The first Ontario Tech Community Day brought more than 400 alumni, students, employees and community members to the university’s north Oshawa campus and raised over $176,000 for student support and education.
The October 3 event combined the Chancellor’s Challenge, Homecoming, research and innovation demonstrations, family activities, student showcases and Ridgebacks athletics.
Chancellor’s Challenge supports students
Participants joined a five-kilometre run, walk and roll through campus. Ontario Tech said the Chancellor’s Challenge raised more than $176,000 for scholarships, bursaries and innovation in education.
Chancellor Mitch Frazer launched the fundraiser in 2021. Its cumulative total is now close to $900,000, according to the university. Donations connected with this year’s challenge remain open until October 31.
Ontario Tech described Community Day as a new signature event intended to connect the university with the wider community while giving visitors a closer look at campus research, teaching and student life.
Visitors explore labs and student projects
Guests toured spaces including the Aquatic Toxicology Lab and Nursing Simulation Lab. Hands-on entrepreneurship activities were offered through Brilliant Catalyst, while a Retro Room featured classic video games.
At the Criminological Research Advancing Racial Equity Lab, visitors considered the effects of algorithmic surveillance in the justice system. Creators4Change Studio also invited participants to discuss artificial intelligence, social media and changing technology in podcast-style conversations.
The event reflected Ontario Tech’s “tech with a conscience” approach, which emphasizes responsible, human-centred innovation. The university says that philosophy also guides its fundraising campaign to increase student support and advance applied research.
The Ontario Tech Community Day result adds a new gathering to Oshawa’s university calendar while directing funds toward students and education projects.
