jazz Band, and the Nachdi Jawani Team. The formal portion of the evening concluded with a spirited Keynote address by Joe Roberts, aka The Skidrow CEO, sponsored by Kallo Developments.

"Thank you, to all the sponsors, attendees, staff and volunteers for bringing this event to life,” shared Arjun Batra, Gala Committee Chair and Board of Governors member. “Tonight, we celebrated for a bigger cause, to establish a new scholarship for equity-deserving students in Brampton. The Gala was a resounding success allowing us to give back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms.”

Algoma University would like to thank all those who supported this inaugural gala. This event is the first of many, and the entire Algoma University community looks forward to continued connections and collaboration.