NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Friends, family, and community supporters gathered last night for Algoma University’s annual John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner at the Water Tower Inn, raising $35,000 for the University’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship and the Dr. Lou and Mae Lukenda Foundation Charitable Award.
Dr. Frank S. Sarlo, a retired lawyer, community leader, and passionate change maker, was honoured for his leadership roles in many important successful initiatives, which required bringing together community members and resources to meet specific challenges and goals. Sarlo served as chair of the Community Action Team, which was formed to support the restructuring of Algoma Steel Corporation, chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, as well as chair of Sault Ste. Marie’s major Homecoming Festival in 1998.
As part of the evening, a special tribute was given to the late Honourable James Greco and Dr. Lou Lukenda, both of whom were honoured at the dinner in previous years. The Honourable James Greco served on the bench for almost 36 years. At the time, he was the province’s longest serving Ontario Court judge. Dr. Lukenda was a well-known philanthropist, entrepreneur, real estate developer, retired dentist, athlete, sports enthusiast, volunteer, and passionate community leader. Both were strong supporters of Algoma and were highly committed to the value of education.
The annual dinner raises funds for the John R. Rhodes Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 1979 through the generous support of friends and family of the late John R. Rhodes. Revenue from the dinner allows Algoma to continue to offer the scholarship to a student entering his or her first year of university studies who has demonstrated academic achievement and community leadership while involved in political, social, or academic activities. The scholarship, valued at $3,000, is renewable for up to four years.
The recipient of this year’s John R. Rhodes Scholarship is Sophie Hicks. Hicks is a first year student from Dorchester, Ont. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in History program. She plans to complete a Masters in Library and Information Science, with the hopes of becoming a librarian. Hicks is active in her community. She assisted in creating an extracurricular choir within her high school’s music program, was actively involved in three major musical productions and two local theatre productions. Hicks was also president of her community’s Junior Optimist Club and was a worship leader in her church.
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