The new academic wing at Sault College will be named Essar Hall in homage to a $1-million donation from Essar Steel Algoma towards the school's Inspiring Growth capital campaign.
“With this generous gift, Sault College’s Inspiring Growth Campaign has now raised $3.2 million, propelling our campaign past the 50 per cent milestone towards the $6-million goal,” campaign chair Jim Boniferro said in a news release. “There is a significant link between Sault College and local industry in terms of the types of programs offered. Thank you to Essar Steel Algoma Inc. for recognizing Sault College’s contribution to our community with this transformational gift.”
The donation is the largest in the school's history, and the donation comes days after Essar Steel Algoma announced the launch of a $5-million Community Investment Fund to provide corporate contributions to community charities, foundations and non-profit initiatives.
“We support initiatives that serve to develop a sustained supply of skilled labour, grow future community leaders, promote academic excellence and facilitate lifelong learning for our employees and their families,” CEO Jim Hrusovsky said in the release. “Sault College embodies our strong belief in education and provides sustainable benefit to Essar Steel Algoma by graduating qualified candidates and delivering meaningful professional development programming.”
The Inspiring Growth capital campaign aims to raise funds for upgrades to campus facilities, in addition to increasing student scholarships and bursaries.
“In countless ways, the support of our community partner Essar Steel Algoma Inc. will guide us as an organization, enrich the relevancy of our curriculum and programming and will create financial opportunities for advancing education and the learning experience of our students,” college president Dr. Ron Common said in the release. “In recognition of this significant donation, Sault College has named its new academic building Essar Hall.”